Multidimensional lifestyle profiles and psychological outcomes in university students: A cluster analysis approach

Abstract

Background: Emerging adulthood is a critical period for the adoption of health behaviours. This study aimed to identify distinct lifestyle profiles among university students using a person-oriented approach and to examine their associations with psychological wellbeing, stress, anxiety, and depression. Methods: In this cross-sectional study, 2,078 students (aged 18–39) from the University of Torino provided data on six lifestyle indicators: sedentary behaviour, diet, sleep, alcohol, sport, and smoking. Cluster analysis (Partitioning Around Medoids) was used to identify profiles. Differences in psychological outcomes (WEMWBS, PSS-10, HADS) were assessed using ANCOVA, adjusting for age and gender. Results: Four profiles were identified: Active–Healthier (29%), Sedentary–Sporty (17.6%), Sedentary–Non-sporty (25.7%), and Active–Riskier (27.7%). Sedentary behaviour showed the strongest differentiation across profiles (Cramér’s V = 0.789). After adjustment for age and gender, lifestyle profile membership was significantly associated with wellbeing, perceived stress, anxiety, and depressive symptoms (all p < .001), although effect sizes were small (partial η² = 0.009–0.016). The Active–Healthier profile showed the most favourable psychological pattern, whereas differences among the remaining three profiles were not statistically significant. Conclusion: Health-related behaviours co-occur in multidimensional patterns among university students. Person-oriented profiling may help universities move beyond generic health promotion towards more targeted interventions that jointly address physical and mental health.