Do Negative Emotions Predict Alcohol Consumption, Saturated Fat Intake, and Physical Activity in Older Adults?

This study examined anger, depression, and stress as related to alcohol consumption, saturated fat intake, and physical activity. Participants were 23 older adults enrolled in either an outpatient or in-residence executive health program. Participants completed (a) a health-risk appraisal assessing medical history and current health habits, (b) the State-Trait Anger Expression Inventory (STAXI), and (c) the Center for Epidemiological Studies-Depression Questionnaire. Bivariate correlations revealed that anxiety was negatively correlated with alcohol consumption. High levels of depression, trait anger, and outward anger expression style were positively associated with saturated fat intake. Trait anger was also associated with less aerobic exercise. Inward anger expression was positively correlated with regular participation in strength training. Results suggest that anger, anger expression style, and depression interact with healthy and unhealthy behavior patterns and that these interactions may be complex.