ABSTRACT
Increasing positive health behaviors as well as limiting negative health behaviors is critical for maintaining physical and mental health. Two self-regulatory facets, executive functions (EF) and emotion regulation/coping (emotional self-regulation;ESR), are both theorized to be related to health outcomes, such that strengths in these skills are related to better or enhanced physical and mental health, whereas weaknesses are associated with poor health outcomes. Thus, gaining a better understanding of these constructs may provide insight into opportunities to alter health behaviors. The present study aimed to explore the relationships among EF, ESR, and health behaviors. A sample of 114 college students completed EF performance-based tasks and self-report questionnaires related to their emotional self-regulation strategy use, physical activity, sleep, COVID-related stress, anxiety, and depression. An exploratory factor analysis revealed ten ESR factors, seven of which were used in regression analyses and four were used in path analyses. Hierarchical multiple regression analyses indicated EFs did not significantly predict health behaviors, although expressive support seeking predicted physical activity and positive focus predicted sleep quality. Path analyses revealed that the indirect effects of EF on health behavior through ESR were not significant. Across all analyses, COVID-19 variables significantly predicted health behaviors. Interpretations of the current results were presented, and future directions were suggested. (PsycInfo Database Record (c) 2023 APA, all rights reserved)