The Effect of Eating Behavior on Psychological Resilience in Juvenile Offenders: The Mediating Role of Parental Awareness of Nutrition

This study examined the relationship between eating behavior and psychological resilience among juvenile offenders and investigated the mediating role of parental nutritional awareness. The sample consisted of 100 children and adolescents (aged 12–15 years) referred to a forensic institution in Turkey. Eating behavior, resilience, and parental nutrition knowledge were assessed using the Children’s Eating Behavior Questionnaire (CEBQ), Resilience & Youth Development Module (RYDM), and Nutrition Knowledge Level Scale for Adults (NKLSA), respectively. Greater psychological resilience was associated with fewer problematic eating behaviors and healthier anthropometric profiles. Moreover, parental nutritional awareness significantly mediated the link between eating behavior and resilience. Enhancing parents’ nutrition knowledge alongside promoting healthy eating habits may strengthen psychological resilience and overall well-being in juvenile offenders.