This study investigates the relationship between academic stress and eating behaviours among university students, with particular attention to differences between conventional (face-to-face) and online learners at UNITAR International University. Employing a quantitative research design, data were collected through a structured survey administered to 120 students across both learning modalities. The analysis revealed a moderate positive correlation between academic stress and binge eating, suggesting that elevated stress levels may significantly increase the likelihood of engaging in binge eating behaviours. In contrast, a weak positive correlation was found between academic stress and general unhealthy eating habits; however, concerns regarding the reliability of the measurement scale for unhealthy eating limit the interpretability of this finding. The study underscores the importance of developing more robust assessment tools to better capture the complexity of stress-related eating behaviours. Implications for student mental health, as well as recommendations for future research and targeted interventions to foster healthier lifestyle practices in university populations, are discussed.
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