Food-evoked nostalgia as a mediator between food-related satisfaction and psychological distress among older adults: a structural equation modeling approach

Abstract

Background Food-evoked nostalgia affects emotional experiences and mental health, but its impact on older adults, a group for whom food memories have strong personal significance, is still not well understood. Objective This study examined the mediating role of food-evoked nostalgia in the relationship between food satisfaction and psychological distress (depression, anxiety, and stress) among older adults. Methods A cross-sectional study was conducted among 300 community-dwelling older adults (≥60 years) attending five primary healthcare centers in Abha City, Saudi Arabia. Data were collected through structured face-to-face interviews using validated Arabic versions of the Satisfaction with Food-Related Life (SWFL), State Functions of Nostalgia Scale (SFNS), and Depression Anxiety Stress Scale-21 (DASS-21). Statistical analyses included descriptive statistics, Pearson correlations, and the latent variable structural equation model (SEM) using SPSS and AMOS (version 26). Common method bias, discriminant validity, and multicollinearity were assessed using Harman’s single-factor test, confirmatory factor analysis, and variance inflation factors, respectively. Results Participants reported high levels of nostalgia ( M = 88.3, SD = 24.8) and food satisfaction ( M = 16.2, SD = 4.0). Food-evoked nostalgia was positively correlated with food satisfaction ( r = 0.97, p < 0.001) and negatively correlated with depression, anxiety, and stress ( r ≈ −0.95, p < 0.001). The latent variable structural equation model indicated that food-evoked nostalgia was a significant partial mediator in the relationship between food satisfaction and emotional status. Food satisfaction was strongly positively associated with food-evoked nostalgia ( β = 0.97), which in turn was negatively associated with depression ( β = −0.64), anxiety ( β = −0.63), and stress ( β = −0.67). Food satisfaction also showed direct negative associations with depression ( β = −0.32), anxiety ( β = −0.33), and stress ( β = −0.29). All paths were statistically significant ( p < 0.001). Incremental fit indices ( χ 2 /df = 2.84, CFI = 0.94, IFI = 0.94, NFI = 0.92, RMSEA = 0.052; 90% CI: 0.048–0.056) indicated a good model fit. Conclusion Food-evoked nostalgia is associated with lower levels of psychological distress and may function as a psychological resource linking food satisfaction to emotional outcomes. Incorporating culturally meaningful food experiences may help support mental health among older adults by reinforcing emotional connections, fostering positive nostalgic memories, and contributing to improved emotional wellbeing.