The association between dairy intake, simple sugars and Body Mass Index with expression and extent of anger in female students

Abstract

Objective: A significant increase in violence in the world and its impact on public health and society can be an important reason to offer solutions to reduce or control anger. Studies have shown that specific food groups may be effective in controlling mental disorders such as depression, anxiety and anger. The purpose of this study was to determine the relationship between food intake and Body Mass Index on state-trait anger expression in female students of Shahid Beheshti University of Medical Sciences. Method: In this cross-sectional study, 114 female students were randomly selected from dormitories of Shahid Beheshti University of Medical Sciences. Body height and weight were measured using the scale and stadiometer, respectively. The required data for evaluating the relationship between state-trait anger expression and food consumption groups were collected using State-Trait Anger Expression Inventory-2 (STAXI-2) and Food Frequency questionnaires. Results: The results revealed a significant negative correlation between consumption of dairy product and trait anger (angry reaction), (P = 0.015). This association remained significant after adjustment of confounding factors. No significant correlations were found between other food groups as well as BMI and state-trait anger expression. Conclusion: The higher intake of dairy products reduced state-trait anger expression. This result is consistent with the findings of many studies on the effect of dairy consumption on mental disorders. Therefore, consumption of dairy products can be a solution for reducing anger.