Honors Theses
Date of Award
Spring 5-10-2025
Document Type
Undergraduate Thesis
Department
Psychology
First Advisor
John Young
Second Advisor
Melinda Valliant
Third Advisor
Carrie Smith
Relational Format
Dissertation/Thesis
Abstract
Background. The Western diet has extensive negative ramifications on physical health and emotional well-being. The Mediterranean diet, widely regarded as one of the healthiest eating patterns in the world, may have the ability to improve psychological conditions. This study aims to examine existing research from randomized control trials (RCTs) on the association between depression prevalence and the Mediterranean diet.
Methods. The following review was conducted using PRISMA guidelines and the Google Scholar and PsycInfo databases. The criteria for inclusion were that studies: 1) were randomized control trials (RCTs) examining the Mediterranean diet; 2) included samples of adults (i.e., > 18 years of age); 3) incorporated at least some measurement of mental health outcome variables; and 4) were published in English between 2014 - 2024. Specific search criteria incorporated the following keywords: Mediterranean diet AND quality of life OR mental health OR intervention OR nutrients OR quantity OR depression OR anxiety OR emotion regulation.
Results. Search results following the process yielded 1,487 articles. Of these, 4 were ultimately retained upon review. At the first stage, in a preliminary review of the available research, 1,407 articles were eliminated. The majority of articles eliminated at the first stage were based on not being an RCT, and/or the title and abstract quickly demonstrated that the article did not meet the requisite criteria. In a secondary, more thorough review, 76 more articles were eliminated for not fitting the intended scope of the search, leaving 4 viable articles. Outside of the search, one additional article was identified from a review paper and retained. Overall, review of the selected studies indicate that adherence to a Mediterranean diet may lower depressive symptoms and improve the mental dimensions of quality of life.
Discussion. The results of the search suggest that adherence to the Mediterranean diet holds promising potential as an alternative and/or adjunctive treatment for depression. The Mediterranean diet may offer a non-medicinal approach to alleviating depressive symptoms. One methodological limitation of the current study is the narrow scope of the literature search, yielding only four viable articles (and one retained review paper). Future research should aim to address gaps in the existing literature, such as diversifying populations and examining more inclusive psychological variables. If the current results are extended through further study, it could suggest that American society would benefit from a balanced, Mediterranean-style diet (with the potential to alleviate depressive symptoms, reduce obesity rates among both children and adults, and enhance overall mental health and quality of life).
Recommended Citation
Schaaf, Emma Kate, "The Impact of the Mediterranean Diet on Depression: A Narrative Review" (2025). Honors Theses. 3292.
https://egrove.olemiss.edu/hon_thesis/3292