Exercise and Diet as Potential Moderators Between Trauma, Posttraumatic Stress, Depression, and Relationship Quality Among Emerging Adults

ABSTRACT: Exercise and diet have not been examined as potential protective factors between trauma and trauma-related sequelae. Using data collected from emerging adults (N = 321), we tested a path analysis to determine if exercise and diet would moderate the association between the number of potentially traumatic life events experienced and posttraumatic stress, depression, and relationship quality. More exercise was directly associated with higher posttraumatic stress and depressive symptoms. A healthier diet was directly associated with lower posttraumatic stress, lower depressive symptoms, and higher relationship quality. Results suggest there may be value in highlighting exercise and diet in family therapy.