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Research Article: The impact of ultra-processed foods on social development of adolescent: differences by gender and only child status

Date Published: 2026-07-20

Abstract:
This study sought to examine the relationship between the consumption of ultra-processed foods (UPF) and both social skills (SS) and antisocial behavior (ASB) in Chinese adolescents, while also exploring the potential moderating effects of gender and only child status. A longitudinal study was conducted with 3,206 adolescents (1,510 males, 1,696 females; mean age 13.62 ± 14.09 years). The first wave of data was collected in the autumn of 2021, and the second wave was collected in the autumn of 2022 through follow-up surveys. UPF intake was assessed using the NOVA classification system. SS and ASB, measured using the School Social Behavior Scale (SSBS), were analyzed using fixed-effects models to control for all time-invariant confounders. Specific UPF subtypes showed differential effects: processed meat was associated with improved SS across all groups, while instant noodles and Western fast food negatively affected SS and positively predicted ASB. Sugar beverage was significantly associated with higher ASB in girls and non-only children, while no significant effect was observed in boys or only child. Snacks and desserts were positively associated with SS in boys and only child but were negatively linked to SS in girls. Fried foods were associated with greater ASB in only children. UPF consumption is significantly associated with SS deficits and increased ASB among Chinese adolescents, with notable variations by UPF subtype, gender, and only child status. These findings highlight the importance of considering family context and gender in dietary intervention strategies aimed at improving psychosocial outcomes.

Introduction:
This study sought to examine the relationship between the consumption of ultra-processed foods (UPF) and both social skills (SS) and antisocial behavior (ASB) in Chinese adolescents, while also exploring the potential moderating effects of gender and only child status.

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