Translational Issues in Psychological Science, Vol 11(4), Dec 2025, 403-414; doi:10.1037/tps0000466
Mental well-being is a growing concern for young adults in the United States. The purpose of this study was to investigate the association of family health practices across three generations with the well-being of young adults. Data were collected from 169 triads consisting of young adults (ages 18–25), their parents, and their grandparents. A self-reported survey was used to measure family healthy lifestyle practices across all three generations on young adult well-being (mental health and wellness). Mental health was assessed using the seven-item Generalized Anxiety Disorder scale and the nine-item Patient Health Questionnaire, while wellness was assessed using the Perceived Wellness Scale. Data were analyzed using structural equation modeling. The results indicated that healthy lifestyle practices are transmitted from parents to young adults but not from grandparents to parents or young adults. Young adults’ healthy lifestyle practices were significantly associated with decreased depression, increased physical wellness, and increased social/emotional wellness. Parents’ family healthy lifestyle practices indirectly influenced young adult depression, physical wellness, and social/emotional wellness through young adult reports of family healthy lifestyle habits. The results suggest that families with healthy lifestyle habits support better individual wellness and less depression. (PsycInfo Database Record (c) 2025 APA, all rights reserved)