Document Type

Capstone Experience

Graduation Date

12-2025

Degree Name

Master of Public Health

Department

Health Promotion

First Committee Member

Dr. Strong

Second Committee Member

Dr. Wescott

Third Committee Member

Dr. Ray

Abstract

Food insecurity is a growing public health concern with significant implications for adolescent mental health. This literature review provides an overview of current research on the relationship between food insecurity and adolescents’ mental health in the United States. A literature review was completed to identify studies examining the association between food insecurity and anxiety, depression, or attention deficit disorder (ADD)/Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD). Evidence shows that the experience of food insecurity in adolescence is associated with a higher risk of developing or experiencing an exacerbation of anxiety, depression, or ADD/ ADHD. This review utilizes the socioecological model to explain the different levels of societal influence. By using the socioecological framework, this review highlights how individual, interpersonal dynamics, institutions, organizations, communities, systems, and structures interact to protect from or worsen adolescents’ experience of food insecurity and mental health conditions. By sharing findings from all levels of influence, this review aims to identify how a multi-level public health approach would help reduce the incidence and prevalence of food insecurity during adolescence.

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