Changes in self-regulatory cognitions as predictors of changes in smoking and nutrition behaviour

Abstract

Most longitudinal, correlational studies on health-behaviour change examine effects of Time1 social-cognitive predictors on subsequent behaviour. In contrast, our research focuses on associations between changes in predictors with change in behaviour. The Health Action Process Approach (HAPA) distinguishes between motivational predictors for intention formation and volitional predictors for behavioural change and served as theoretical basis. Two online-studies were launched targeting different behaviours (low-fat diet, smoking), different samples (Study 1: N = 469; Study 2: N = 441) and different time spans (Study 1: 3 months, Study 2: 4 weeks). Data were analysed by means of structural equation modelling with latent difference scores. Both studies resulted in almost parallel prediction patterns. Change in risk awareness and change in outcome expectancies did not result in change in intentions, whereas change in self-efficacy was of crucial importance. Change in behaviour was associated with change in action planning and action control over and above the effects of intentions. In one study, increases in self-efficacy yielded increases in behaviour change. Results demonstrate that change in action planning and especially action control was of great importance for behaviour change across two different behaviours. Analysing change in social-cognitive predictors allows drawing precise conclusions for interventions.

Water clubs in residential care: Is it the water or the club that enhances health and well-being?

“…This is a clear limitation especially because recent papers have shown the advantages of mediation models for longitudinal data (e.g., Scholz, Nagy, Goehner, Luszczynska, Kliegel, 2009;Selig & Preacher, 2009). Yet, the present study included only two measurement points and as a result, it is not possible to conduct mediation analysis with different time lags.…”

Healthy eating for life: rationale and development of an English as a second language (ESL) curriculum for promoting healthy nutrition

“…Guiding theory-The behavior change component of HE4L was based on the HAPA which has been used in various studies of dietary behaviors to demonstrate that certain social-cognitive constructs (e.g., intentions, self-efficacy, risk perceptions, outcome expectancies) and intermediary behaviors (e.g., action and coping planning) can influence diet behaviors [29][30][31][32][33][34]. The HAPA posits that action and coping planning are the proximal antecedents to behavior change and that these constructs bridge the gap between intentions and behavior [29].…”

“…The HAPA posits that action and coping planning are the proximal antecedents to behavior change and that these constructs bridge the gap between intentions and behavior [29]. Together with self-efficacy and intentions, these planning behaviors change or mediate the relationship between risk perception and outcome expectancies and selfreported nutrition behavior [30][31][32][33]. Numerous activities in the curriculum are designed to focus on action and coping planning skills with regards to eating more fruits and vegetables.…”

Mind-reading versus neuromarketing: how does a product make an impact on the consumer?

“…The setting affects what features of a food are attended to -sensory characteristics more in a restaurant and health marketing aspects more in a hospital (Roefs, Quaedackers, Werrij et al, 2006). Belief that you yourself actually can eat less fat affects the intention to do so, far more than knowing the risks from a high-fat diet or expecting such action to improve your own health (Scholz, Nagy, Goehner et al, 2009).…”