The theory of planned behavior and healthy eating.

Abstract

Application of the theory of planned behavior (TPB) to healthy eating in 144 health promotion clinic attendees is reported. Respondents completed self-report TPB measures after the clinic (Time 1) and 6 months later (Time 2) with a measure of perceived past behavior. Intention stability was assessed on Time 1-2 differences. Six years later (Time 3), respondents completed measures of healthy eating intentions and behavior. Intentions were predicted by attitudes, perceived behavioral control, and perceived past behavior (cross-sectionally). Healthy eating behavior (Time 3) was predicted from intentions (Time 2). As intention stability increased, intentions and perceived past behavior became stronger and weaker predictors of behavior, respectively. Implications for understanding health cognitions in long-term performance of health behavior are discussed.

Heterogeneity in barriers regarding the motivation, the opportunity and the ability to choose low-calorie snack foods and beverages: associations with real-life choices

“…'I think eating low-calorie snacks is boring'). When people's cognitive and affective attitudes towards choosing certain foods are negative, they will be less likely to choose these foods (20)(21)(22) . In addition, the Theory of Planned Behaviour claims that normative beliefs regarding dietary behaviour are also important.…”

“…Personal norms regarding choosing low-calorie over high-calorie snacks were assessed by three items, adapted from Parker et al (45) . Social norms were measured with one item that was adapted from Conner et al (21) .For measuring Opportunity to choose low-calorie over high-calorie snacks ten items were constructed. The items were based on previous qualitative research (13,44) and were structured according to the ANGELO framework (26) , which differentiates between the physical, economic and media environment in which food choices are made.…”

Application of the Theory of Planned Behaviour to weight control in an overweight cohort. Results from a pan-European dietary intervention trial (DiOGenes)

“…The TPB was first developed by Ajzen in the 1980s (Schifter & Ajzen 1985, Ajzen, 1991 and is one of the most widely used theoretical frameworks for explaining health behaviours (Godin & Kok, 1996). The TPB has been applied to a range of diet and weight related behaviours including fat intake (de Bruijn, Kroeze, Oenema, & Brug, 2008;Paisley & Sparks, 1998) and fruit and vegetable consumption (Bogers, Brug, Van Assema, & Dagnelie, 2004;Kellar & Abraham, 2005;Lien, Lytle, & Komro, 2002;Perugini & Bagozzi, 2004); healthy eating behaviour (Conner, Norman, & Bell, 2002;Povey, Conner, Sparks, James, & Shepherd, 2000c) and weight control (Netemeyer, Burton, & Johnston, 1991;Palmeira et al, 2007;Schifter & Ajzen, 1985). The TPB suggests that the best predictor of actual behaviour is a person's intention to perform the behaviour.…”

Psychometric Properties of the Healthful Eating Belief Scales for Persons at Risk of Diabetes

“…Attitude toward healthful eating, using items developed by Conner, Norman, and Bell, 13 was measured with 6 semantic differential scales ("My eating a healthful diet from now to 2 months from now would be..." very unpleasant-very pleasant, very foolish-very wise, very unenjoyable-very enjoyable, very badvery good, very unnecessary-very necessary, very harmful-very helpful). All measures were scored from 1 to 5.…”

“…Perceived behavioral control was assessed with the 6 items developed by Conner et al, 13 asking the respondent to rate agreement with the following statements: (1) "For me to eat a healthful diet in the future would be. .…”