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Toward Identifying a Broader Range of Social Cognitive Determinants of Dietary Intentions and Behaviors
Author(s) -
Hankonen Nelli,
Absetz Pilvikki,
Kinnunen Marja,
Haukkala Ari,
Jallinoja Piia
Publication year - 2013
Publication title -
applied psychology: health and well‐being
Language(s) - English
Resource type - Journals
SCImago Journal Rank - 1.276
H-Index - 31
eISSN - 1758-0854
pISSN - 1758-0846
DOI - 10.1111/j.1758-0854.2012.01081.x
Subject(s) - psychology , structural equation modeling , social cognitive theory , cognition , psychological intervention , theory of planned behavior , consumption (sociology) , social influence , health belief model , social psychology , developmental psychology , food choice , environmental health , medicine , public health , health education , control (management) , social science , statistics , mathematics , management , nursing , neuroscience , psychiatry , sociology , economics , pathology
Background: Measurement of social cognitive variables is often restricted to long‐term and health‐related outcomes. A more comprehensive measurement of cognitive determinants would enable evidence‐based design of health behavior interventions with a focus on the most relevant targets. The purpose of this study was to examine the relative impact of different social cognitive determinants on fruit and vegetable ( FV ) and fast food consumption. Methods: Finnish male conscripts ( N = 855, age M = 20) filled in questionnaires on social cognitive factors when entering the military service, and on food consumption frequency after two months. The data were analysed using structural equation modeling. Results: Physical well‐being expectation and bad taste expectation were most strongly related to both FV and fat avoidance intentions. Perceived weight gain risk predicted fat avoidance intention, whereas perceived risk for other health problems predicted FV intention. Social self‐efficacy was associated with FV intention only. Consumption of both FV and fast food was predicted by action planning and intention. Conclusions: A more careful evaluation of subtypes of social cognitions sheds light on the specific content behind motivation. Such understanding might help in designing more effective intervention messages.