Using Temporal Self-Regulation Theory to understand healthy and unhealthy eating intentions and behaviour

Comparison of approach/avoidance intentions for alcohol and vegetable consumption under a temporal self-regulation theory framework

OBJECTIVE

This study aimed to compare the differences between the framing of intention (approach vs. avoidance) and the type of self-regulatory capacity (planning vs. inhibition) to predict two behaviours (alcohol vs. vegetable consumption). Interaction effects between temporal self-regulation theory constructs were also explored.

METHODS

UK participants were recruited online (N = 254) and completed measures of intention (approach and avoidance), self-regulatory capacity (planning and inhibition), and behavioural prepotency (habit) related to alcohol and vegetable consumption. One week later, consumption was assessed.

RESULTS

Habit strength and approach-intentions consistently predicted consumption across each model for both behaviours. There was mixed support for avoidance-intentions and self-regulatory capacity variables in predicting consumption. Planning was more important in vegetable consumption than in alcohol consumption, and avoidance-intentions were only predictive in alcohol consumption. Inhibition was not significant for either behaviour. The interaction between approach-intention and planning was the only significant moderation detected and was only present in vegetable consumption.

CONCLUSION

The framing of intentions and the sub-facet of self-regulatory capacity are important to consider when attempting to explain health behaviours. Furthermore, theoretically defined moderation between temporal self-regulation theory variables might also depend on the type of behaviour and specific measured used to capture self-regulatory capacity.

Effects of a temporal self-regulation theory-based intervention on self-management in hemodialysis patients: A randomized controlled trial

OBJECTIVE

To investigate the effects of a temporal self-regulation theory-based intervention on self-management in hemodialysis patients.

METHODS

A randomized controlled trial was carried out in Lanzhou, China. Participants were randomly allocated to either the intervention group (n = 42) or control group (n = 42). The outcomes of self-management level, interdialytic weight gain, serum potassium and serum phosphorus were collected at baseline (T0), 1 month after intervention (T1), and 2 months after follow-up (T2).

RESULTS

After intervention and follow-up, the self-management score of the intervention group was significantly higher than that of the control group, while the interdialytic weight gain, serum potassium, and serum phosphorus were significantly lower. The group and time interaction effects revealed that participants in the intervention group exhibited significantly greater improvement in self-management at T1 and T2. Interdialytic weight gain decreased significantly at T2. Serum potassium levels did not differ significantly at T1 or T2. The changes in serum phosphorus were both significant at T1 and T2.

CONCLUSION

This study demonstrated that the temporal self-regulation theory-based intervention was effective in improving hemodialysis patients' self-management.

PRACTICE IMPLICATIONS

The findings suggest popularizing and applying this intervention in the clinic to maintain the long-term effectiveness of the intervention effect.

Can temporal self-regulation theory and its constructs predict medication adherence? A systematic review and meta-analysis

The relationships between temporal self-regulation theory (TST) constructs (intention, behavioural prepotency and self-regulatory capacity) and medication adherence should be established before further applying the theory to adherence. Searches of PsychINFO, Medline, EMBASE, CINAHL and Web of Science were conducted in 2019 (updated November 2021). Studies had to be original quantitative research, assessed the relationship between one of the constructs and adherence in one illness, and used an adult population. The risk of bias was assessed using the NHLBI Quality Assessment Tool for Observational Cohort and Cross-Sectional Studies. Three meta-analyses were conducted using R. Moderation analyses were also conducted. A total of 57 articles (60 studies) with 13,995 participants were included, with 7 studies included in more than one analysis. Results identified significant correlations between intention (r = .369, [95% CI: .25, .48]), behavioural prepotency (r = .332, [95% CI: .18, .48]), self-regulatory capacity (r = .213, [95% CI: .10, .32]) and adherence. There was some evidence of publication bias and no significant moderators. No studies explored the interactions in the theory, so whilst the constructs adequately predict adherence, future research should apply the theory to adherence in a specific illness to assess these relationships. Pre-registered on Prospero: CRD42019141395.

Predicting discretionary food consumption using temporal self-regulation theory and food reward sensitivity

Discretionary foods account for over a third of the average adult's total daily energy intake. But its excess consumption is a risk factor for obesity, Type 2 diabetes, and other diet-related diseases. This study aimed to use temporal self-regulation theory (intention, past behaviour, habit, self-regulatory capacity) and food reward sensitivity to identify predictors of discretionary food consumption. Two hundred and seventy-three participants aged between 18 and 80 (M = 42.55, SD = 17.07) comprising of mostly females (79.5%) and those residing in Australia (93.4%), completed a two-part online survey, one week apart. Participants completed measures of intention, past behaviour, habit, self-regulatory capacity, food reward sensitivity and demographic information at time one, and discretionary food consumption at time two. Data was analysed using a hierarchical multiple regression analysis. All variables in combination accounted for a significant 40.3% of the variance in discretionary food consumption (R2 = 0.40, p < .001). However, past behaviour and intention were the only unique significant predictors of discretionary food consumption. No significant moderation effects found. Findings offer insight into the motivators of discretionary food consumption, which can inform the development of effective interventions to reduce discretionary food consumption. Past behaviour should be considered, and intention targeted in interventions to reduce discretionary food consumption.

Executive functioning as a moderator of flossing behaviour among young adults: a temporal self-regulation theory perspective

Background

Flossing among young adults is often infrequent and barriers not completely understood. One explanation concerns the capacity for executive functioning (EF) during the self-regulation of behaviour.

Methods

Using Temporal Self-Regulation Theory (TST) as a framework to explore EF, young adults from Norwegian universities completed a survey that measured monthly flossing frequency, flossing-related intentions and behavioural prepotency (BP), and EF using the Behaviour Rating Inventory of Executive Function - Adult Version (BRIEF-A).

Results

Data from 362 participants were analysed. The TST-model explained a substantial proportion of variance in monthly flossing (R2 = 0.74), and flossing was associated directly with intention and BP, and interactions between intention and both BP and global-EF. Sub-domains of EF were explored using the same model, revealing that behavioural regulation processes, specifically those related to emotional control and shifting between tasks, offered better fit. Simple slopes revealed that moderation effects were only present at lower levels of BP.

Conclusion

EF plays a role in moderating the translation of intentions into flossing behaviour. Specifically, emotional control and task-shifting appear to be influential, and this influence increases when habitual and environmental support (i.e. BP) is reduced. Overcoming EF-barriers may represent a key step in establishing flossing behaviours.

Associations of lifestyle with mental health and well-being in Chinese adults: a nationwide study

Background

A healthy lifestyle is beneficial to individuals' health. However, little is known about the associations of lifestyle factors with mental health and well-being. This study examined the associations of lifestyle factors with mental health (i.e., depression, anxiety, loneliness, perceived pressure, and self-rated health status) and well-being in Chinese adults.

Methods

A nationally representative survey was conducted in China from 20 June 2022 to 31 August 2022. Data from the survey were analyzed using multiple linear regression to determine the associations of lifestyle with mental health and well-being in Chinese adults. Standardized regression coefficients (β) and 95% confidence intervals (CIs) were estimated using multiple linear regression.

Results

The survey included 28,138 Chinese adults. Multiple linear regression results showed that there were significant negative associations of lifestyle scores with scores of depression (β = -0.93, 95% CI: -0.98, -0.88), anxiety (β = -0.71, 95% CI: -0.76, -0.67), loneliness (β = -0.23, 95% CI: -0.24, -0.21), and perceived pressure (β = -0.19, 95% CI: -0.22, -0.16). Moreover, there were significant positive associations of lifestyle with self-rated health status (β = 1.99, 95% CI: 1.79, 2.20) and well-being (β = 0.96, 95% CI: 0.91, 1.02).

Conclusion

This study provides insight into the associations of lifestyle factors with mental health and well-being and highlights the importance of improving and maintaining healthy lifestyle behaviors for favorable mental health and well-being.

Applying the temporal self-regulation theory to understand sugar-sweetened beverage consumption among Chinese college students

Objective

Worldwide, there is a growing trend that college students are consuming more and more sugar-sweetened beverages (SSBs). In order to develop effective intervention strategies, it is important to explore what social-cognitive factors impact on college students' SSB consumption. Building on the temporal self-regulation theory (TST), the current study aimed to examine the effects of intention, behavioral prepotency, and self-regulatory capacity on SSB consumption among college students.

Design

Data were collected from five hundred Chinese college students online. Participants self-reported their intention, behavioral prepotency (environmental cues and habits), self-regulatory capacity, and behaviors of SSB consumption.

Results

Study findings showed that intention, behavioral prepotency, and self-regulatory capacity accounted for 32.9% of variance in SSB consumption. In terms of the direct effects, intention, behavioral prepotency, and self-regulatory capacity were significantly associated with the SSB consumption among college students. In addition, self-regulatory capacity and habits but not the environmental cues showed significant moderation effects on the intention-SSB consumption path, indicating that individual factors rather than environmental cues influenced the intention-behavior path of SSB consumption among college students.

Conclusion

Findings of the current study demonstrated that the TST can be used to explain and understand the impacts of social-cognitive factors on college students' SSB consumption. Future research can apply TST to develop effective intervention programs targeting the reduction of SSB consumption among college students.

Using an integrated model of the theory of planned behavior and the temporal self-regulation theory to explain physical activity in patients with coronary heart disease

Background

This study aimed to explore the psychosocial determinants of the physical activity (PA) levels in patients with coronary heart disease (CHD) using an integrated theoretical model based on the theory of planned behavior (TPB) and the temporal self-regulation theory (TST).

Method

This was a prospective study conducted at the Affiliated Hospital of Hangzhou Normal University, Zhejiang, China. A total of 279 patients with CHD [176 men aged 26-89 years, mean (M) = 64.69, standard deviation (SD) = 13.17] were selected under the study inclusion criteria by convenience sampling. The data on attitude, subjective norm (SN), perceived behavioral control (PBC), and intention variables for the TPB model and consideration of future consequences (CFC), habit, and self-control (SC) variables for the TST model were collected 1-2 days before the discharge (Time 1, T1) of the participants, and a telephone follow-up was made to assess the participants' self-reported PA levels 1 week after their discharge (Time 2, T2).

Results

The results revealed that only 39.8% of the patients with CHD met the guidelines' recommendations on PA. The data analyses using structural equation modeling (SEM) in the Mplus 8.3 modeling program showed that, in the simple mediation model, attitude, PBC, and CFC were positively related to the intention to practice guideline-recommended levels of PA but SN was not. In addition, intention was shown to mediate the relationships between attitude, PBC, CFC, and PA levels. Furthermore, based on the moderated mediating model, intention and habit were shown to be positively associated with PA levels but SC was not. Moreover, SC played a significant moderating role between intention and PA levels. However, habit strength did not moderate the relationship between intention and PA levels.

Conclusion

An integration of the TPB and TST models offers a good theoretical tool for understanding PA levels in patients with CHD.

A qualitative exploration of influences on eating behaviour throughout pregnancy

BACKGROUND

Pregnancy is often conceptualised as a 'teachable moment' for health behaviour change. However, it is likely that different stages of pregnancy, and individual antenatal events, provide multiple distinct teachable moments to prompt behaviour change. Whilst previous quantitative research supports this argument, it is unable to provide a full understanding of the nuanced factors influencing eating behaviour. The aim of this study was to explore influences on women's eating behaviour throughout pregnancy.

METHODS

In-depth interviews were conducted online with 25 women who were less than six-months postpartum. Interviews were audio-recorded and transcribed verbatim. Data were analysed thematically.

RESULTS

Five themes were generated from the data that capture influences on women's eating behaviour throughout pregnancy: 'The preconceptual self', 'A desire for good health', 'Retaining control', 'Relaxing into pregnancy', and 'The lived environment'.

CONCLUSION

Mid-pregnancy may provide a more salient opportunity for eating behaviour change than other stages of pregnancy. Individual antenatal events, such as the glucose test, can also prompt change. In clinical practice, it will be important to consider the changing barriers and facilitators operating throughout pregnancy, and to match health advice to stages of pregnancy, where possible. Existing models of teachable moments may be improved by considering the dynamic nature of pregnancy, along with the influence of the lived environment, pregnancy symptoms, and past behaviour. These findings provide an enhanced understanding of the diverse influences on women's eating behaviour throughout pregnancy and provide a direction for how to adapt existing theories to the context of pregnancy.

Utility of temporal self‐regulation theory in health and social behaviours: A meta‐analysis

PURPOSE

Temporal self-regulation theory was developed to address an observed intention-behaviour gap across behaviours. However, a synthesis of studies has not yet been conducted to investigate the theory's utility to explain behaviour and bridge the intention-behaviour gap. This review aimed to evaluate the predictive ability of temporal self-regulation theory to understanding behaviour and pre-registered at PROSPERO (ID: CRD42021253174).

METHOD

Forward citation searches on the original theory publication through Google Scholar until May 2021 identified 37 eligible articles, including, 12,555 participants assessing at least two of the three theory constructs. Random-effects meta-analyses assessed the strength of associations between theory constructs on behaviour and random effects meta-regressions assessed moderators of behaviour.

RESULTS

Findings provide support for temporal self-regulation theory to explain behaviour with very weak (self-regulatory capacity r = .039, CI = .00, -.07) to moderate (intention r = .331, CI = .26, .40; behavioural pre-potency r = .379, CI = .32, .44) effect sizes. Further, the strength of associations varied across behaviour types and contexts. However, there was high heterogeneity across studies and some moderating effects could not be assessed due to insufficient numbers of studies assessing interactions.

CONCLUSIONS

We urge researchers to assess and report interactions for better understanding of the drivers of behaviour to develop effective interventions for positive behaviour change.

The role of environmental cues in sugar-sweetened beverage consumption using a temporal self-regulation theory framework

Sugar-sweetened beverage consumption is related to adverse health outcomes such as obesity and Type 2 diabetes. The present research further examined the utility of the temporal self-regulation theory in predicting sugar-sweetened beverage consumption. In addition, the research aimed to identify salient cues that trigger intake. Two-hundred and eighty-seven participants were recruited using convenience sampling in US and Australian populations. Hierarchical multiple regression analyses were used, and the final model accounted for 27.1% of the variance in consumption, providing partial support for the temporal self-regulation theory (ƒ² = 0.37). Intention accounted for a significant 7.0% of variance (R² = 0.07, p < .001), behavioural prepotency variables (past behaviour, habit, and cues) together combined for an additional 15.1% of variance (R² = 0.15, p < .001), but neither measure of self-regulatory capacity (trait self-control, inhibition) was a significant predictor. No cues emerged as unique predictors, however the findings suggest that consumption may be influenced by a combination of cues across different situations. Behavioural prepotency moderated the intention-behaviour relationship such that as behavioural prepotency increased, the greater the influence intention had on behaviour. Further support for the role of both intention and automatic processes in sugar-sweetened beverage consumption was garnered, but more research is needed to identify when specific cues influence consumption most.

Mind the gap: Habit and self-determined motivation predict health behaviours in middle-aged and older adults

OBJECTIVES

Physical activity and fruit and vegetable consumption are two key health behaviours associated with the health and well-being of middle-aged and older adults. The present research investigated how habit and self-determined motivation interact with intention to prospectively predict physical activity and fruit and vegetable consumption in middle-aged and older adults.

DESIGN

A prospective correlational design (two data collection points) was used.

METHODS

A convenience sample of 195 adults completed online questionnaires measuring intention, habit, and self-determined motivation. One week later, 177 participants (67.2% female), aged 52-87 years (M = 61.50, SD = 5.90), completed self-report measures of physical activity and fruit and vegetable consumption over the previous week.

RESULTS

Separate hierarchical multiple regression analyses were conducted. For physical activity, the model explained 46% of the variance in behaviour, F(8, 168) = 17.88, p < .001 and a large effect size (ƒ2  = .85). Two-way interactions contributed an additional 3.70% of unique variance in physical activity, F(3, 165) = 4.07, p = .008, ƒ2  = .04. For fruit and vegetable consumption, the model explained 19.20% of the variance in behaviour, F(5, 171) = 8.13, p < .001 and a medium effect size (ƒ2  = .24). Two-way interactions did not significantly improve the model, F(3, 168) = 1.68, p = .174.

CONCLUSIONS

Habit and self-determined motivation were both important in narrowing the intention-behaviour gap for two key health behaviours, and combining these processes may better inform strategies to support people's intentions to improve these health behaviours.

Understanding the predictors of hand hygiene using aspects of the theory of planned behaviour and temporal self-regulation theory

OBJECTIVE

Adherence to proper hand hygiene practice is relatively low and is particularly salient in light of the current COVID-19 pandemic. Having a greater understanding of the psychosocial predictors of engaging in proper hand hygiene is warranted. One way to do this is through the application of a combined theory of planned behaviour and temporal self-regulation theory model.

DESIGN

A prospective two-part study was conducted between May - November 2020, with N = 232 Australians. At time one, variables from both the theory of planned behaviour (attitude, subjective norm, perceived behavioural control, and intention) and temporal self-regulation theory (habit, environmental cues, and planning) were completed.

MAIN OUTCOME MEASURES

One week later, engagement in proper hand hygiene behaviour over the previous week was assessed.

RESULTS

Two hierarchical multiple regressions were conducted, with 47% of variance accounted for in intention, with subjective norm being the strongest predictor, and 38% of variance accounted for in hand hygiene behaviour, with intention being the strongest predictor. Environmental cues also moderated the relationship between intention and behaviour.

CONCLUSIONS

To increase intention, incorporating subjective norm messages in advertisements may be helpful. Incorporating environmental cues in places where hand washing is recommended may assist in increasing hand hygiene.

Stable and momentary psychosocial correlates of everyday smoking: An application of Temporal Self-Regulation Theory

Smoking is one of the leading causes of non-communicable disease mortality and morbidity. Smoking behaviour is determined by both stable, person-level (e.g., motivation, nicotine dependence) and variable, situation-level factors (e.g., urges, cues). However, most theoretical approaches to understanding health behaviours so far have not integrated these two spheres of influence. Temporal Self-Regulation Theory (TST) integrates these person-level and situation-level factors, but has not yet been comprehensively applied to predicting smoking behaviour. We use Ecological Momentary Assessment to examine the utility of TST in predicting daily smoking. 46 smokers reported individual and environmental cues right after smoking and at random time points during the day. Cognitions, self-control, past behaviour, and nicotine dependence were assessed at baseline. Multi-level logistic regressions show that smoking is largely guided by momentary cues, but individual motivation can buffer their influence. This suggests that TST is a useful integrative approach to understand modifiable determinants of smoking and thus intervention targets.

The potential of artificial intelligence in enhancing adult weight loss: a scoping review

OBJECTIVE

To present an overview of how artificial intelligence (AI) could be used to regulate eating and dietary behaviours, exercise behaviours and weight loss.

DESIGN

A scoping review of global literature published from inception to 15 December 2020 was conducted according to Arksey and O'Malley's five-step framework. Eight databases (CINAHL, Cochrane-Central, Embase, IEEE Xplore, PsycINFO, PubMed, Scopus and Web of Science) were searched. Included studies were independently screened for eligibility by two reviewers with good interrater reliability (k = 0·96).

RESULTS

Sixty-six out of 5573 potential studies were included, representing more than 2031 participants. Three tenets of self-regulation were identified - self-monitoring (n 66, 100 %), optimisation of goal setting (n 10, 15·2 %) and self-control (n 10, 15·2 %). Articles were also categorised into three AI applications, namely machine perception (n 50), predictive analytics only (n 6) and real-time analytics with personalised micro-interventions (n 10). Machine perception focused on recognising food items, eating behaviours, physical activities and estimating energy balance. Predictive analytics focused on predicting weight loss, intervention adherence, dietary lapses and emotional eating. Studies on the last theme focused on evaluating AI-assisted weight management interventions that instantaneously collected behavioural data, optimised prediction models for behavioural lapse events and enhance behavioural self-control through adaptive and personalised nudges/prompts. Only six studies reported average weight losses (2·4-4·7 %) of which two were statistically significant.

CONCLUSION

The use of AI for weight loss is still undeveloped. Based on the current study findings, we proposed a framework on the applicability of AI for weight loss but cautioned its contingency upon engagement and contextualisation.

COVID-19 pandemic response behaviors: a Singapore experience of the "circuit breaker"

Preventive health behaviors such as hand hygiene are crucial amidst pandemics like COVID-19 but reports on nonadherence persist. This could be due to the lack of Consideration of Future Consequences (CFC), a cognitive-motivational construct known to improve health-related behaviors. Therefore, we examined the relationship between CFC and five behaviors—mask-wearing, social distancing, hand hygiene, excessive necessities buying, and COVID-19 information searching using an internet-based Singapore-wide survey conducted from April 20 to May 4, 2020. Behavioral differences 2 weeks before and after the state-wide confinement were examined using paired t-tests. Relationships between CFC and COVID-19 behaviors were examined using regression analyses adjusted for depression and anxiety. Participants were regrouped into three categories—increased behavior performance, maintained high performance, and maintained low performance where mean differences were analysed using MANOVA. Three hundred and thirty-six participants completed the survey (mean age, SD = 32.9 years [SD = 12.6]; 38.7% males). CFCfuture predicted mask wearing (B = 0.16; p < .05), social distancing (B = 0.0.19; p < .01), hand hygiene (B = 0.17; p < .01), and information searching (B = 0.21; p < .001). CFCimmediate predicted hand hygiene (B = 0.09; p < .05), excessive necessities buying (B = 0.07; p < .05) and information searching (B = 0.08; p < .05). Anxiety predicted excessive buying (B = 0.08; p < .05) and hand hygiene (B = 0.13; p < .01). Post-hoc test showed significantly higher CFCfuture (p < .01) in participants who increased and maintained high behavioral performance.

Investigating mechanisms for recruiting and retaining volunteers: The role of habit strength and planning in volunteering engagement

Volunteering rates in high-income countries are declining. Most research into understanding volunteering engagement has focused on conscious processes (e.g., motives), with little exploration of non-conscious antecedents of volunteering engagement. Adopting a new line of investigation, this research used temporal self-regulation theory to investigate the influence of both rational and automatic processes on volunteering engagement. Two related studies using different methodologies were conducted to investigate the influence of intention, planning, and habit strength on volunteering engagement. In both studies, intention and habit strength were significant predictors of volunteering engagement, with planning only significantly predicting volunteering engagement in Study 1. It was also found, in Study 2, that habit strength moderated the intention-behavior relationship. These findings highlight that both rational and automatic processes play a part in volunteering engagement and have implications for recruiting and retaining volunteers.

A Qualitative Application of Temporal Self-Regulation Theory to Understand Adherence to Simple and Complex Medication Regimens

Medication adherence is a global health concern, and variables of temporal self-regulation theory (TST) have been shown to be important in improving adherence. This qualitative study aims to explore how TST can help explain medication adherence in people’s daily lives, and whether there are differences in the adherence to simple and complex medication regimens. Twenty-nine participants from Australia engaged in semi-structured interviews based on TST (intention, behavioural prepotency, self-regulation), and other variables important to adherence. Interviews were analysed using thematic analysis. Six themes were identified (Routines, External Supports, Cost, Sense of Agency, Adverse Outcomes, and Weighing Up Pros and Cons), with partial support for TST (specifically intention, past behaviour, cues and planning). Four themes not related to TST were also identified. Individuals with more complex medication regimens spoke of the importance of routines, planning, and knowledge-seeking, whereas those with simpler regimens spoke of the importance of visual cues. TST may be useful for identifying some variables important in medication adherence, however, additional factors were also identified. For simple regimens, future research should focus on the manipulation of visual cues. For complex regimens, health professionals should consider supporting the use of medication management apps to assist in planning and ensuring a consistent routine.

Episodic future thinking, delay discounting, and exercise during weight loss maintenance: The PACE trial

OBJECTIVES

Weight loss maintenance (WLM) is the next major challenge in obesity treatment. While most individuals who lose weight intend to keep their weight off, weight regain is common. Temporal Self-Regulation Theory posits that whether intentions lead to behavior depends on self-regulatory capacity, including delay discounting (DD; the tendency to discount a larger future reward in favor of a smaller immediate reward). Episodic Future Thinking (EFT; mental imagery of a future event for which a health goal is important) may improve DD and promote behavior change. Described herein is a trial protocol designed to examine whether EFT improves DD within the context of weight loss maintenance.

METHOD

Participants who lose ≥5% of initial body weight in an online behavioral weight loss intervention will be randomly assigned to a standard weight loss maintenance program (WLM-STD) or a weight loss maintenance program plus EFT (WLM + EFT). Both interventions involve periodic phone and in-person treatment sessions. Participants in WLM + EFT will engage in daily EFT training via smartphone. To control for contact, participants in WLM-STD will engage in daily Healthy Thinking (reviewing strategies for weight management) on their smartphone. Our primary hypothesis is that WLM + EFT will yield better improvements in DD compared to WLM-STD. We will also explore whether DD mediates the relationship between intervention allocation and physical activity (secondary outcome). Weight and contextual variables will be explored.

CONCLUSIONS

This study is the first to test whether EFT improves DD within the context of weight loss maintenance; results from this experimental medicine approach could have important implications for understanding the impact of both EFT and DD on sustained behavior change. (PsycInfo Database Record (c) 2020 APA, all rights reserved).

The role of executive functioning on the intention-behaviour relationship of health behaviours: a temporal self-regulatory perspective

OBJECTIVE

The current study employed the Temporal Self-Regulation theory (TST) to determine if self-regulatory capacity and prepotent behaviour moderate the relationship between intention and health behaviours (i.e., physical activity, and healthy eating) in college students.

DESIGN

220 students were surveyed across two time points to assess past/intended behaviour (Time 1) and follow-up behaviour (Time 2).

MAIN OUTCOME MEASURES

To address limitations in previous research, self-regulatory capacity was assessed using an ecologically valid rating scale (Barkley Deficits in Executive Functioning Scale). Multi-item assessment measures were utilised for physical activity (International Physical Activity Questionnaire) and healthy eating (All-Day Screener) behaviours.

RESULTS

A link between intention and follow-up behaviour was established and executive functioning (EF) and past behaviours were positively associated with follow-up behaviour. EF had no unique moderation effects on health behaviours, but combinations of Low, Moderate, and High levels of past behaviour and EF demonstrated moderation for physical activity and healthy eating.

CONCLUSION

This study demonstrated the utility of the TST in predicting health behaviour and emphasised the mutual necessity of EF and past behaviour in understanding the intention-behaviour relationship. Findings can be used to formulate studies and interventions that reduce barriers to health behaviours, therefore, lessening the need for high self-regulatory abilities.

Can temporal self-regulation theory and 'sensitivity to reward' predict binge drinking amongst university students in Australia?

OBJECTIVES

Many university students consume more alcohol than their non-student peers, engaging in binge drinking episodes that increase the likelihood of experiencing both mental and physical harm. The aim of the current study was to test the predictive utility of temporal self-regulation theory (TST), and the additional construct of 'sensitivity to reward', in accounting for variance in binge drinking behavior amongst Australian university students.

DESIGN

A prospective correlational design with two time points one week apart.

METHODS

A convenience sample of 491 university students were recruited to an online survey. At time one, participants completed self-report measures assessing TST constructs (intention, behavior prepotency, self-regulation), as well as 'sensitivity to reward'. One week later at time two, 392 participants (18-62 years, 76.8% female) completed an online account of their alcohol use over the previous seven days.

RESULTS

Using hierarchical multiple regression analyses, TST significantly predicted binge drinking behaviors (binge drinking episodes: R² = 0.41, p < .001; peak consumption: R² = 0.41, p < .001), with equally large effect sizes for both, f² = 0.69. 'Sensitivity to reward' did not account for significant variance. Intention and behavioral prepotency independently predicted binge drinking behaviors with different components of behavioral prepotency predicting different behaviors. There were no moderation effects.

CONCLUSIONS

Results indicated TST, incorporating deliberate and automatic processes, provided a good understanding of behavior. Behavior prepotency (habit, cues to action, past behavior) also impacted the two binge drinking behaviors differently. Finally, this study offers direction into future research regarding interventions surrounding habitual drinking behaviors whilst studying at university.

Theory-Based Predictors of Mindfulness Meditation Mobile App Usage: A Survey and Cohort Study

Background

Mindfulness meditation has become increasingly popular over the last few years, due in part to the increase in mobile apps incorporating the practice. Although studies have demonstrated the potential of mindfulness meditation to positively impact health, little has been uncovered about what predicts engagement in mindfulness meditation. Understanding the predictors of mindfulness meditation may help practitioners and phone app developers improve intervention strategies and app experience.

Objective

The purpose of this study was to use the Theory of Planned Behavior and Temporal Self-Regulation Theory to determine factors predicting mindfulness meditation mobile app use.

Methods

The sample consisted of 85 undergraduate students with no prior mindfulness meditation experience. During their first laboratory visit, participants completed tasks to measure their executive functioning and a survey to measure Theory of Planned Behavior constructs about mindfulness meditation. Over the following 2 weeks, participants logged the days and minutes that they practiced mindfulness meditation using a phone app. Hierarchical regression modeling was used to analyze the data.

Results

After controlling for demographic factors, participant subjective norms (beta=14.51, P=.001) and intentions (beta=36.12, P=.001) were predictive of the number of minutes practicing mindfulness. Participant executive functioning did not predict mindfulness meditation practice, nor did it moderate the link between intentions and mindfulness meditation practice. Participant attitudes (beta=0.44, P<.001) and perceived control (beta=0.42, P=.002) were positively associated with intentions to practice mindfulness.

Conclusions

These results suggest that among college student populations, the Theory of Planned Behavior may be useful in predicting the use of mindfulness meditation phone apps. However, participant executive functioning was not a predictor or moderator of mindfulness practice, and Temporal Self-Regulation Theory may be less useful for explaining mindfulness meditation behaviors using phone apps over a short period of time among college students. The results have implications for public health professionals, suggesting that a focus on subjective norms and intentions may promote mindfulness meditation practice using phone apps.

Students' adherence to dietary recommendations and their food consumption habits

BACKGROUND

Habitual behavior rather than intention has been linked to food intake patterns.

AIM

The purpose of this study was to examine the adherence to dietary recommendations in university students and to analyze whether habit strength predicts food consumption.

METHODS

A student sample of the University (University of Hohenheim) was recruited ( n = 103; age range 18-30 years). Habit strength for consuming the food groups fruits, vegetables, whole grains, milk, meat, convenience foods, sugary and savory snacks, water and sugar-sweetened beverages was measured using a questionnaire. Food intake was measured via a self-administered online food frequency survey two weeks later, which was then compared to dietary recommendations. For associations of habit strength and consumption, Kendall's Tau-c correlation coefficient was calculated.

RESULTS

The majority of students failed to meet the recommendations for all food groups except meat, eggs, oil, fat, and water. Only 4.2% of men (15.4% of women) consumed the recommended daily amount of vegetables. Fruit recommendations were met by 20.8% of men (43.6% of women). Habit strength was significantly associated with the consumption of most food groups.

CONCLUSION

Adhering to dietary recommendations appeared to be difficult. Educational efforts should be undertaken to improve students' diet considering habit strength as an important determinant of food intake.

Personal and situational predictors of everyday snacking: An application of temporal self-regulation theory

OBJECTIVES

This study aims at testing predictions derived from temporal self-regulation theory (TST) in relation to discretionary food choices (snacks). TST combines a motivational sphere of influence (cognitions and temporal valuations resulting in intentions) with a momentary sphere (encompassing social and physical environmental cues). This dual approach differs from current health behaviour theories, but can potentially improve our understanding of the interplay of personal and environmental factors in health behaviour self-regulation.

DESIGN

A mixed event-based and time-based (Ecological Momentary Assessment) study in 61 adults aged between 18 and 64, with a BMI range between 18.34 and 39.78 (M = 25.66, SD = 4.82) over two weeks.

METHODS

Participants recorded their food and drink intake for two weeks in real time using electronic diaries. Participants also responded to non-consumption assessments at random intervals throughout each day. Momentary cues (individual, situational, and environmental factors) were assessed both during food logs and non-consumption assessments. Motivational factors, past behaviour, and trait self-regulation were assessed during baseline.

RESULTS

Multilevel logistic regression analyses showed that across all snack types, environmental cues and negative affect were associated with an increased likelihood of snacking. Perceiving a cost of healthy eating to occur before eating was associated with an increased likelihood of snacking, whereas intentions and self-regulation were not.

CONCLUSIONS

Discretionary food intake is largely guided by momentary cues, and motivational-level factors, such as intention and self-regulation, are less important in the initiation of discretionary food intake. Statement of contribution What is already known on this subject? Overweight and obesity are a result of prolonged periods of energy imbalance between energy intake and expenditure (Hill & Peters, ). One of the key behavioural determinants of energy imbalances results from food intake, specifically from discretionary food choices (snacking). Temporal self-regulation theory (Hall & Fong, ) takes into account both deliberate and momentary influences on health behaviour, which is especially relevant to exploring the drivers of snacking. What does this study add? Offers new insight into the application of TST in explaining momentary eating behaviours. Snacking initiation is guided by momentary cues, not person-level factors. Dietary interventions should acknowledge the momentary cues that are associated with snacking.