A Dual-Process Model Applied to Two Health-Promoting Nutrition Behaviours

A qualitative investigation of individuals' lay representations of habit

Objective: While there have been substantive advances in the conceptualisation, measurement, and effects of habit as a psychological construct, there is limited research on individuals' beliefs and perspectives on habit. The current investigation reports the findings of two studies purposed to explore individuals' lay representations of habit which further inform habit theory and measurement, and interventions designed to promote habits. Methods: Study 1 (N = 158) used an online, open-ended questionnaire to elicit lay beliefs on the salient features of habit. Study 2 (N = 27) involved a series of interviews and focus groups to further explore individuals' representations of habit. Results: Thematic content analysis revealed that participants described habit in terms of its content, salient features or characteristics, and function or consequences. The results also indicated that while collective knowledge converged on expert perspectives, few individuals identified all or most features of habit, suggesting individuals' beliefs are incomplete. Conclusions: Current findings indicate that lay people as a collective hold consistent but largely 'patchy' beliefs about habit. Future research should focus on integrating the beliefs identified in this research with new measures of habit and habit interventions.

Factors Driving Individuals' Attitudes toward Sugar and Sweet-Tasting Foods: An Analysis within the Scope of Theory of Planned Behavior

Public health authorities are undertaking initiatives aimed at reducing sugar intake because it is linked to detrimental health outcomes. Individuals' attitudes and intentions toward sugar can be significant factors affecting intake. Therefore, we here aimed to evaluate individuals' attitudes and intentions toward sugar intake by combining the theory of planned behavior with different frameworks. Accordingly, we developed an online questionnaire and reached 940 participants. We observed that subjective norms (β = -0.140; p < 0.001) and perceived behavioral control (β = -0.138; p < 0.001) as defined in the theory of planned behavior significantly affected attitude. Subsequently, examining the effect of attitude (β = -0.209; p = 0.018) and intention (β = 0.717; p < 0.001) on sugar intake showed that intention had a positive effect, whereas attitude had no significant effect. Mediation analysis showed that attitude influenced sugar intake through intention (β = -0.286; p = 0.001). Furthermore, we determined that components including habits, perceived understanding, perceived nonautonomy, negativity, and apathy can affect attitude toward sugar intake (p < 0.001). Analyzing the effects of sociodemographic factors revealed that sugar intake was lower in individuals with food allergies (p < 0.05). In conclusion, these findings suggest that the theory of planned behavior, when combined with different frameworks, can be effective in predicting sugar intake and individuals' intentions.

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.

Predicting sugar intake using an extended theory of planned behavior in a sample of adolescents: The role of habit and self-control

INTRODUCTION

High levels of sugar intake are associated with multiple maladaptive health outcomes in adult and younger populations. Identifying the psychological determinants of sugar intake in adolescents, and the processes involved, may help identify potentially modifiable targets and inform intervention development. We tested the predictions of an extended theoretical model based on the theory of planned behavior (TPB), which specified social cognition constructs, habit, and self-control as correlates of sugar intake in an adolescent sample.

METHODS

Adolescents aged 12 to 14 years (N = 88) recruited via a survey panel company and consenting to participate in the study completed online self-report measures of constructs from the TPB alongside measures of habit and self-control. One month later, participants completed a follow-up measure of free-sugar intake. Hypothesized effects of our proposed extended model were tested using partial least squares structural equation modeling.

RESULTS

We found statistically significant effects of attitude, subjective norm, and perceived behavioral control on sugar intake intentions. We also found significant effects of habit and self-control on sugar intake measured at follow-up, but no effect for intention. Perceived behavioral control moderated the intention-behavior relationship such that intention effects on behavior were larger when perceived behavioral control was high. However, self-control did not moderate the intention-behavior relationship.

CONCLUSION

Results indicate that sugar intake in this sample was a function of habits and self-control, and the effect of sugar intake intentions was conditional on perceived behavioral control. Results contribute to an evidence base of determinants and associated processes that relate to sugar intake in adolescents and may signal potentially modifiable targets for intervention.