BACKGROUND: Trait self-control and social cognitions both predict dietary behaviors, but whether self-control is associated with more beneficial diet-related cognitions, and the effect of self-control on diet mediated by them, has rarely been examined. PURPOSE: We hypothesized that the effect of self-control on healthy diet is explained by more proximal diet-related social cognitive factors. METHODS: Altogether, 854 military conscripts (age M = 20) completed questionnaires on trait self-control and social cognitive factors (self-efficacy, outcome expectations, risk perceptions, intentions and planning) upon entering the service and a food frequency questionnaire after 8 weeks. RESULTS: Trait self-control was associated with more positive cognitions regarding healthy diet. The mediation hypothesis received support for fruit and vegetable but only partially for fast food consumption. CONCLUSION: Individuals high in trait self-control eat more healthily because they have higher self-efficacy, more positive taste expectations, stronger intentions and more plans, compared to those low in self-control.
BACKGROUND: Trait self-control and social cognitions both predict dietary behaviors, but whether self-control is associated with more beneficial diet-related cognitions, and the effect of self-control on diet mediated by them, has rarely been examined. PURPOSE: We hypothesized that the effect of self-control on healthy diet is explained by more proximal diet-related social cognitive factors. METHODS: Altogether, 854 military conscripts (age M = 20) completed questionnaires on trait self-control and social cognitive factors (self-efficacy, outcome expectations, risk perceptions, intentions and planning) upon entering the service and a food frequency questionnaire after 8 weeks. RESULTS: Trait self-control was associated with more positive cognitions regarding healthy diet. The mediation hypothesis received support for fruit and vegetable but only partially for fast food consumption. CONCLUSION: Individuals high in trait self-control eat more healthily because they have higher self-efficacy, more positive taste expectations, stronger intentions and more plans, compared to those low in self-control.
Authors: Siti Munirah Abdul Basir; Zahara Abdul Manaf; Norhayati Mohd Noor; Arimi Fitri Mat Ludin; Suzana Shahar; Mohd Rizal Abdul Manaf Journal: Int J Environ Res Public Health Date: 2022-05-30 Impact factor: 4.614
Authors: Kathrin Schag; Elisabeth J Leehr; Paolo Meneguzzo; Peter Martus; Stephan Zipfel; Katrin E Giel Journal: Sci Rep Date: 2021-04-15 Impact factor: 4.379