Behavioral Intention and Behavior toward the Obese on a College Campus

Abstract

Background: Discriminatory behavior toward the obese is ubiquitous, which can lead to psychological conditions that exacerbate physical repercussions. Purpose: Using the Theory of Planned Behavior (TPB), this study examined the link between college students' behavioral intention and self-reported behavior toward the obese. Possible connections with demographic variables were explored. Methods: Students at one university participated (n=718). Two scales were developed; one measured behavioral intention - College Obesity Behavioral Intention Scale (COBIS); one measured behavior - College Obesity Behavior Scale (COBS). Alphas fell in the acceptable to excellent range for both instruments. Results: There was a statistically significant correlation (r=0.6642; P=0.001) between the COBIS and COBS. Linear regression was significant (R2=0.4412; P=0.001). A significant regression model (P=0.001) consisting of age group, sex, and BMI status by COBIS and COBS scores was found. Discussion: Behavioral intention among subjects had a significant impact on how they behaved toward the obese. Predictor characteristics for this discriminatory behavior are being male, younger-aged (18-25 years), and have an underweight or normal Body Mass Index (BMI). Translation to Health Education Practice: Further research could identify other TPB constructs (attitude, subjective norms, and perceived behavioral controls) that can shape behavioral intention toward the obese among college students.