Predicting Nutrition Behavior: The Utilization of a Social Psychological Model of Health Behavior

Abstract

In a prospective study, two nutrition behaviors, meat and sodium consumption, were examined utilizing a social psychological model of health behavior suggested by Wallston and Wallston. The model conceptually integrates elements from the Health Belief Model, Fishbein's attitude-behavior model, and Triandis' theory of social behavior. According to the model, behavior is a function of behavioral intent, habit, and facilitating conditions. Behavioral intent is a function of affect, perceived consequences, and social and personal norms. In this study, the model explained a significant proportion of the variance for each self-reported nutrition behavior and behavioral intent. Hierarchical regression analyses indicated that all three factors contributed to the prediction of behavior, and differences between meat and sodium consumption were found. For behavioral intent, each of the components made a significant contribution, with affect being the best predictor.