Predicting Food Waste Avoidance: Analysis of an Extended Model of the Theory of Planned Behavior and of Relevant Beliefs

ABSTRACT

This research adopted the Theory of Planned Behavior (TPB) to predict intention and behavior to avoid food waste. In a pilot study, behavioral, normative, and control beliefs were identified. In the main study, a TPB model extended with descriptive and moral norms was assessed using a two-wave design and applying SEM. The associations between beliefs and TPB constructs were analyzed by MIMIC models. Attitude, descriptive and moral norms, and perceived behavioral control were associated with intention to avoid food waste, which predicted behavior. Considering the most important beliefs in forming intentions has important implications for designing food waste prevention interventions.

KEYWORDS:

• Beliefs
• descriptive norm
• food waste
• moral norm
• theory of planned behavior

Disclosure statement

No potential conflict of interest was reported by the author(s).

Additional information

Funding

The work was supported by the IUSVE [Research Call IUSVE 2020-2021].