A Qualitative Study of the Skills That Enabled the Pro-Environmental Behaviors of Registered Dietitians

Abstract

Some registered dietitians in the United States take action to minimize food-related degradation of the natural environment. We sought to discover what skills enabled their respective pro-environmental behaviors. Using qualitative research interviews, we gathered primary data among a purposive sample of 17 dietitians. The skills that enabled pro-environmental behaviors included risk-taking and tenacity; diplomacy; and utilizing evidence-based research. These data-driven themes coincide with the concepts of self-efficacy. Self-efficacy appears to be an important factor for registered dietitians who take action to reduce impact on the natural environment. These results can inform and improve dietetics education and practice.

KEYWORDS:

• registered dietitians
• climate change
• qualitative research
• self-efficacy
• dietetics practice
• pro-environmental behaviors
• environmental degradation