Evaluation of a Planned Behavior Theory-Based Intervention Programme to Promote Healthy Eating

• Published in: Perceptual and motor skills Vol. 101; no. 2; pp. 587 - 604
• Main Author: Tsorbatzoudis, Haralambos
• Format: Journal Article
• Language: English
• Published: Los Angeles, CA SAGE Publications 01.10.2005
• Subjects: Adolescent; Attitude to Health; Behavior Therapy; Female; Follow-Up Studies; Food Preferences - psychology; Greece; Health Education; Humans; Life Style; Male; Nutritional Requirements; Nutritive Value; Psychological Theory; Greece
• ISSN: 0031-5125; 1558-688X
• DOI: 10.2466/pms.101.2.587-604

The objective of the study was to test the effectiveness of an intervention program based on the theoretical framework of the Theory of Planned Behavior, with the addition of attitude strength and role identity. The aim was to alter adolescents' healthy eating attitudes and behaviour. In the sample were 335 high school students, who were divided into intervention and control groups. The intervention lasted 12 weeks and included posters and lectures promoting healthy eating. The measures included a questionnaire assessing the hypothesis and a food frequency questionnaire which measured eating habits. Analysis showed the intervention was effective in improving attitudes toward healthy eating and attitude strength, intention, perceived behavioral control, and healthy eating behaviour, but not effective in predicting subjective norms and role identity. Results provide evidence that intervention changed attitudes toward a behavior in a school setting.