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RESISTING TEMPTATION: THE ROLE OF SELF-EFFICACY AND TEMPTATION IN DIETARY CHANGE.

Date

2002

Journal Title

Journal ISSN

Volume Title

Publisher

ORCID

Type

Degree Level

Masters

Abstract

The role of self-efficacy in changing food choice behaviours has produced variable results. In order to help explain some of this variance the concept of temptation was introduced from the literature on relapse and addiction. A multidimensional definition of self-efficacy was also used. A three-step process was employed to examine firstly whether the inverse relationship between self-efficacy and temptation would be found with respect to healthful eating behaviour change, whether changes in this relationship might be observed over time, and finally whether temptation was a moderator of the self-efficacy-behavioural outcome relationship. Participants (n = 95), referred to a local lipid clinic, completed paper-and-pencil questionnaires that addressed perceived self-efficacy and temptation for the tasks associated with eating behaviour change, and the barriers to maintaining that change, at three consecutive time points (baseline, 4 weeks and 16 weeks). Evidence for an inverse relationship was found, with higher scores on self-efficacy scales corresponding to lower scores on temptation scales for both task and barriers measures. Mean ratings of self-efficacy and temptation changed over time, but not in the linear manner, suggesting that self-efficacy and temptation are independent constructs. Finally temptation was observed to moderate the self-efficacy-behavioural outcome relationship, with high self-efficacy scores predicting lower percentages of fat (Fat%) and Saturated fatty acid (SFA%) in the diet, only for individuals who rated their temptation as low. The implications of these findings for practitioners and researchers are discussed. In conclusion, the usefulness of measuring levels of temptation in conjunction with self-efficacy for predicting successful dietary change is highlighted with respect to the moderating role of temptation in the self-efficacy-behavioural outcome relationship.

Description

Keywords

Dietary change

Citation

Degree

Master of Science (M.Sc.)

Department

Pharmacy and Nutrition

Program

Part Of

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DOI

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