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Annals of Behavioral Medicine
Published in: Annals of Behavioral Medicine 2/2014

01-04-2014 | Brief Report

Why Do People High in Self-Control Eat More Healthily? Social Cognitions as Mediators

Authors: Nelli Hankonen, Ph.D., Marja Kinnunen, M.Soc.Sc., Pilvikki Absetz, Ph.D., Piia Jallinoja, Ph.D.

Published in: Annals of Behavioral Medicine | Issue 2/2014

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Abstract

Background

Trait self-control and social cognitions both predict dietary behaviors, but whether self-control is associated with more beneficial diet-related cognitions, and the effect of self-control on diet mediated by them, has rarely been examined.

Purpose

We hypothesized that the effect of self-control on healthy diet is explained by more proximal diet-related social cognitive factors.

Methods

Altogether, 854 military conscripts (age M = 20) completed questionnaires on trait self-control and social cognitive factors (self-efficacy, outcome expectations, risk perceptions, intentions and planning) upon entering the service and a food frequency questionnaire after 8 weeks.

Results

Trait self-control was associated with more positive cognitions regarding healthy diet. The mediation hypothesis received support for fruit and vegetable but only partially for fast food consumption.

Conclusion

Individuals high in trait self-control eat more healthily because they have higher self-efficacy, more positive taste expectations, stronger intentions and more plans, compared to those low in self-control.
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Metadata
Title
Why Do People High in Self-Control Eat More Healthily? Social Cognitions as Mediators
Authors
Nelli Hankonen, Ph.D.
Marja Kinnunen, M.Soc.Sc.
Pilvikki Absetz, Ph.D.
Piia Jallinoja, Ph.D.
Publication date
01-04-2014
Publisher
Springer US
Published in
Annals of Behavioral Medicine / Issue 2/2014
Print ISSN: 0883-6612
Electronic ISSN: 1532-4796
DOI
https://doi.org/10.1007/s12160-013-9535-1

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