Social-cognitive predictors of fruit and vegetable intake in children.
Social-cognitive theory (SCT) was used to explain the fruit and vegetable intake of 1,398 3rd graders. SCT variables assessed included self-efficacy, outcome expectations, preferences, social norms, asking skills, and knowledge. Fruit and vegetable intake was assessed with 7-day records. Bivariate correlations with fruit and vegetable intake ranged from .17 for asking skills to .29 for fruit and vegetable preferences. In analyses controlling for school-level clustering, only preferences and positive outcome expectations remained significantly associated with fruit and vegetable intake, accounting for approximately 10%-11% of the variance. Limitations in the conceptualization, scope, and measurement of the variables assessed may have contributed to the weak associations observed. Models incorporating factors other than individual-level social-cognitive variables may be required to more fully explain children's dietary behavior.
Resnicow
K
K
Rollins School of Public Health, Emory University, Atlanta, Georgia 30322, USA.
Davis-Hearn
M
M
Smith
M
M
Baranowski
T
T
Lin
L S
LS
Baranowski
J
J
Doyle
C
C
Wang
D T
DT
D002648:Child; D002664:Child Nutritional Physiological Phenomena; D003071:Cognition; D002149:Energy Intake; D005638:Fruit; D015438:Health Behavior; D006801:Humans; D014675:Vegetables