title: Do the transtheoretical processes of change predict transitions in stages of change for fruit intake?
abstract: In a longitudinal study, it is examined whether the transtheoretical processes of change do predict stage transitions in fruit intake. A random sample of an existing Internet research panel resulted in a cohort of 735 adults, who were examined three times with electronic questionnaires assessing stages of change, processes of change, and fruit intake. Cross-sectional differences were found for the processes of change between precontemplation and all further stages. Experiential as well as behavioral processes increased from precontemplation to action with similar patterns. Both experiential and behavioral processes predicted forward transition out of precontemplation and forward transition into action, whereas only behavioral processes predicted forward transition out of contemplation. The results indicate that the transtheoretical processes of change predict stage transitions for fruit intake, but that the pattern of relevant processes for fruit intake is not as straightforward as outlined by the transtheoretical model of behavior change.
authors.affiliation: Department of Public Health, Erasmus MC University Medical Center, Rotterdam, the Netherlands. e.devet@erasmusmc.nl
authors.forename: Emely
authors.initials: E
authors.lastname: De Vet
authors.forename: Jascha
authors.initials: J
authors.lastname: De Nooijer
authors.forename: Nanne K
authors.initials: NK
authors.lastname: De Vries
authors.forename: Johannes
authors.initials: J
authors.lastname: Brug
mesh_terms: D000328:Adult; D003430:Cross-Sectional Studies; D005247:Feeding Behavior / Q000523:psychology*; D005260:Female; D005638:Fruit; D015438:Health Behavior; D006266:Health Education; D006801:Humans; D033182:Intention; D020407:Internet; D008137:Longitudinal Studies; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged; D009426:Netherlands; D009749:Nutrition Surveys; D011795:Surveys and Questionnaires; D055815:Young Adult