Applying the stages of change to multiple low-fat dietary behavioral contexts. An examination of stage occupation and discontinuity.
Consuming a diet lower in total fat is important for the prevention of many chronic diseases. Individual and population-based programs targeting this behavior must be theoretically grounded and consider the context within which dietary behavior change may be attempted. To identify the factors differentiating stage of readiness to follow a low-fat diet, a sample (N=1216) of adults was surveyed using 4 different staging algorithms to assess stages of change and associated social-cognitive variables (pros, cons, and temptation). Approximately 75% of the sample occupied the Action/Maintenance stages for all staging algorithms. In general, pros increased and cons decreased with higher stage occupation. Temptation decreased from the early pre-action to the action stages for the different staging algorithms. When developing programs to decrease dietary-fat intake, social-cognitive variables associated with stage transition for behaviors related to consuming a low-fat diet may have relevance to researchers and clinicians.
Plotnikoff
Ronald C
RC
School of Education, University of Newcastle, Callaghan, NSW 2308, Australia. Ron.Plotnikoff@newcastle.edu
Lippke
Sonia
S
Johnson
Steven T
ST
Hotz
Stephen B
SB
Birkett
Nicholas J
NJ
Rossi
Susan R
SR
D000328:Adult; D000465:Algorithms; D001521:Behavior Therapy; D015992:Body Mass Index; D003071:Cognition; D018752:Diet, Fat-Restricted / Q000523:psychology*; D004522:Educational Status; D005247:Feeding Behavior / Q000523:psychology*; D005260:Female; D015438:Health Behavior; D006293:Health Promotion; D006801:Humans; D008297:Male; D017533:Marital Status; D008875:Middle Aged; D009864:Ontario; D012919:Social Behavior; D011795:Surveys and Questionnaires