title: Determinants of fast-food consumption. An application of the Theory of Planned Behaviour.
abstract: This study applied and extended the Theory of Planned Behaviour (TPB; Ajzen, 1988) in an examination of the variables influencing fast-food consumption in an Australian sample. Four hundred and four participants responded to items measuring TPB constructs and retrospective and prospective measures of fast-food consumption. Additional independent variables included: Consideration of Future Consequences (Strathman, Gleicher, Boninger, & Edwards, 1994), Fear of Negative Evaluation (Leary, 1983), and Self-Identification as a Healthy Eater Scale (Armitage & Conner, 1999a). Structural Equation Modeling (SEM) was used to examine predictors of consumption. SEM indicated that the TPB successfully predicted fast-food consumption. Factor analyses assisted in the definition of constructs that underlay attitudes towards fast foods. These constructs were included in an 'extended' TPB model which then provided a richer source of information regarding the nature of the variables influencing fast-food consumption. Findings suggest that fast-food consumption is influenced by specific referent groups as well as a general demand for meals that are tasty, satisfying, and convenient. These factors reflect immediate needs and appear to override concerns about longer-term health risks associated with fast food. Results are discussed in the context of possible applications.
authors.affiliation: Health Observatory, University of Adelaide, Discipline of Medicine, Level 6, Eleanor Harrald Building, Adelaide, South Australia 5005, Australia. kirsten.dunn@adelaide.edu.au
authors.forename: Kirsten I
authors.initials: KI
authors.lastname: Dunn
authors.forename: Philip
authors.initials: P
authors.lastname: Mohr
authors.forename: Carlene J
authors.initials: CJ
authors.lastname: Wilson
authors.forename: Gary A
authors.initials: GA
authors.lastname: Wittert
mesh_terms: D000293:Adolescent; D000328:Adult; D001315:Australia; D002755:Choice Behavior; D004435:Eating; D005163:Factor Analysis, Statistical; D057140:Fast Foods; D005247:Feeding Behavior; D005260:Female; D005518:Food Preferences / Q000523:psychology*; D007722:Health Knowledge, Attitudes, Practice; D006801:Humans; D007407:Interviews as Topic; D008019:Life Style; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged; D011446:Prospective Studies; D012189:Retrospective Studies; D011795:Surveys and Questionnaires; D055815:Young Adult