title: A comparison of Theory of Planned Behavior beliefs and healthy eating between couples without children and first-time parents.
abstract: OBJECTIVE
  To examine the relationship between Theory of Planned Behavior (TPB) beliefs and eating behavior, explore which beliefs have the greatest association with eating behavior, and explore differences between adults without children and first-time parents.
  
  
  METHODS
  Longitudinal evaluation via questionnaires and food records at baseline and 6 and 12 months.
  
  
  METHODS
  Couples without children (n = 72) and first-time parents (n = 100).
  
  
  METHODS
  
  
  
  METHODS
  fruit and vegetable consumption and fat consumption.
  
  
  METHODS
  TPB beliefs.
  
  
  METHODS
  Pearson correlations between TPB beliefs and eating behavior; exploratory data reduction via linear regression.
  
  
  RESULTS
  Control beliefs were associated with eating behavior (r = .26-.46; P < .05). After controlling for past behavior, control beliefs were associated with eating behavior for first-time parents only. Control beliefs regarding preparation and time had the strongest associations with fruit and vegetable consumption for mothers (β = .26; P < .05) and fathers (β = .38; P < .01). The absence of a ceiling effect for control beliefs suggests room for improvement via intervention.
  
  
  CONCLUSIONS
  Interventions guided by TPB should target control beliefs to enhance healthy eating among new parents. Strategies (eg, individual, environmental, policy) to enhance control beliefs regarding healthy eating despite limited time and opportunity for preparation may be particularly valuable.
authors: School of Kinesiology and Health Science, York University, Toronto, Ontario, Canada. Electronic address: rgunter@yorku.ca.
authors: Rebecca L
authors: RL
authors: Bassett-Gunter
authors: British Columbia Cancer Agency, Vancouver, British Columbia, Canada.
authors: Ryna
authors: R
authors: Levy-Milne
authors: School of Exercise Science, Physical and Health Education, University of Victoria, Victoria, British Columbia, Canada.
authors: Patti Jean
authors: PJ
authors: Naylor
authors: Kinesiology and Obstetrics and Gynecology, Pennsylvania State University, State College, PA.
authors: Danielle
authors: D
authors: Symons Downs
authors: Department of Sociology, University of Victoria, Victoria, British Columbia, Canada.
authors: Cecilia
authors: C
authors: Benoit
authors: School of Kinesiology, University of British Columbia, Vancouver, British Columbia, Canada.
authors: Darren E R
authors: DE
authors: Warburton
authors: Department of Medicine, Dalhousie University, Halifax, Nova Scotia, Canada.
authors: Chris M
authors: CM
authors: Blanchard
authors: School of Exercise Science, Physical and Health Education, University of Victoria, Victoria, British Columbia, Canada.
authors: Ryan E
authors: RE
authors: Rhodes
mesh_terms: D000293:Adolescent; D000328:Adult; D005247:Feeding Behavior; D005260:Female; D005638:Fruit; D015438:Health Behavior; D007722:Health Knowledge, Attitudes, Practice; D006801:Humans; D008297:Male; D010290:Parents; D012044:Regression Analysis; D014675:Vegetables; D055815:Young Adult
keywords: Theory of Planned Behavior; beliefs; fruit; nutrition; parenthood; perceived behavioral control; vegetable