Healthy eating among 10 - 13-year-old New Zealand children: Understanding choice using the Theory of Planned Behaviour and the role of parental influence

Authors: Hewitt, Allison¹; Stephens, Christine¹

Source: Psychology, Health and Medicine, Volume 12, Number 5, October 2007 , pp. 526-535(10)

Publisher: Routledge, part of the Taylor & Francis Group

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Abstract:

This study examined the roles of the Theory of Planned Behaviour (TPB) and parental influence in predicting healthy eating intentions and behaviour among 10 - 13-year-old New Zealand children. Two hundred and sixty-one children completed questionnaires designed to measure the components of the TPB. In addition, their parents or caregivers completed a questionnaire examining their child-feeding practices. Subjective norm, behavioural belief, attitude and perceived behavioural control significantly predicted intentions, which, in turn, predicted self-reported dietary behaviour. Parental influence did not increase the model's explanatory power. Results support the application of the TPB to the prediction of food choice-related intention and behaviour among children; however, the role of parental influence requires further examination.

Keywords: Children; dietary behaviour; health; parental influence; Theory of Planned Behaviour

Document Type: Research article

DOI: 10.1080/13548500601164396

Affiliations: 1: Massey University, Palmerston North, New Zealand

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