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Home / American Journal of Health Behavior, Volume 26, Number 2

Intrinsic and Extrinsic Motivation and Intention to Breast-feed

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Objective: To examine the feasibility of using the cognitive evaluation theory to examine pregnant women's intention to breast-feed. Methods: A questionnaire designed to measure intrinsic and extrinsic motivation was administered to 228 pregnant women. Results: Results provide evidence for reliability and validity of the revised instrument in this population. A factor analysis suggests the instrument measures 2 types of intrinsic motivation, one type of extrinsic motivation, and motivation related to the baby. The instrument distinguished differences in motivation between women who intend to breast-feed and those who intend to formula feed. Conclusion: This study helps elucidate motivational factors involved in infant-feeding decisions.

Document Type: Research Article

Affiliations: 1: Department of Psychology, University of South Florida, Tampa, FL. 2: Behavioral Sciences and Health Education, Rollins School of Public Health, Emory University, Atlanta, GA. 3: Nutrition Services, Grady Health System, Atlanta, GA.

Publication date: 01 March 2002

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  • The American Journal of Health Behavior seeks to improve the quality of life through multidisciplinary health efforts in fostering a better understanding of the multidimensional nature of both individuals and social systems as they relate to health behaviors.

    The Journal aims to provide a comprehensive understanding of the impact of personal attributes, personality characteristics, behavior patterns, social structure, and processes on health maintenance, health restoration, and health improvement; to disseminate knowledge of holistic, multidisciplinary approaches to designing and implementing effective health programs; and to showcase health behavior analysis skills that have been proven to affect health improvement and recovery.

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