Predicting fruit and vegetable consumption in long-haul heavy goods vehicle drivers : application of a multi-theory, dual-phase model and the contribution of past behaviour

Fruit and vegetable intake is insufficient in industrialized nations and long-haul heavy goods vehicle (HGV) drivers are considered a particularly at-risk group. The aim of the current study was to test the effectiveness of a multi-theory, dual-phase model to predict fruit and vegetable consumption in Australian long-haul HGV drivers. A secondary aim was to examine the effect of past fruit and vegetable consumption on model paths. A prospective design with two waves of data collection spaced one week apart was adopted. Long-haul HGV drivers (N = 212) completed an initial survey containing theory-based measures of motivation (autonomous motivation, intention), social cognition (attitudes, su…

DEBATE: Do interventions based on behavioral theory work in the real world?

Background: Behavioral scientists suggest that for behavior change interventions to work effectively, and deliver population-level health outcomes, they must be underpinned by behavioral theory. However, despite implementation of such interventions, population levels of both health outcomes and linked behaviors have remained relatively static. We debate the extent to which interventions based on behavioral theory work in the real world to address population health outcomes. Discussion: Hagger argues there is substantive evidence supporting the efficacy and effectiveness of interventions based on behavioral theory in promoting population-level health behavior change in the ‘real world’. Howe…

Habit and physical activity : Theoretical advances, practical implications, and agenda for future research

Objective: Understanding habits may inform intervention development aimed at promoting physical activity maintenance for long-term health. In the present article, I review theory and research on habits applied to physical activity. I provide an overview of contemporary conceptualizations of habit and habit theory; address whether or not physical activity can be habitual; review perspectives on how physical activity habits develop; summarize research on effects of physical activity habits; identify intervention strategies effective in promoting physical activity habits; and propose an agenda for future research on physical activity habits. Design and Methods: Conceptual and narrative review.…

Effects of self-efficacy on healthy eating depends on normative support: a prospective study of long-haul truck drivers

Purpose Fruit and vegetable intake (FV) is insufficient in industrialized nations and there is excess of discretionary food choices (DC; foods high in fat, sugar, and salt). Long-haul truck drivers are considered a particularly at-risk group given the limited food choices and normatively reinforced eating habits at truck rest-stops. Self-efficacy and normative support are key determinants of eating behavior yet the processes underlying their effects on behavior are not well understood. We tested the direct and interactive effects of self-efficacy and normative support on healthy eating behaviors in long-haul truck drivers in a prospective correlational study. Method Long-haul truck drivers …

The influence of university students stress mindsets on health and performance outcomes

Background Emerging evidence indicates that holding particular stress mindsets has favorable implications for peoples’ health and performance under stress. Purpose The aim of the current study was to examine the processes by which implicit and explicit stress mindsets relate to health- and performance-related outcomes. Specifically, we propose a stress beliefs model in which somatic responses to stress and coping behaviors mediate the effect of stress mindsets on outcomes. Methods Undergraduate university students (N = 218, n = 144 females) aged 17– 25 years completed measures of stress mindset, physical and psychological wellbeing, perceived stress, perceived somatic responses to stress, p…

Being active in pregnancy : Theory-based factors associated with physical activity among pregnant women

Although regular physical activity is recommended for pregnant women, compared to pre-pregnancy, antenatal physical activity often reduces or ceases completely. Drawing from the theory of planned behavior, self-determination theory, and theory on self-control, we aimed to test an integrative model of physical activity in a sample of pregnant women. The current study was conducted in Brisbane, Australia, in 2014–2015 using a prospective-correlational design with a one-week follow-up. Participants (N = 207, Time 1; Meanage = 30.03 years, SDage = 4.49 years) completed an initial survey measuring: intrinsic motivation from the self-determination theory, social cognitive constructs from the theo…

Non-Conscious Processes and Dual-Process Theories in Health Psychology

Additional file 1: of Using physical education to promote out-of school physical activity in lower secondary school students â a randomized controlled trial protocol

PETALS measures. Measures, data collection time points and methods in the PETALS intervention. Overview of measures, data collection time points and methods in the PETALS intervention including main outcome measure, secondary outcome measure, mediating measures, additional measures, teacher measures, parenting measures and demographic measures. (DOCX 17 kb)

Grit and self-discipline as predictors of effort and academic attainment

Background: Beyond ability, traits related to perseverance, such as grit and self‐discipline, are associated with adaptive educational outcomes. Few studies have examined the independent effects of these traits on outcomes and the mechanisms involved. - Aims: This study estimated parameters of a process model in which grit‐perseverance of effort (grit‐effort) and consistency of interest (grit‐interest) dimensions and self‐discipline were independent predictors of students’ science grades. The effect of the grit‐effort on grades was expected to be mediated by students’ self‐reported effort on optional out‐of‐school science learning activities. - Sample: Secondary school students (N = 110) ag…

Using meta-analytic path analysis to test theoretical predictions in health behavior: An illustration based on meta-analyses of the theory of planned behavior

Objective Synthesizing research on social cognitive theories applied to health behavior is an important step in the development of an evidence base of psychological factors as targets for effective behavioral interventions. However, few meta-analyses of research on social cognitive theories in health contexts have conducted simultaneous tests of theoretically-stipulated pattern effects using path analysis. We argue that conducting path analyses of meta-analytic effects among constructs from social cognitive theories is important to test nomological validity, account for mediation effects, and evaluate unique effects of theory constructs independent of past behavior. We illustrate our points…

An integrated model of condom use in Sub-Saharan African youth: A meta-analysis.

Objective: We tested an integrated social–cognitive model derived from multiple theories of the determinants of young people's condom use in Sub-Saharan Africa. The model comprised seven social–cognitive antecedents of condom use: Attitudes, norms, control, risk perceptions, barriers, intentions, and previous condom use. Method: We conducted a systematic search of studies including effects between at least one model construct and intended or actual condom use in young people from sub-Saharan African countries. Fifty-five studies comprising 72 independent data sets were included and subjected to random-effects meta-analysis. Demographic and methodological variables were coded as moderators. …

Protecting Young Children Against Skin Cancer : Parental Beliefs, Roles, And Regret

Objective To examine the role of parental beliefs, roles, and anticipated regret toward performing childhood sun-protective behaviours. Methods Parents (N = 230; 174 mothers, 56 fathers), recruited using a nonrandom convenience sample, of at least 1 child aged between 2 and 5 years completed an initial questionnaire assessing demographics and past behaviour as well as theory of planned behaviour global (attitude, subjective norm, and perceived behavioural control) and belief-based (behavioural, normative, and control beliefs) measures, role construction, and anticipated regret regarding their intention and behaviour to protect their child from the sun. Two weeks later, participants complete…

Drivers’ experiences during floods : investigating the psychological influences underpinning decisions to avoid driving through floodwater

A major risk factor for many flood-related drownings is driving through floodwater. We aimed to understand Australian drivers’ experiences and beliefs with respect to avoid driving through floodwater using the theory of planned behaviour as a framework. Study 1 (N = 23) used a qualitative design to gain an in-depth understanding of individuals’ experiences with driving through floodwater. Study 2 (N = 157) used a survey-based design to identify the factors related to this behaviour including knowledge, beliefs, and social-cognitive factors. In Study 1, drivers identified a range of advantages (e.g., didn’t damage car), disadvantages (e.g., inconvenient, but not so terrible), barriers (e.g.,…

The trans-contextual model of motivation : an integrated multi-theory model to explain the processes of motivational transfer across context

Effects of medication, treatment, and behavioral beliefs on intentions to take medication in patients with familial hypercholesterolemia

Background and aims Although familial hypercholesterolemia (FH) can be effectively managed using cholesterol-lowering medication, patients often fall short of complete treatment adherence. Identifying the psychological factors associated with self-regulation of FH medication is important to inform interventions to maximize adherence. The aim of the present study was to test an integrated psychological model in predicting FH patients' intentions to take medication. Methods FH patients attending clinics in seven countries were invited to participate in a cross-sectional survey study. Consenting patients (N = 551) completed self-report measures of generalized beliefs about medication overuse a…

Commentary: Misguided Effort with Elusive Implications, and Sifting Signal from Noise with Replication Science

Translational Research for Improving the Care of Familial Hypercholesterolemia: The “Ten Countries Study” and Beyond

Familial hypercholesterolemia (FH) is the most common and serious form of inherited hyperlipidaemia. Dominantly inherited with high penetrance, untreated FH leads to premature death from coronary artery disease due to accelerated atherosclerosis from birth. Despite its importance, there is still a major shortfall in awareness, detection and treatment of FH worldwide. International models of care for FH have recently been published, but their effective implementation requires the garnering of more knowledge about the condition. The “Ten Countries Study” aims to investigate diagnostic, epidemiological and service aspects, as well as physician practices and patient experiences of FH in several…

Health Beliefs of Wearing Facemasks for Influenza A/H1N1 Prevention : A Qualitative Investigation of Hong Kong Older Adults

Although vaccination is the first-line strategy controlling and preventing influenza A/H1N1 for older adults, personal protective measures, such as wearing facemasks, are also important preventive behaviors to reduce the risk of becoming infected with influenza A/H1N1 during a pandemic. In the current study, we aimed to explore the belief-related psychological factors of wearing facemasks for influenza A/H1N1 prevention in a sample of Hong Kong older adults. Community-dwelling Chinese adults (N = 137) aged between 65 and 80 years (Mage = 75.10; SDage = 6.49) participated in semistructured interviews. Data were analyzed using theoretical thematic analysis and identified themes were matched d…

Predicting sugar consumption : Application of an integrated dual-process, dual-phase model

Excess consumption of added dietary sugars is related to multiple metabolic problems and adverse health conditions. Identifying the modifiable social cognitive and motivational constructs that predict sugar consumption is important to inform behavioral interventions aimed at reducing sugar intake. We tested the efficacy of an integrated dual-process, dual-phase model derived from multiple theories to predict sugar consumption. Using a prospective design, university students (N = 90) completed initial measures of the reflective (autonomous and controlled motivation, intentions, attitudes, subjective norm, perceived behavioral control), impulsive (implicit attitudes), volitional (action and c…

A Case For a Study Quality Appraisal in Survey Studies in Psychology

The lack of replication of key effects in psychology has highlighted some fundamental problems with reporting of research findings and methods used (Asendorpf et al., 2013; Open Science Collaboration, 2015). Problems with replication have been attributed to sources of bias such as questionable research practices like HARK-ing (Kerr, 1998) or p-hacking (Simmons et al., 2011). Another potential source of bias is lack of precision in the conduct and methods used in psychological research, which likely introduces systematic error into data collected with the potential to affect results. A related issue is lack of accuracy in reporting study methods and findings. There is, therefore, increased r…

Is unintentional doping real, or just an excuse?

Reflective and Impulsive Processes Underlying Saving Behavior and the Additional Roles of Self-Control and Habit

Using a dual-process framework, the aim of this research was to investigate the associations between reflective and impulsive processes and saving behavior. Self-control and saving habit were tested as additional factors that potentially moderate the relationship between constructs representing reflective and impulsive processes and behavior, or exert indirect effects on behavior through these systems. A community sample of 594 participants completed measures of saving intention, buying impulsiveness, trait self-control, saving automaticity, and propensity to save money. A well-fitting variance-based structural equation model, goodness-of-fit index = 0.338, average path coefficient = .119, …

Changing people’s attitudes and beliefs toward driving through floodwaters : Evaluation of a video infographic

Despite awareness of campaigns such as ‘Turn Around, Don’t Drown’ and the Australian state of Queensland’s ‘If It’s Flooded, Forget It’, people continue to drive through floodwaters, causing loss of life, risk to rescuers, and damage to vehicles. The aim of this study was to develop a video infographic that highlights the dangers of driving through floodwaters and provide safety tips to reduce the risk, and to evaluate its effectiveness in changing the beliefs and intentions of Australian adults toward this risky driving behaviour. This study adopted an online three-wave non-controlled pretest–posttest design. Australian licensed drivers (N = 201, male = 41, female = 160; Mage = 34.10) self…

Attitudes and beliefs towards alcohol minimum pricing in Western Australia

Modelling data have provided good evidence to support the efficacy of a minimum pricing policy for alcoholic beverages as a means to reduce alcohol consumption and risky and harmful drinking. The aim of the present study was to investigate attitudes and beliefs towards a minimum price policy for alcohol among members of the general public in Western Australia (WA). The study also explored what factors might promote acceptance of the policy. Eleven focus groups, comprising participants from a broad range of backgrounds in WA, were conducted. Using a facilitator-administered semi-structured interview schedule participants discussed their beliefs about the policy and how its acceptability migh…

Training programme for novice physical activity instructors using Teaching Personal and Social Responsibility (TPSR) model : a programme development and protocol

Previous research indicates that programmes employing Hellison?s Teaching Personal and Social Responsibility (TPSR) model in physical activity have had a positive impact on youth development by increasing participants? positive values, autonomy, life skills, and prosocial behaviour. Despite encouraging results of the effects of TPSR-based programmes, there remains lack of research on the effective content of these programmes, and their implementation and evaluation. The current protocol article describes the development of a TPSR-based instructor training programme and a plan for an intervention study in which novice instructors learn to understand and apply the TPSR model in practice. The …

Driving through floodwater: Exploring driver decisions through the lived experience

More than half of unintentional flood-related drowning deaths in Australia are due to driving through floodwater, despite on-going public campaigns. Currently, there is a knowledge gap in understanding why individuals choose to drive through floodwater and the decisions that may lead to such actions. We propose that a more complete understanding of individuals’ decisions to drive through floodwater needs to be considered in the context of the lived experience. Australian drivers (N = 20) who had intentionally driven through floodwater participated in semi-structured interviews. Data were analysed using a thematic analysis based in an interpretivist approach. Past experience, individual perc…

A randomized controlled trial of unguided internet cognitive-behavioral treatment for perfectionism in individuals who engage in regular exercise

Objective Clinical perfectionism has been found to be a risk and maintaining factor in eating disorders (EDs), compulsive exercise, and athlete burnout. This study investigated whether an unguided internet cognitive–behavioral treatment (ICBT) for perfectionism would reduce ED pathology, compulsive exercise, and burnout in individuals who engage in regular exercise. Method Participants were randomly allocated to intervention (n = 38) or waitlist control (n =29). A generalized linear mixed model (GLMM) analysis was conducted pre and post treatment. A follow‐up analysis was conducted with the intervention group at 3 and 6 months. Results The intervention group experienced a significant reduct…

Compulsive exercise as a mediator between clinical perfectionism and eating pathology

The aim of this study was to examine whether compulsive exercise mediates the relationship between clinical perfectionism and eating pathology, based on the cognitive behavioral model of compulsive exercise. Participants were 368 adults who participated regularly in sport/exercise and completed online measures of perfectionism, compulsive exercise and eating disorders. In support of the well-established link between perfectionism and eating disorders, clinical perfectionism predicted eating pathology both directly and indirectly mediated by compulsive exercise. In addition, there were also direct effects of clinical perfectionism on the avoidance/rule-driven behavior, weight control, and mo…

Affect in the Context of Self-Determination Theory

Self-determination theory has been applied to understand the role of affect in motivation and behavior in health contexts. According to self-determination theory, autonomous forms of motivation, reflecting self-endorsed reasons for acting and the satisfaction of psychological needs, are related to participation and persistence in health behavior. Research examining the role of affect in determining health behavior from the perspective of the theory is relatively sparse. Affect has served as both an outcome and process in applications of the theory to health behavior. Positive affect and psychological well-being have been identified as important outcomes of participating in behaviors for aut…

The lived experience of rescuing people who have driven into floodwater : understanding challenges and identifying areas for providing support

Background Drowning is a major public health issue, with risk increasing during times of flood. Driving into floodwater is a major risk factor for flood‐related drowning and injury, and despite widespread public health campaigns, many people continue to undertake this risky behaviour and require rescue. Purpose We aimed to identify key challenges faced by emergency services personnel when rescuing those who have driven into floodwater, and to identify strategies for supporting rescuers in this important role. Methods Australian flood rescue operators (N = 8) who had previously rescued a driver who had driven into floodwater participated in semi‐structured interviews. Data were analysed usin…

The role of teachers’ controlling behaviour in physical education on adolescents’ health-related quality of life : test of a conditional process model

Students’ health-related quality of life (HRQoL) may depend on the extent to which the school environment fostered by their teacher is perceived as autonomy-supportive. We tested a conditional process model in a physical education context in which students’ perception of their teachers’ autonomy-supportive behaviour moderated the relationship between perceived controlling behaviour and HRQoL via need frustration. School students (N = 1042) completed self-report measures of perceived teachers’ autonomy support, perceived controlling behaviour, need frustration, and HRQoL. As predicted, the effect of perceived teachers’ controlling behaviour on HRQoL was mediated by need frustration. Perceive…

Differential effects of perceptions of equal, favourable and unfavourable autonomy support on educational and well-being outcomes

In this study, we examined whether high-school students experienced optimal educational and well-being outcomes when they perceived that they and their classmates received an equal, rather than unequal, and high amount of autonomy support from teachers. In a prospective study that aimed to predict academic grades and well-being outcomes, surface analyses of polynomial regression equations pointed that perceptions of equal autonomy support were the most optimal in terms of yielding highest levels of need satisfaction, autonomous forms of motivation and happiness with math courses. Additionally, in accordance with tenets of self-determination theory, we demonstrated that effects associated wi…

Alcohol use, aquatic injury, and unintentional drowning : A systematic literature review

Issues Drowning is a global public health issue, and there is a strong association between alcohol and risk of drowning. No previous systematic review known to date has identified factors associated with alcohol use and engagement in aquatic activities resulting in injury or drowning (fatal and non‐fatal). Approach Literature published from inception until 31 January 2017 was reviewed. Included articles were divided into three categories: (i) prevalence and/or risk factors for alcohol‐related fatal and non‐fatal drowning and aquatic injury, (ii) understanding alcohol use and aquatic activities, and (iii) prevention strategies. Methodological quality of studies was assessed using National He…