Related Experiment Video
Updated: Jul 25, 2026

Errors as a Means of Reducing Impulsive Food Choice
Published on: June 5, 2016
The use of the theory of planned behavior to explore beliefs about sugar restriction
Joyce Rose Masalu1, Anne Nordrehaug Astrøm
1Center for International Health, University of Bergen, Armauer Hansen Building, N-5021 Bergen, Norway.
Objectives:
To identify beliefs underlying attitudes, subjective norms and perceived behavioral control regarding sugar restriction using the theory of planned behavior, TPB.
Methods:
A survey of 981 students was conducted in Dar es Salaam, Tanzania.
Results:
The TPB predicted behavioral intention, with R2 = 0.25. Analysis of variance showed consistent differences between intenders (strong intentions) and nonintenders (weak intentions) with regard to beliefs of immediate sensory concerns and psychological control factors.
Conclusions:
Support was provided for the TPB constructs to predict intended sugar restriction. Beliefs distinguishing intenders from nonintenders represent targets for interventions aimed at maintaining a low-level sugar intake among students in Tanzania.
Related Concept Videos
The Placebo Effect
Blind Procedures
Self-Schemas
Confirmation Biases
Social Cognitive Perspective on Personality
Self-Regulation

