Goal difficulty and goal commitment affect adoption of a lower glycemic index diet in adults with type 2 diabetes
Carla K Miller1, Amy Headings, Mark Peyrot
1Ohio State University, Department of Human Nutrition, Columbus, OH 43210, USA. CMiller@ehe.osu.edu
Objective:
Few studies have examined the effect of goal difficulty on behavioral change even though goal setting is widely used in diabetes education. The effect of a goal to consume either 6 or 8 servings/day of low glycemic index (LGI) foods was evaluated in this study.
Methods:
Adults 40-65 years old with type 2 diabetes were randomly assigned to the 6 or 8 serving/day treatment group following a 5-week GI intervention. Perceived goal difficulty, commitment, satisfaction, and self-efficacy were evaluated, and four day food records assessed dietary intake.
Results:
Both groups increased consumption of LGI foods (P<0.001); there were no significant differences in the change in consumption between groups. Participants who were more committed to the goal perceived the goal to be less difficult (P<0.01). Those with greater efficacy beliefs were more committed to their goal, perceived the goal to be less difficult, and were more satisfied with their performance (all P<0.05).
Conclusion:
A specific goal regarding LGI foods can facilitate the adoption of a lower GI diet. Future research is needed to determine if goal commitment or goal difficulty mediate the process.
Practice Implications:
Clinicians should help clients set specific goals regarding dietary change.
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