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Social cognitive theory as a framework for considering Farm to School programming
Erin Roche1, David Conner, Jane M Kolodinsky
1Center for Rural Studies at University of Vermont, 146 University Place, 206 Morrill Hall, Burlington, VT 05405, USA. Eroche1@uvm.edu
Childhood Obesity (Print)
|August 8, 2012
Summary
Farm to School (FTS) programs can be enhanced using Social Cognitive Theory (SCT). This framework helps tailor interventions by understanding distinct student attitudes and behaviors related to healthy eating.
Area of Science:
- Child Nutrition
- Public Health Interventions
- Educational Psychology
Background:
- Farm to School (FTS) programs aim to improve child health and nutrition, potentially preventing obesity.
- FTS programs often lack theoretical guidance, hindering optimal development and implementation.
- This study evaluates Social Cognitive Theory (SCT) as a framework for FTS programming.
Purpose of the Study:
- To assess the effectiveness of Social Cognitive Theory (SCT) in guiding Farm to School (FTS) program development.
- To identify distinct clusters of children based on SCT-related variables concerning fruit and vegetable consumption.
- To determine if these clusters differ in their likelihood of meeting dietary guidelines.
Main Methods:
- A survey was administered to 632 elementary schoolchildren in Vermont in 2010.
- Six indices were created from 46 variables measuring personal characteristics and experiences with fruits and vegetables, based on SCT.
- Cluster analysis was performed on these indices to identify distinct groups of students.
Main Results:
- Cluster analysis identified three distinct groups of students.
- Significant differences were found among these clusters regarding adherence to the Dietary Guidelines for Americans (DGA).
- These findings suggest SCT is a suitable framework for FTS interventions.
Conclusions:
- Distinct food-related attitudes and behaviors vary significantly across SCT-informed clusters.
- These identified differences can inform the design and implementation of more effective FTS programs.
- SCT provides a valuable theoretical basis for understanding and improving FTS initiatives.
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