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Examining Whether the Social Cognitive Theory Concepts Predict Childhood Obesity Prevention Outcome Expectations

Dayna S Alexander1, Chunhua Cao2, Moya L Alfonso1

  • 1Department of Community Health Behavior and Education, Jiann-Ping Hsu College of Public Health, Georgia Southern University.

International Quarterly of Community Health Education
|April 3, 2020
PubMed

Insights

Social Cognitive Theory concepts did not fully predict childhood obesity outcome expectations in African American caregivers. Further research is needed to develop effective obesity prevention for these families.

Area of Science:

  • Public Health
  • Behavioral Science
  • Childhood Obesity Research

Background:

  • Social Cognitive Theory (SCT) is frequently applied to childhood obesity prevention.
  • Understanding caregiver perceptions is crucial for effective interventions.
  • African American families in rural areas require tailored obesity prevention strategies.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To investigate the predictive power of SCT constructs on childhood obesity outcome expectations.
  • To examine mediation effects of self-efficacy and behavioral capability.
  • To inform culturally relevant childhood obesity prevention programs for African American families.

Main Methods:

  • Cross-sectional survey of 128 African American caregivers.
  • Multiple linear regression analysis to assess direct effects.
  • Bootstrapping mediation analysis to test indirect effects.

Main Results:

  • SCT relationships were not fully supported in this population.
  • Moral disengagement and self-efficacy were reported at high levels.
  • Behavioral capability and environment were at moderate levels; indirect effects were not significant.

Conclusions:

  • Current SCT applications may need refinement for African American families in rural settings.
  • Further investigation into SCT's applicability is warranted for obesity prevention.
  • Culturally sensitive approaches are essential for addressing childhood obesity in this demographic.

Keywords:
African Americanschildhood obesityrural healthsocial cognitive theory

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