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Exploring temporal self-regulation theory to predict sugar-sweetened beverage consumption
Angela Moran1, Barbara Mullan1
1School of Psychology, Curtin University, Perth, Australia.
Psychology & Health
|June 4, 2020
Summary
Reducing sugar-sweetened beverage (SSB) intake requires addressing both conscious intentions and automatic habits. Temporal self-regulation theory highlights intention, habit, and environmental cues as key targets for public health interventions.
Area of Science:
- Public Health Nutrition
- Behavioural Science
- Psychology
Background:
- Sugar-sweetened beverage (SSB) consumption is a significant public health issue linked to negative health outcomes.
- Understanding the intention-behaviour gap is crucial for developing effective strategies to reduce SSB intake.
Purpose of the Study:
- To apply temporal self-regulation theory to investigate factors influencing the intention-behaviour gap in adult SSB consumption.
- To identify key predictors of SSB consumption, including intention, habit strength, environmental cues, past behaviour, and self-control.
Main Methods:
- A prospective correlational study with 387 Australian adults completing online questionnaires.
- Measures included intention, habit strength, environmental cues, past behaviour, and self-control at baseline.
- SSB intake was assessed via self-report one week later.
Main Results:
- Temporal self-regulation theory partially explained SSB consumption, accounting for 32.9% of the variance.
- Intention, habit strength, and environmental cues were significant predictors of SSB intake.
- Self-control did not predict consumption, and no interaction effects were observed.
Conclusions:
- Both reflective (intention) and automatic (habit, environmental cues) processes influence SSB consumption.
- Interventions targeting intention, habit, and environmental cues show promise for reducing SSB intake.
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