Using temporal self-regulation theory to predict healthy and unhealthy eating intentions and behaviour

Abstract

Background. Temporal Self-Regulation Theory (TST) proposes that behaviour is determined by intention, which is predicted by beliefs about the connectedness (likelihood), temporality and valence of behavioural outcomes. The link between intention and behaviour is hypothesized to be moderated by behavioural prepotency (BPP) and self-regulatory capacity (SRC), which also directly influence behaviour. This study aimed to test these relationships for healthy and unhealthy eating behaviour. Methods. An online survey measured the key components of TST for fruit and vegetable intake (N = 139) or unhealthy snacking (N = 128), i.e., connectedness, temporality and valence beliefs, intention, BPP (past behaviour, habit) and SRC (self-control). Eating behaviour was assessed one week later. Findings. TST explained 23% of variance in fruit and vegetable intentions and 22% of the variance in snacking intentions. TST explained 46% of the variance in fruit and vegetable intake at follow-up, with intention and past behaviour as significant predictors. Past behaviour moderated the relationship between intention and behaviour. TST explained 24% of the variance in snacking behaviour with habit and past behaviour as significant predictors. There were no moderation effects. Discussion. Overall, the study provided mixed support for TST. Contrary to hypotheses, SRC did not predict healthy or unhealthy eating behaviour and moderation effects on the intention-behaviour relationship were only found for fruit and vegetable intake. Further research is needed to examine the role of SRC and BPP in the performance of health behaviours. The findings have implications for the development of theory-driven interventions designed to modify these behaviours.