Motivational process of eating behaviour in diabetes patients: applying theories of planned behaviour and self-determination

Abstract

Background: The aim of the study is to examine the relationships in the applied integrated model of self-determination theory (SDT) and theory of planned behavior (TPB). Each reflects motivation on contextual and situational levels, accordingly. Methods: Study included 394 adult patients with type 1 (T1D) (41.6%) and type 2 (T2D) (58.4%) diabetes. Diet was measured by two items from Diabetes Self-Care Activities (SDSCA) questionnaire (Toobert et al., 2000). Variables within TPB were developed in accordance with the recommendations made by Ajzen (2006). Anticipated regret and practitioners’ subjective norms were added. Autonomy support was measured by HCCQ (Williams et al., 1998) for diabetes management. Treatment self-regulation style measured by TSRQ for diet (Williams et al., 2004). Cronbach alphas varied from .69 to .94. Multi-group Structural equation modeling was conducted to test model fit and to determine model invariance between two types of diabetes. Findings: The integrated model showed good model fit (CFI=.97, TLI=.92, RMSE=.07, SRMR=.05). SDT and TPB variables explained 55 and 59% of intentions in T1D and T2D, respectively. Diet behavior was predicted by autonomous motivation (β=.242) and anticipated regret (β=.201) in T1D and autonomous motivation (β=.307) and intention (β=.243) in T2D. Discussion: The findings provide evidence of the utility of integrated model in population of diabetes patients. Strengthening the autonomous motivation in both types of diabetes could be promising seeking positive effect on their diet behavior.