Publications (3) View all
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Article: Closing the intention-behaviour gap for sunscreen use and sun protection behaviours.
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ABSTRACT: Objective Two studies were conducted with the aim of closing the intention-behaviour gap for sunscreen use and sun protection behaviours by examining the influence of self-regulatory capacity on the prediction of sunscreen use (Study 1) and self-regulatory capacity and habit on sun protection behaviours (Study 2). Design Studies were conducted online. Participants completed questionnaires and cognitive measures and then reported behaviour one week later. Main Outcome Measures Questionnaires measuring intention and cognitive tasks measuring self-regulatory capacity were administered to 209 university students. One week later, participants reported behaviour. In Study 2, questionnaires measuring intentions, and habit and cognitive tasks measuring self-regulatory capacity were administered to 178 university students who reported behaviour one week later. Results Intention accounted for 7.1% of variance in sunscreen use, no measures of self-regulation accounted for variance in behaviour or moderated the intention-behaviour gap (Study 1). Intention, self-regulatory capacity and habit accounted for 56.1% of variance in sun protection behaviours (Study 2). Intention, self-regulatory ability and habit predicted behaviour, while habit moderated the intention-behaviour gap. Conclusion Interventions aimed at increasing sun protection behaviours should take into account level of intention, self-regulatory capacity and habit. Individuals may benefit from habit formation strategies and self-regulation training.Psychology & Health 12/2012; · 1.69 Impact Factor -
Article: Self-regulation versus habit: The influence of self-schema on fruit and vegetable consumption.
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ABSTRACT: The aim of this study is to examine the determinants of fruit and vegetable (F&V) consumption with the application of the Theory of Planned Behaviour (TPB) and the additional variables of self-schema, habit and self-regulation. While it has been shown that those with a healthy-eater self-schema are more likely to carry out their healthy dietary intentions, the underlying processes that influence this relationship have received limited empirical attention. Recent findings on dietary behaviour suggest that self-regulatory ability and habit strength may have dissimilar effects on the intention-behaviour relationship within schematics and non-schematics. Self-report questionnaires regarding F&V consumption cognitions and two tests of self-regulation were administered to 209 university students. One week later, participants completed questionnaires on their behaviour. The TPB significantly predicted intentions and prospective behaviour. Self-schema did not moderate the relationship between intention and behaviour. However, within healthy-eater schematics, those with high intention and high self-regulatory ability were more likely to consume F&V, while within non-schematics, those with low intention and high habit strength were more likely to consume F&V. The findings support the use of the TPB in predicting F&V consumption and the validity of the self-schema distinction. Implications for designing interventions are discussed.Psychology & Health 08/2011; 27 Suppl 2:7-24. · 1.69 Impact Factor -
Article: The role of executive function in bridging the intention-behaviour gap for binge-drinking in university students.
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ABSTRACT: Alcohol consumption contributes to a significant proportion of disease and the high prevalence amongst young adults is a worldwide health concern. To determine which aspects of executive function (EF) distinguish binge-drinkers from non binge-drinkers and to establish the role of EF in predicting behaviour. Self-report questionnaires, four tests of self-regulation and a behaviour measure were administered to 153 students. The Theory of Planned Behaviour model was significant in predicting both intentions and behaviour. Although binge-drinkers and non binge-drinkers were found to differ on three of the four measures of EF, none predicted additional variance in behaviour. Planning ability and inhibition control moderated the relationship between intention and behaviour such that for individuals who intended to binge-drink, those with high planning ability or high inhibitory control were more likely to avoid doing so. Interventions targeting binge-drinking behaviour should aim to develop planning skills and inhibitory control.Addictive behaviors 05/2011; 36(10):1023-6. · 2.25 Impact Factor
