Adolescent screen-viewing behaviour is associated with consumption of sugar-sweetened beverages: the role of habit strength and perceived parental norms

Appetite. 2007 May;48(3):345-50. doi: 10.1016/j.appet.2006.10.002. Epub 2006 Nov 28.

Abstract

The association between adolescent screen-viewing behaviour (i.e., television viewing and computer use) and the consumption of sugar-sweetened beverages was studied in a Dutch sample of adolescents (N=383) using self-administered questionnaires. In particular, the previously understudied role of habit and perceived parental norms in the execution of these behaviours was investigated. Results showed that screen-viewing behaviour was associated with consumption of sugar-sweetened beverages (r=.32). Habit strength of both behaviours correlated with a large effect size (r=.50). The interaction between both behaviours was underlined by the finding that consumption of sugar-sweetened beverages was explained by perceived parental norms regarding screen-viewing behaviour (beta=.12; adjusted for the behaviour and perceived parental norm regarding sugar-sweetened beverage consumption). Consequences of the identified role of habit and parental norms in the interplay between sedentary behaviour and consumption of sugar-sweetened beverages among adolescents are discussed.

Publication types

  • Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't

MeSH terms

  • Adolescent
  • Adolescent Behavior / psychology*
  • Attitude to Health
  • Carbonated Beverages / statistics & numerical data*
  • Child
  • Computers / statistics & numerical data
  • Dietary Sucrose / administration & dosage*
  • Feeding Behavior / psychology*
  • Female
  • Humans
  • Life Style
  • Male
  • Netherlands
  • Parenting / psychology*
  • Perception
  • Psychology, Adolescent*
  • Social Environment
  • Surveys and Questionnaires
  • Television

Substances

  • Dietary Sucrose