Variables of the Theory of Planned Behavior are associated with family meal frequency among adolescents

Abstract

Objective: To examine associations between Theory of Planned Behavior variables and the family meal frequency.

Methods: Fifth-through seventh-grade students (n = 236) completed a self-administered questionnaire in their classrooms. The relationships between Theory of Planned Behavior variables (intention, attitudes, subjective norms, and perceived behavioral control) and family meal frequency were examined with Spearman correlations and multiple logistic regression analysis.

Results: Positive intention, positive subjective norm of family eating together, and lower perceived difficulty of making time increased the odds of adolescents having family dinners at least 5 d/wk compared with adolescents having family dinners 2 days or fewer per week. Positive intention and lower perceived difficulty for making time increased odds of having family breakfasts at least 5 d/wk.

Conclusions and implications: To increase family meal frequency, nutrition educators are encouraged to focus on increasing intention, creating positive norms about the family meal, and reducing perceived barriers caused by time conflicts.