摘要:

ObjectivesAccording to the terror management health model, conscious thoughts of death motivate productive health behaviours when the targeted behaviour is perceived as an effective route for mitigating the threat and removing death‐related thought from focal awareness. The present study thus examined whether messages manipulating the efficacy of a health behaviour moderate health outcomes when participants are presented with a fear appeal that makes death thought conscious.DesignA 3 (fear appeal: cancer vs. appearance vs. neutral) × 2 (delay vs. no delay) × 2 (effective vs. non‐effective) between‐subjectsANOVAwas conducted.MethodsBeach patrons were randomly assigned to a cancer, appearance, or neutral‐threat fear appeal followed by a delay or no delay. Subsequently, they read messages highlighting the effectiveness or ineffectiveness of sun protection behaviours and reported their intentions to engage in those behaviours.ResultsWhen fear appeals primed conscious thoughts of death, framing sun protection as ineffective decreased sun protection intentions relative to framing sun protection as effective. In contrast, fear appeals that did not consciously prime death, or appeals followed by a delay that allowed thoughts of death to fade from consciousness, did not interact with efficacy messages.ConclusionsThe findings revealed that messages impacting sun protection efficacy moderated sun protection intentions only when death was conscious. The findings have implications for understanding the conditions that render certain fear appeals, and accompanying messages of efficacy, more influential than others.Statement of contributionWhat is already known on this subject?Health communications that arouse fear motivate adaptive health behaviours to the extent that people perceive that the behaviour is capable of being performed (i.e., self‐efficacy) and will be effective at preventing the undesired outcome (i.e., response efficacy). According to the terror management health model (TMHM), health threats associated with mortality activate conscious thoughts of death. Moreover, theTMHMhas found that when death thoughts are conscious, the belief that a health behaviour is effective predicts greater prevention intentions in an effort to remove the health threat, and conscious thoughts of death, from focal attention.What does this study add?Framing sun protection behaviours as effective increases sun protection behaviours among individuals exposed to a fear appeal that primes conscious thoughts of death (e.g., skin cancer from sun damage) relative to framing the behaviour as ineffective.Framing sun protection behaviours as effective after a fear appeal that does not prime death‐related thoughts (e.g., appearance damage from sun damage) does not affect sun protection behaviours.Framing sun protection behaviours as effective or non‐effective has no effect on sun protection intentions when death is

ISSN:1359-107X    

DOI:10.1111/bjhp.12019

年代:2014

数据来源: WILEY

摘要:

ObjectiveThe aim of this research was to evaluate the effectiveness of a school‐based intervention designed to enhance young people's motivations to breastfeed.DesignA cluster randomized controlled trial was conducted involving 50 post‐primary schools from acrossNorthernIreland. However, dropout and exclusion criteria utilized for the current study resulted in an effective sample size of 42 schools.MethodsThe intervention was delivered in two 35‐min classroom sessions targeting those beliefs identified by the theory of planned behaviour (TPB) as significant in predicting motivation to breastfeed. Questionnaires incorporating the key components of theTPBwere administered to all intervention and control schools at baseline, 1 and 6 months post‐intervention. Multi‐level modelling was used to analyse the data.ResultsFindings suggest that the intervention was effective in that it increased females' intentions to breastfeed, expanded their knowledge and led to more favourable attitudes and perceptions of subjective norms. Notably, females' knowledge increased more in secondary schools than in grammar schools irrespective of whether they were control or intervention schools.ConclusionThe research has provided evidence to support the use of theTPBin the design and evaluation of an intervention to increase females' intentions to breastfeed.Statement of contributionWhat is already known on this subject?The beneficial effects of breastfeeding are widely documented, and exclusive breastfeeding for the first 6 months of an infant's life continues to be encouraged. However,NorthernIreland still has the lowest rates of breastfeeding inEurope and one of the lowest rates of breastfeeding worldwide. The school system has the potential to positively promote breastfeeding, but work here is sporadic and uncoordinated. The theory of planned behaviour (TPB) is a useful framework for designing and evaluating behavioural change interventions, but as yet, no study has designed and evaluated the effectiveness of an intervention specifically targeted at those beliefs identified as important in predicting uptake of a particular behaviour.What does this study add?This study provides evidence to support: The effectiveness of a randomized controlled trial in health psychology. The efficacy of theTPBas a useful framework for the design and evaluation of a behavioural change intervention. The school system as a means of promoting positive attitudes to br

ISSN:1359-107X    

DOI:10.1111/bjhp.12024

年代:2014

数据来源: WILEY

摘要:

ObjectiveMany studies have investigated the phenomenon of repression. Repressors are defined as individuals who deny or avoid the experience of negative affect. A common method for the identification of repressors is a median split approach using questionnaires that measure anxiety and social desirability. The present study aimed to evaluate this most frequently used procedure using a psychometric model.DesignWe applied item response theory using model assumptions comparable with those of the median split approach to detect repressors and examine the appropriateness of the median split procedure.MethodsA mixed sample of 655 students and members of the general public completed the two scales usually used to identify repressors, namely theTaylorManifestAnxietyScale and the Marlowe‐CrowneSocialDesirabilityScale.ResultsEmploying item response theory mixture‐model analyses, we were unable to replicate the median split solution on a latent level.ConclusionsOur results did not support the identification of repressors via dichotomization of the two scales. The median split approach does not appear to detect repressors satisfactorily. The implications of the results for the conceptualization and assessment of repressors are discussed.Statement of contributionWhat is already known on this subject?Repression is a construct describing the suppression, denial or failure to exhibit negative emotions, and has been associated with many health outcomes. In much of the literature, two self‐report scales are used to identify repressors, one measuring manifest anxiety and the other measuring social desirability. Median splits on these scales identify people low in manifest anxiety and high in self‐reported social desirability as repressors.What does this study add?Using item‐response theory we examined whether median splits are an appropriate method to identify repressors. We found that the latent classes did not show the characteristic pattern suggested by the median split approach and concluded that the psychometric model did not support the classification of individuals via median splits. Our findings have implications for future work using the repression construct and median splits to identify r

ISSN:1359-107X    

DOI:10.1111/bjhp.12029

年代:2014

数据来源: WILEY

摘要:

ObjectivesWhile healthy eating patterns are of high importance in adolescence, most adolescents portray quite unhealthy eating behaviour. One reason for this may be that social norms among peers tend to be unsupportive of healthy eating. The current study investigates whether communicating health‐promoting descriptive and injunctive norms influences adolescents' intended and actual fruit consumption.DesignThe study employed an experimental prospective design.MethodsA norm message manipulation (descriptive vs. injunctive vs. no‐norm control) was administered to high school students, after which fruit intake intention (N = 96) was assessed. At follow‐up, actual fruit intake over 2 days (N = 80) was recorded.ResultsAdolescents receiving the descriptive norm did not report higher fruit intake intentions than the control group, but did consume (borderline,p = .057) significantly more fruit in the following 2 days (2.3 portions per day) than the control condition (1.7 portion per day). Adolescents receiving the injunctive norm reported lower fruit intake intentions than the other two groups, but actual fruit consumption (1.5 portions per day) was similar to that of the control group.ConclusionsHealth‐promoting injunctive norms not only had no positive effects on fruit intake but actually caused a decrease in fruit intake intentions, indicating that injunctive norms may be vulnerable to reactance. A health‐promoting descriptive norm was found to positively affect fruit intake in adolescents. No effect on fruit intake intention was found. Results show that simple single‐sentence norm messages hold the potential to substantially influence health behaviour.Statement of contributionWhat is already known on this subject?Previous research has shown that both descriptive and injunctive norms can influence behaviour. There are indications that for health behaviour specifically, descriptive norms may be more influential than injunctive norms. These previous studies have, however, been cross‐sectional in nature.What does this study add?The current study demonstrates that a very short and simple norm manipulation has the potential to substantially influence health behaviour. The current study demonstrates that injunctive norm messages have no influence on fruit intake, but a negative influence on fruit intake intentions, pointing to the potential that injunctive norms hold to induce resistance and reactance. The current study demonstrates that descriptive norm messages positively influence fruit intake behaviour, while intentions did not change, pointing to the possibility of descriptive norms functioning as heu

ISSN:1359-107X    

DOI:10.1111/bjhp.12030

年代:2014

数据来源: WILEY

摘要:

ObjectivesTo identify explanations for adherence to self‐care behaviours amongst adolescents with food allergy–induced anaphylaxis using two social cognition models: the health belief model (HBM) and the common sense self‐regulation model (CS‐SRM).DesignCross‐sectional self‐completion questionnaire study to gain initial evidence of the two models' feasibility/effectiveness in explaining adherence in an adolescent food‐allergic population.MethodsParticipants aged 13–19 years with a diagnosis of severe food allergy and a prescription of an adrenaline auto‐injector were recruited from hospital outpatients. Adherence to self‐care behaviours was measured in addition to constructs from theHBMandCS‐SRM.ResultsOne hundred and eighty‐eight food‐allergic adolescents completed the questionnaire. TheHBM, specifically the constructs perceived severity and barriers, accounted for 21% of the explained variance in adherence behaviours.CS‐SRMconstructs, illness identity, timeline cyclical beliefs and emotional representations explained 25% of the variance.ConclusionsBoth models performed similarly in explaining adherence to self‐care behaviours in adolescents with food allergy. Interventions designed to elicit personal barriers to adherence and to address perceptions of severity and the unpredictable nature of symptoms may be more effective in improving adherence to self‐care behaviours than current interventions.Statement of contributionWhat is already known on this subject?Patients' poor management of food allergy induced anaphylaxis is commonly attributed to lack of knowledge and ability in using the adrenaline auto‐injector. Adherence to recommended preventive self‐care behaviours, like allergen avoidance and carrying emergency medication, are rarely assessed. Social Cognition Models (SCMs) have been successfully applied to a number of adherence‐related studies in disease conditions such as asthma and diabetes, but have not yet been applied to food allergy induced anaphylaxis.What does this study add?This is the first large‐scale quantitative study of adherence behaviours in adolescents with food allergy.This is the first study to apply theoretical models to explain adherence in the adolescent food allergic population.This is the first application of both models to food allergy, and the first to compare

ISSN:1359-107X    

DOI:10.1111/bjhp.12033

年代:2014

数据来源: WILEY

摘要:

ObjectivesThis study applies three latent interaction models in the theory of planned behaviour (TPB; Ajzen, 1988, Attitudes, personality, and behavior. Homewood, IL: Dorsey Press; Ajzen, 1991,Organ. Behav. Hum. Decis. Process.,50, 179) to quitting smoking: (1) attitude × perceived behavioural control on intention; (2) subjective norms (SN) × attitude on intention; and (3) perceived behavioural control × intention on quitting behaviour.MethodsThe data derive from a longitudinal Internet survey of 939 smokers aged 15–74 over a period of 4 months. Latent interaction effects were estimated using the double‐mean‐centred unconstrained approach (Linet al., 2010,Struct. Equ. Modeling,17, 374) inLISREL.ResultsAttitude × SN and attitude × perceived behavioural control both showed a significant interaction effect on intention. No significant interaction effect was found for perceived behavioural control × intention on quitting.ConclusionsThe latent interaction approach is a useful method for investigating specific conditions betweenTPBcomponents in the context of quitting behaviour. Theoretical and practical implications of the results are discussed.Statement of contributionWhat is already known about the subject?Although research on quitting smoking in the context ofTPBis gradually growing, the exploration of latent interaction effects ofTPBvariables on quitting intentions and subsequent quitting behaviour is scarce. The double‐mean‐centred unconstrained approach is proposed as a new and user‐friendly alternative to estimate interaction effects. This study investigated threelatentinteraction effects inTPB, as applied to quitting smoking using a double‐mean‐centred unconstrained approach.What does this study add?This study provides evidence for an interaction effect for attitude × subjective norm on intention and attitude × perceived behavioural control on intention.No significant interaction effect was found for perceived behavioural control × intention on quitting behaviour.This study latent variable approach used to investigate interacti

ISSN:1359-107X    

DOI:10.1111/bjhp.12034

年代:2014

数据来源: WILEY

摘要:

ObjectivesThe study sought to (1) explain intentions to get tested for chlamydia regularly in a group of young people living in deprived areas using the theory of planned behaviour (TPB); and (2) test whether self‐identity explained additional variance in testing intentions.DesignA cross‐sectional design was used for this study.MethodsParticipants (N = 278, 53% male;M = 17.05 years) living in deprived areas of aUKcity were recruited from a vocational education setting. Participants completed a self‐administered questionnaire, including measures of attitude, injunctive subjective norm, descriptive norm, perceived behavioural control, self‐identity, intention and past behaviour in relation to getting tested for chlamydia regularly.ResultsTheTPBexplained 43% of the variance in chlamydia testing intentions with all variables emerging as significant predictors. However, self‐identity explained additional variance in intentions (ΔR2 = .22) and emerged as the strongest predictor, even when controlling for past behaviour.ConclusionsThe study identified the key determinants of intention to get tested for chlamydia regularly in a sample of young people living in areas of increased deprivation: a hard‐to‐reach, high‐risk population. The findings indicate the key variables to target in interventions to promote motivation to get tested for chlamydia regularly in equivalent samples, amongst which self‐identity is critical.Statement of contributionWhat is already known on this subject?Young people living in deprived areas have been identified as an at‐risk group for chlamydia. Qualitative research has identified several themes in relation to factors affecting the uptake of chlamydia testing, which fit well with the constructs of the Theory of Planned Behaviour (TPB). Identity concerns have also been identified as playing an important part in young people's chlamydia testing decisions.What does this study add?TPBexplained 43% of the variance in chlamydia testing intentions and all variables were significant predictors.Self‐identity explained additional 22% of the variance in intentions and emerged as the strongest predictor.Indicates key variables to target in interventions to promote regular chlamydia tes

ISSN:1359-107X    

DOI:10.1111/bjhp.12036

年代:2014

数据来源: WILEY

摘要:

ObjectivesThe objective of this study was to determine the presence of possible bidirectional causal pathways between cigarette use and spinal pain in adolescents controlling for psychosocial functioning, using a prospective longitudinal research design.DesignThe data for this study was collected from a cohort of Australian adolescents at 14 (n = 1596) and 17 (n = 1291) years of age.MethodsMultivariable logistic regression was used to assess i) if cigarette use at 14 predicted low back pain (LBP), mid back pain (MBP) or neck shoulder pain (NSP) at 17 in those adolescents without each condition at 14, and ii) if back pain only (BP), neck shoulder pain only (NSP) or comorbidBPandNSPat 14 predicted cigarette use at 17 in those adolescents who did not smoke at 14.ResultsAfter controlling for psychosocial factors, cigarette use at 14 predictedMBPat 17 (OR= 3.05, p = 0.049, 95%CI[1.01‐9.24]).BPonly at 14 was a significant risk factor for smoking at 17 (OR= 1.84, p = 0.006, 95%CI[1.19‐2.84]) after controlling for psychosocial factors.ConclusionThe findings indicate that there are bi‐directional relationships between cigarette use and spinal pain and that these relationships vary with pain location.Statement of contributionWhat is already known about the subject?Cigarette use, psychosocial problems and spinal pain are common in adolescents and evidence suggests bi‐directional relationships.What does this study add?Cigarette use, psychosocial problems and spinal pain are correlated in adolescents.BPonly at 14 years of age predicted cigarette use at 17 years of age after controlling for psychosocial factors.Cigarette use at 14 years of age predicted midBPat 17 years of age after controlling for psychosoc

ISSN:1359-107X    

DOI:10.1111/bjhp.12039

年代:2014

数据来源: WILEY

摘要:

ObjectiveThe research tested the efficacy of partner‐ and planning‐based interventions to reduce dietary fat intake over a 6‐month period.DesignRandomized controlled, blinded, parallel trial.MethodsA computer randomization feature was used to allocate council employees (N = 427, of which 393 completed baseline measures) to one of four conditions (partner + implementation intentions, partner‐only, implementation intentions, and control group) before they completed measures at baseline and follow‐ups at 1, 3, and 6 months post‐baseline. Outcome measures were comprised of validated self‐report measures of dietary fat intake (saturated fat intake, fat intake, ratio of ‘good’ fats to ‘bad’ fats); psychosocial mediators (enjoyment, intention, self‐efficacy, social influence, partner support); weight and waist size (baseline and 6 months only).ResultsData from 393 participants were analysed in accordance with intention‐to‐treat analyses. All intervention groups reported greater reductions in fat intake than the control group at 3 months. The partner‐based groups increased the ratio of ‘good’ fats to ‘bad’ fats at 3 and 6 months and lost more inches on their waist, versus the non‐partner groups. The impacts of the partner‐based manipulations on outcomes were partially mediated by greater perceived social influences, partner support, and enjoyment of avoiding high‐fat foods. The partner‐based interventions also increased intention and self‐efficacy. However, the effects in this study were typically small and generally marginally significant.ConclusionsPartner‐based interventions had some positive benefits on dietary‐related outcomes at 3 and 6 months. Support for implementation intentions was more limited.Statement of contributionWhat is already known on this subject?Minimal interventions deliverable at a population level can have significant health impact.Encouraging partner support for dietary‐related changes has yielded mixed findings.Implementation intentions have a small benefit on reducing the intake of unhealthy foods.What does this study add?This trial is the first test of the effect of collaborative implementation intentions on diet.Benefits of partner‐based strategi

ISSN:1359-107X    

DOI:10.1111/bjhp.12047

年代:2014

数据来源: WILEY

摘要:

PurposeThe benefits of an active lifestyle are widely documented, yet studies show that only a small proportion of adults engage in sufficient levels of physical activity. The workplace presents an ideal avenue for delivering initiatives to promote physical activity, overcoming commonly cited barriers such as a ‘lack of time’ and providing access to a large intersection of society. The purpose of this study was to (1) explore the types of interventions workplaces implement to promote physical activity among staff, (2) describe the characteristics of those interventions, (3) understand whether these interventions positively impact on activity levels, and (4) assess the methodological quality of studies.MethodsA systematic review of workplace physical activity interventions published up toApril 2011 was conducted to identify types of interventions and their outcomes.ResultsOf the 58 studies included, the majority utilized health promotion initiatives. There were six physical activity/exercise interventions, 13 counselling/support interventions, and 39 health promotion messages/information interventions. Thirty‐two of these studies showed a statistically significant increase in a measure of physical activity against a control group at follow‐up.ConclusionsWhile the studies included in this review show some evidence that workplace physical activity interventions can be efficacious, overall the results are inconclusive. Despite the proliferation of research in this area, there is still a need for more well‐designed studies to fully determine the effectiveness of workplace interventions for increasing physical activity and to identify the types of interventions that show the most promise.Statement of contributionWhat is already known on this subject?Despite the recognized health benefits of regular physical activity, only a small proportion of adults engage in sufficient levels of physical activity.The workplace presents an ideal avenue for the delivery of initiatives to promote physical activity.Previous reviews have concluded that the efficacy of workplace physical activity interventions is unclear and that many published studies are of poor methodological quality.What does this study add?This systematic review includes more randomized controlled trials and quasi‐experimental studies than previously published reviews of workplace physical activity interventions.While the studies included in this review do show some evidence that workplace physical activity interventions can be efficacious, overall the results are inconclusive.This review highlights that there is still a need for further well‐designed studies to be carried out in order to evaluate the effectiveness of workplace interventions for increasing physical activity and identify the types of interventions that show the

ISSN:1359-107X    

DOI:10.1111/bjhp.12052

年代:2014

数据来源: WILEY