EFFECTS OF DIETARY-FAT FEEDBACK ON BEHAVIORAL AND PSYCHOLOGICAL VARIABLES

This paper reports on the immediate and delayed reactions to dietary f at consumption feedback. Subjects in our study received (1) personaliz ed dietary fat feedback and (2) information about how to alter their f at consumption. Fat consumption was measured using a brief fat assessm ent instrument. Subjects were categorized into three risk groups: at o r below, above, and significantly above the recommended level. Emotion al, cognitive, and behavioral reactions were measured immediately afte r receiving feedback and at 1 month postfeedback. Subjects who receive d high fat feedback showed greater negative emotional distress in resp onse to the feedback and stated that they knew less about high-fat foo ds than subjects receiving lower feedback. By the 1-month follow-up, s ubjects in the highest feedback condition were least likely to report intentions to lower their dietary fat. Interventions designed to alter dietary fat consumption should take into account the emotional and co gnitive consequences of risk factor feedback.