STAGES OF CHANGE IN DIETARY-FAT REDUCTION - SOCIAL-PSYCHOLOGICAL CORRELATES

This paper describes the application of the stages-of-change construct to fat intake by examining the association of social psychological va riables with stages of change based on dietary fat reduction. The asso ciation of stages of change with motivational beliefs, social influenc e, and self-efficacy variables derived from social psychological theor ies and with fat intake was assessed in 615 adults. Results indicated that stage assignment of individuals by a short self-report staging in strument was corroborated by their fat intake data and that dietary st age groups differed significantly on most variables in ways predicted by theory. ANOVA and discriminant analyses showed that variables refle cting a state of psychological readiness to change and cues to action were more strongly associated with contemplation of change. Reduction of perceived barriers, mostly in terms of taste and perceived difficul ty of performing needed behaviors, and increased overall health concer n, social modeling, and self-efficacy were associated with taking acti on and maintaining the behavior change.