DIETING IN ADOLESCENCE - AN APPLICATION OF THE THEORY OF PLANNED BEHAVIOR

This study examined self-reported height and weight, self/body esteem, current-ideal body figure discrepancy, dietary restraint, intentions to diet and underlying beliefs based upon the theory of planned behavi our in 128 11-year-olds (61 boys, 67 girls) and 103 13-14-year-olds (5 2 boys, 51 girls). Overall the sample showed low levels of restraint a nd intentions to diet, although there were a number of significant dif ferences between the age-sex groups. Restraint and intentions to diet were higher in the girls and restraint was more closely related to cur rent-ideal body figure discrepancy than actual degree of overweight. I ntentions to diet, and restraint were significantly predicted by belie fs about the positive outcomes of dieting, conditions facilitating die ting, and pressure from the media to attain a slim body shape. These v ariables mediated the effects of actual weight, sex and age but not se lf/body esteem or current-ideal body figure discrepancy on intentions and restraint.