The Application of the Theory of Planned Behaviour to Diet in Carers of People with an Intellectual Disability

Jenkins, Catherine and McKenzie, Karen (2011) The Application of the Theory of Planned Behaviour to Diet in Carers of People with an Intellectual Disability. Journal of Applied Research in Intellectual Disabilities, 24 (3). pp. 237-246. ISSN 1360-2322

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Abstract

Background - The utility of the theory of planned behaviour (TPB) in predicting the intentions of care staff to encourage healthy eating behaviour in those they supported was examined.

Method - A quantitative, within-participant, questionnaire based design was used with 112 carers to assess the performance of two TPB models. The first contained the variables: attitude, subjective norm and perceived behavioural control. The second had additional variables of self efficacy and self identity.

Results - Model 1 accounted for 31% of the variance with all three variables being significant predictors. Adding variables increased the overall predictive power of the model by 4%, but resulted in a reduction in the predictive power of the individual variables.

Conclusion - The results suggests the TPB is a useful model for predicting carer intentions in relation to the diet of those they support, with their perceptions of the attitudes of others towards healthy eating being a key influential factor. Ways in which this may inform interventions to improve the overall health of people with intellectual disabilities are discussed.

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