Does subjective well-being predict health-enhancing behaviour? The example of fruit and vegetable consumption
Abstract
Purpose
Adhering to the guidelines regarding the consumption of fruit and vegetables is associated with positive health outcomes. Subjective well-being has been demonstrated to have a causal influence on positive health outcomes. The aim of this paper is to examine whether subjective well-being could add to the Theory of Planned Behaviour (TPB) in predicting fruit and vegetable consumption.
Design/methodology/approach
A total of 72 undergraduates completed online measures of the TPB variables, subjective well-being components (happiness and life satisfaction) and fruit and vegetable consumption at a single time point.
Findings
Subjective well-being made a significant contribution to the variance explained for both intention to consume fruit and vegetables and actual fruit and vegetable consumption (1.7% and 4.3%, respectively). Perceived behavioural control and happiness were found to be significant unique predictors of fruit and vegetable consumption.
Originality/value
The TPB appears a useful model for predicting fruit and vegetable consumption, which is enhanced by the addition of subjective well-being variables. The current study provides direction to future interventions, suggesting that targeting perceived behavioural control and the subjective well-being component of happiness may be useful for improving fruit and vegetable consumption in young adults.
Keywords
Acknowledgements
Thanks are due to the University of Sydney Health Research Lab Group for their feedback on earlier drafts.
Citation
Ding, T., Mullan, B. and Xavier, K. (2014), "Does subjective well-being predict health-enhancing behaviour? The example of fruit and vegetable consumption", British Food Journal, Vol. 116 No. 4, pp. 598-610. https://doi.org/10.1108/BFJ-07-2012-0177
Publisher
:Emerald Group Publishing Limited
Copyright © 2014, Emerald Group Publishing Limited