The Effects of Conflicting Information on Dieting Self-Efficacy and Motivation

Vivian Wei LIn Leung
Dr. Janet Trammell, Pepperdine University
Dr. Elizabeth Mancuso, Pepperdine University

Abstract

The amount of information about different diet trends today could be overwhelming, and this may lead to confusion of the general public on whether or not one could eat healthily. This current study attempted to see the relationship among self-efficacy, motivation, and dieting, along with the possible gender influence. We hypothesized that (a) people’s level of motivation and self-efficacy would be lower when presented with conflicting information about healthy eating, in comparison to consistent information about healthy eating, and (b) gender would influence one’s level of self-efficacy and motivation when presented with conflicting dietary information, compared to consistent dietary information. Participants (N = 195, Mage = 19.24) were recruited in a small-size undergraduate University in a suburban area, and they completed measures on self-efficacy and motivation. Using two-ways ANOVAs, we found no significance of conflicting diet information on one’s self-efficacy (F (1,190) = .007, p = .935), and on one’s motivation (F (1, 190) = .089, p = .765). However, a significant relationship was found between feeling overwhelmed and conditions shown (F (1,191) = .11.296, p = .001). This finding of significance between feeling overwhelmed and being shown consistent information could be due to unfamiliarity to the diet trend shown in the consistent information. The findings of this study suggested little familiarity our participants were to the diet trends picked (Paleolithic, ketogenic, MyPlate, etc.) and explained why they felt overwhelmed after reading about diet information in general.

 
Mar 29th, 2:00 PM Mar 29th, 3:00 PM

The Effects of Conflicting Information on Dieting Self-Efficacy and Motivation

Waves Cafeteria

The amount of information about different diet trends today could be overwhelming, and this may lead to confusion of the general public on whether or not one could eat healthily. This current study attempted to see the relationship among self-efficacy, motivation, and dieting, along with the possible gender influence. We hypothesized that (a) people’s level of motivation and self-efficacy would be lower when presented with conflicting information about healthy eating, in comparison to consistent information about healthy eating, and (b) gender would influence one’s level of self-efficacy and motivation when presented with conflicting dietary information, compared to consistent dietary information. Participants (N = 195, Mage = 19.24) were recruited in a small-size undergraduate University in a suburban area, and they completed measures on self-efficacy and motivation. Using two-ways ANOVAs, we found no significance of conflicting diet information on one’s self-efficacy (F (1,190) = .007, p = .935), and on one’s motivation (F (1, 190) = .089, p = .765). However, a significant relationship was found between feeling overwhelmed and conditions shown (F (1,191) = .11.296, p = .001). This finding of significance between feeling overwhelmed and being shown consistent information could be due to unfamiliarity to the diet trend shown in the consistent information. The findings of this study suggested little familiarity our participants were to the diet trends picked (Paleolithic, ketogenic, MyPlate, etc.) and explained why they felt overwhelmed after reading about diet information in general.