Factors That Influence Maternal Feeding Decisions for Toddlers: Extending the Theory of Planned Behavior

AbstractObjective To use the Theory of Planned Behavior (TPB) to assess mothers' behavioral intentions provide toddlers with a healthy diet and see if addition parental role construction (PRC) variable strengthened TPB. Design An online survey using data gathered from preliminary research previously validated survey. Participants The final sample consisted 148 mothers. mean age was 32.8 (SD = 6.16) years. Most participants were married (87.2%), had earned college degree or higher (79.7%), held part-time full-time employment (60.8%), White (90.3%). Main Outcome Measures TPB constructs, PRC, surrounding toddler feeding. Analysis determinants intention per explored descriptive statistics multiple linear regression. Results model predicted 53% variance in mother's their diet. PRC added 6% more predictive power model. Conclusions Implications Mothers' feeding strongly influenced by constructs perceptions maternal role. Health promotion efforts should aim increase sense control responsibility rather than focusing on benefits eating.