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ARS Home » Plains Area » Houston, Texas » Children's Nutrition Research Center » Research » Publications at this Location » Publication #140918
Title: GOAL SETTING IS NOT RELATED TO CHANGE IN FRUIT, JUICE, & VEGETABLE CONSUMPTION AMONG 4TH GRADE CHILDREN.

Author
item PRYOR, E - BAYLOR COLLEGE OF MED
item Cullen, Karen
item Baranowski, Thomas
item Owens, Emiel
item DE MOOR, C - UT MD ANDERSON CNCR CNTR

Submitted to: Journal Of The American Dietetic Association
Publication Type: Abstract Only
Publication Acceptance Date: 9/1/2001
Publication Date: 9/1/2001
Citation: Pryor EW, Cullen KW, Baranowski T, Owens E, De Moor C. 2001. Goal setting is not related to change in fruit, juice, & vegetable consumption among 4th grade children. Journal of the American Dietetic Association. 101(9 Suppl.):A54.

Interpretive Summary: Not required.

Technical Abstract: Goal setting is a frequently used strategy to help people change their behavior, yet little research has examined the relationship between use of goal setting and dietary behavior change. Squire's Quest! is a 1O-session interactive multimedia computer game for 4th grade children designed to increase fruit (F), juice (J), and vegetable (V) consumption. The intervention includes setting 2 FJ goals, 4 V goals, and 3 general FJV goals over the 10 sessions. Six hundred seventy-one 4th grade students in the treatment group [18 White, 43% African-American, 31% Hispanic, and 8% Asian/Other; 48 boys; 66% low income (>50% free/reduced lunch)] participated in an evaluation of the game, and completed questionnaires on self efficacy for eating FJV and FJV preferences, and 4 days of computerized food recalls before and after the intervention. Number of F+J, V, and general goals completed were recorded during the game. Baseline mean daily FJV consumption was 3.0±2.9 servings, and post intervention was 3.7±3.5 servings. Students completed 70% of the F goals, 61% of the V goals, and 51% of the general goals. Regression analyses were conducted on post FJ and V consumption with demographics, number of FJ, V, and general goals completed, baseline F+J and V consumption, baseline self-efficacy and preferences, and change in self-efficacy and preferences in the model. Baseline FJ consumption was the only significant predictor of post FJ consumption (Rsq=.20). Baseline V consumption and preferences predicted post V consumption (Rsq=.14). Results from this study suggest that goal setting did not contribute to FJ or V behavior change for children participating in this program. Further research should investigate ways to increase goal completion.