Search Results (20)

Growing interest in food sustainability education aims to increase awareness of food distribution systems, environmental degradation, and the connectivity of sustainable and ethical food practices. However, recent scholarship has questioned whether such pedagogical efforts are meaningfully internalized by students or lead to sustained behavioral change. Prior studies document persistent gaps in students’ understanding of sustainability impacts and the limited effectiveness of existing instructional approaches in promoting transformative engagement. To address these concerns, the Food Ethics, Sustainability and Alternatives (FESA) course was implemented with 21 undergraduate and graduate students at Montclair State University (Montclair, NJ, USA). Course outcomes were evaluated using a mixed-methods design integrating qualitative analysis with quantitative measures informed by the Theory of Planned Behavior, to identify influences on students’ attitudes, and a Transtheoretical Model (TTM) panel survey to address progression from awareness to action, administered pre- and post-semester. Qualitative findings revealed five central themes: increased self-awareness of food system contexts, heightened attention to animal ethics, the importance of structured classroom dialogue, greater recognition of food waste, and increased openness to alternative food sources. TTM results indicated significant reductions in contemplation and preparation stages, suggesting greater readiness for change, though no significant gains were observed in action or maintenance scores. Overall, the findings suggest that while food sustainability education can positively shape student attitudes, the conversion of attitudinal shifts into sustained behavioral change remains limited by external constraints, including time pressures, economic factors, culturally embedded dietary practices, structural tensions within contemporary food systems, and perceptions of limited individual efficacy. Full article

Individual actions play a pivotal role in climate change, one of the most urgent global challenges, as daily behaviors generate substantial greenhouse gas emissions. Saudi Arabia, in particular, demonstrates its strong commitment to environmental sustainability through the Saudi Green Initiative and Middle East Green Initiative, aiming for net-zero emissions by 2060 and advancing reforestation, land conservation, and renewable energy under Vision 2030. However, many Saudi individuals remain unaware of the environmental consequences of their choices, including transportation, energy consumption, and lifestyle habits. To address this gap, this study developed GreenKSA, the first Arabic-supported gamified mobile application designed to promote pro-environmental behavior within the Saudi culture. The app integrates gamification elements grounded in Self-Determination Theory (SDT) and Trans-Theoretical Model (TTM) in an attempt to bridge the gap between theory and practice. GreenKSA delivers multimedia content—short videos and infographics—demonstrating sustainable routines in households, workplaces, and mobility. The design and user experience of GreenKSA were evaluated in a pilot study of 10 participants. The results indicated high usability (SUS = 91.25) and a positive overall user experience. By combining theory-driven design with culturally relevant gamification elements, this study contributes to digital sustainability interventions and aligns with the global Sustainable Development Goals SDG 12: Responsible Consumption and Production, and SDG 13: Climate Action. Full article

As the hospitality industry adapts to meet customers’ increasing demand for wellness, incorporating innovative wellness services (WSs) has become a crucial strategy to retain customer engagement. This study explored how the psychological trait of grit may serve as a significant determinant of customer engagement with WS in the hospitality context. Grounded in the transtheoretical model (TTM) stages of change, the study examined the relation between grit and customers’ perceptions of wellness hospitality services. By integrating TTM as a theoretical framework, this research attempted to understand the way that individuals interact with and perceive wellness-oriented amenities; also, it offers actionable insights into ways to enhance customers’ engagement. The study employed a quantitative method. By using an online survey (N = 337) and structural equation modeling (SEM), the study explored the relation between grit, WS, and customer engagement in the hospitality industry. Grit was found to be an important antecedent of using and engaging with various WSs. This study also demonstrated that WSs have a significant positive effect on customers’ engagements with WS. These study findings can help hospitality professionals to identify gritty customer segments to retain possible customer retention. Full article

Background/Objectives: Sustainable nutrition is essential for human and planetary health. The Transtheoretical Model-based Sustainable Nutrition Behavior Scale (TTM-SNBS) was developed to assess sustainable nutrition behaviors and the dynamic processes of behavior change in adolescents. Methods: The item pool was generated through literature review and expert consultation using the Delphi technique (10 experts, three rounds). Construct validity was assessed using exploratory and confirmatory factor analyses. Reliability was evaluated through Cronbach’s alpha and test–retest methods. External validity was examined through correlations with the Sustainable and Healthy Eating Behaviors Scale (SHEBS), following COSMIN standards. The study included 512 adolescents aged 14–18 years (54% female) from public high schools in Ankara, Türkiye. Results: Initially, 75 items were developed through expert evaluation. After preliminary testing, two items with low and negative correlations were removed; 73 were retained for validation. Factor analyses and refinement produced a 45-item final validated scale comprising one stage of change item and five subscales: cognitive processes (14 items), behavioral processes (18 items), decisional balance—pros (4 items), decisional balance—cons (4 items), and self-efficacy (4 items). Items showed good discrimination (>0.27). Cronbach’s alpha values ranged from 0.67 to 0.93, and fit indices were acceptable (χ²/df = 2.8–4.2; RMSEA = 0.045–0.065). External validity was supported by significant positive correlations with the SHEBS. Conclusions: The TTM-SNBS is the first psychometrically validated, theory-based instrument to assess sustainable nutrition behaviors in adolescents. It offers a reliable and valid instrument to support future research and interventions promoting sustainable dietary practices. Full article

Backgrounds: To examine the association between stages of exercise behavior change, as defined by the transtheoretical model (TTM), and obesity progression among Chinese children and adolescents, with attention to gender and urban–rural differences. Methods: A total of 5006 Chinese children and adolescents aged 9–18 years were assessed in 2019 and followed up in 2020. Participants were categorized into five TTM stages: precontemplation, contemplation, preparation, action, and maintenance. Logistic regression models evaluated the associations between the TTM stages and obesity outcomes, including incident obesity and transitions from normal or overweight to obesity. Analyses were stratified by gender and urban–rural residence, and interaction effects were tested. Results: Compared to the maintenance stage, precontemplation (OR = 2.08, 95% CI: 1.45–2.99) and contemplation (OR = 1.48, 95% CI: 1.05–2.08) stages had higher obesity risk, with similar trends in follow-up incident obesity (precontemplation: OR = 1.63, 95% CI: 1.17–2.28; contemplation: OR = 1.47, 95% CI: 1.10–1.98). These associations were more pronounced among boys and rural residents. Significant interactions were observed between TTM stages, sex (p = 0.029), and residence (p = 0.005) in obesity transition. Conclusions: Exercise behavior stages are associated with obesity progression, particularly among boys and rural children. These findings underscore the importance of stage-specific interventions tailored to individual readiness for behavior change and contextual factors. Full article

The objective of this study was to propose an analysis pathway that illustrates the psychological mechanism and corresponding environmental motivators affecting the frequency and duration of outdoor activity participation among older adults in China. Firstly, based on the transtheoretical model (TTM) theory and the environmental psychological approach, a literature review was conducted to select the model variables and ensure that they correspond to the requirements of the stage of change construct and the temporal dimension of the TTM theory. Secondly, the variables mentioned above were rearranged according to the perception, action, experience, and emotion stages of the individual psychological mechanism process and the environmental quality improvement outcome to develop the hypothetical model. Subsequently, a confirmatory factor analysis was carried out to test the hypotheses and validate the model based on the survey data collected in Chengdu City, China. Finally, a total of 372 valid questionnaires were received. After analyzing the collected data, the configuration index relationship of the hypothesis model was validated. In conclusion: Through slicing control of environmental factors in diverse human-environmental interaction stages under the guidance of the stage-based behavioral analysis discipline, this study explores an analysis pathway for upgrading outdoor environment facilities to enhance the attraction and attachment characteristics of the environment and, in turn, promote the sustainability of the outdoor activities performed by older people. Full article

Sustainable consumer behavior refers to any behavior that benefits environmental protection and social justice. Previous research has shown that sustainable consumer behavior is positively associated with consumer wellbeing. Recycling behavior is a type of sustainable behavior that has been studied extensively. However, research on behavior change in recycling is limited. The purpose of this study is to identify the change stages for recycling behavior among American consumers. Using national data collected in the U.S. and under the guidance of the transtheoretical model of behavior change (TTM), the results showed that most Americans engage in recycling behavior, but a minority of them do not. Among them, 13% have never considered recycling in the near future. We also identified the differences in behavior change stages in terms of psychological, cognitive, socioeconomic, and environmental factors. The findings have implications for policy makers, business professionals, and consumer educators to develop strategies to encourage consumer recycling behavior. Full article

Background: Smoking is a detrimental health behavior that can be addressed by designing stage-matched interventions with evidence-based behavioral change models such as the transtheoretical model (TTM). This study applied the TTM to predict smoking cessation stages among adults in Saudi Arabia. Methods: This social media-based cross-sectional study in Saudi Arabia used a convenient sample of 491 adult smokers (men and women). A digital questionnaire containing basic and smoking-related data and smoking scales (stages of change, cessation readiness, decisional balance, and self-efficacy) was used for data collection. The data were collected from 1 July to 30 October 2023 and were investigated using an ordinal regression analysis. The results illustrate that among the studied smokers, cigarette smoking was the prevalent method of smoking, especially among men (71.7%) compared to women (27.8%). Regarding stages of smoking, the pre-contemplation (35.8%) and contemplation (30.1%) stages were the highest, where men were more represented in both stages (37.9% and 40.8%, respectively). In comparison, women represented a higher percentage in the action (23.9%) and maintenance (21.1%) stages. The ordinal regression showed that increasing age (adjusted odds ratio; AOR = 1.045, p = 0.044), high quitting readiness (AOR = 1.134, p < 0.001), self-efficacy (AOR = 1.965, p = 0.028), decisional balance (AOR = 1.870, p < 0.001), and absence of psychological problems (AOR = 2.047, p < 0.001) increased the likelihood of being at higher smoking cessation stages. However, increased smoking duration (AOR = 0.756, p = 0.010), male gender (AOR = 0.340, p < 0.001), not working (AOR = 0.364, p = 0.013), adequate income (AOR = 0.535, p = 0.032), no chronic diseases (AOR = 0.430, p < 0.001), regular smoking (AOR = 0.052, p < 0.001), high smoking dependency (AOR = 0.775, p = 0.038), and hookah smoking (AOR = 0.032, p < 0.001) decreased the likelihood of being at higher smoking cessation stages. Conclusions: Cigarette smoking is a prevalent problem among Saudi adults, especially men, with the highest percentage of these being at lower smoking cessation stages. Thus, this study recommends the development of stage-matched interventions to facilitate the move towards higher smoking cessation stages through efforts by, and collaboration between, community sectors to face this rising issue. Full article

The use and promotion of active transportation has been scientifically proven to play a fundamental role in influencing global sustainable development goals. Despite increased recognition, there is a notable gap in understanding how to effectively transition the general population from convenience-oriented transport to embracing active modes. The application of the Transtheoretical Model (TTM) in understanding the utilization of active transport modes is currently constrained. The first aim is to include measuring the readiness to change in the use of active transport modes to increase physical activity (PA) using a continuous measure (i.e., University of Rhode Island Change Assessment, URICA). A second aim is to determine whether the decisional balance (perception of pros and cons) and self-efficacy increase as respondents progress through the stages of change as well as with the increase in self-reported active transport use. In total, 260 university students and staff filled out an online survey containing self-reported use of active transport modes and TTM constructs. The results suggest that URICA successfully identifies five stages of change. The decision balance and self-efficacy of the behaviour increase as individuals progress through the stages. The same is also true for the use of active transport modes. Full article

Mindfulness practice and mindful consumption have increasingly attracted the interests of academics and the general public worldwide. Despite the fact that mindfulness meditation has its roots in Buddhism, little empirical research has studied mindfulness and mindful consumption from the Buddhist principles and from the perspective of active Buddhists who regularly dedicate themselves to Buddhist practice with the goal of achieving liberation from suffering. This study builds on and extends previous research that established a research agenda regarding how mindfulness could transform consumer behavior and lead to higher levels of well-being. The purpose of this study is to gain an understanding of the ways in which active Buddhist consumers living in the city have disengaged from the consumerist culture and altered their lifestyle and consumption behaviors. To grasp the subtle complexity of the experience, fifteen active Buddhist practitioners were interviewed in depth. As a result of this, a Buddhist-based behavioral change model with seven stages is developed. Drawing on behavioral change models, such as the transtheoretical model (TTM) and the stepwise model of behavior change (SMBC), this model aims to demonstrate how active Buddhist consumers have transformed their consumption behavior patterns and overcome temptation without resistance. The transformative mechanism and consumer strategies were also extracted to provide lessons learned and management implications. Full article

The aim of this study was to explore the differences among between adherence to physical activity (PA) and sociodemographic variables, body composition, and physical fitness levels in older adults (>65 years). A number of 2712 participants (2086 female; 76.92%) ranging from 65 to 92 years, participated in the study. Stages of change (SoC) for PA from the transtheoretical model of change (TTM), together with different sociodemographic variables, physical fitness tests (Senior Fitness Test), and waist and hip circumferences were evaluated. Significant differences were found in age, gender, educational level, current income, physical fitness test, and body composition (all of them, p < 0.05), according to the different SoC. Greater adherence to PA practice (action and maintenance stages) was related to better academic level, higher economic income, the male gender, better results in the physical fitness test, and healthier anthropometrics perimeters. Future research is needed to identify the relationship between these variables longitudinally. Full article

Background: many factors can impact a person’s behaviour. When the behaviour is subject to prediction, these factors can include, for example, the perceived advantages and disadvantages of performing the behaviour, normative beliefs, and whether the behaviour is thought to be achievable. This paper examines intentions to engage in medicines reuse, i.e., to accept medicines that are returned unused to a pharmacy to be reused. The paper aims to outline the validity of the Theory of Planned Behaviour (TPB) for understanding people’s intentions to engage in medicines reuse by examining this against other long-standing health-related psychological theories of behavioural change. Thus, the Health Belief Model (HBM), Protection Motivation Theory (PMT), Trans-Theoretical Model of Health Behaviour Change (TTM/SoC), Theory of Reasoned Action (TRA), and TPB are examined for their application in the study of medicines reuse. Discussion: the HBM, PMT, TTM/SoC, TRA, and TPB were assessed for their relevance to examining medicines reuse as a behaviour. The validity of the TPB was justified for the development of a Medication Reuse Questionnaire (MRQ) to explore people’s beliefs and intention toward reusing medicines. Conclusion: TPB has been widely used inside and outside of health-related research and it was found to have more accurately defined constructs, making it helpful in studying medicines reuse behaviour. Full article

Healthy aging makes the practice of physical activity (PA) a necessity. However, PA guidelines achievement in older adults is scarce. The use of behavioral theories such as Transtheoretical Model (TTM), helps in older adults PA promotion. The aim of this review was to identify the use of TTM for PA in older adults (>60 years). PubMed, SPORTdiscus, and Medline databases were used to conduct the search. All steps of the process followed the recommendations of the PRISMA flow-diagram. We identified eight studies: Six were descriptive cross-sectional studies, one prospective-cohort study and one with a quasi-experimental design. Only two papers evaluated the four behavior change dimensions within the same study, three evaluated the processes of change and the decisional balance, four evaluated the exercise self-efficacy and all assessed the stages of change for PA behavior. From this review, we can conclude that TTM is a useful and suitable behavior model in creating, developing, and evaluating interventions with the aim of acquiring and improving PA habits in the older adults. However, there is paucity of research in this area, and more studies including the four behavioral change dimensions are needed to analyze the effect of TTM on the promotion of PA in the older adults. Full article

This paper builds on a growing body of literature on the promise of practice theory in understanding and promoting behavior change in society and develops upon Blue (2017) and Spotswood et al.’s (2019) rationale for evolving theories of practice into the domain of contemporary physical activity research. We begin by considering the intersectional nature of the problem. Statistics reveal that physical activity gradients exist based on gender, as well as socio-economic position. Women, girls, and disadvantaged populations report lower levels of activity than more affluent males and females. More problematic still is what StreetGames (2017) call the “double jeopardy”, where these characteristics intersect, intensifying the negative gradient. Our argument then comprises three parts. First, we provide a critical discussion of intervention studies seeking to transform exercise behavior amongst these populations. The issue we identify is that studies typically rely on behavior change models, such as the Transtheoretical Model (TTM) and the ABC framework. However, these models tend to take insufficient account of the practical and social aspects of behavior change in physical activity, and thus their subjects often succumb to value-action gaps (Shove, 2010). Second, in contrast, we propose that practice theory provides a promising alternative theoretical lens for promoting behavior change in disadvantaged and often resistant populations. Third, the paper highlights a range of conceptual considerations for exploring the relationship between young, disadvantaged women and physical activity, as well as the development of tangible solutions to improve participation. Full article

Physical activity impacts positively on stress and anxiety. Working conditions affect the quality of life by increasing stress levels, which can affect job performance and work absence. The Perceived Stress Scale (PSS), Work Ability Index (WAI), Transtheoretical Model (TTM), as well as heart rate variability (HRV) have been applied to monitor the state of workers in their job. The aim of this study was to analyze PSS, WAI, and TTM classifications, and to find out how are they linked to physiological stress (HRV). One hundred and thirteen office workers responded to the three questionnaires and their HRV was monitored for at least two full days. Groups were set up according to TTM (Stage 1, Stage 2, Stage 3–4, Stage 5), WAI (weak WAI, medium WAI, good WAI), and PSS (low PSS, medium PSS, high PSS). Results obtained from the test were related to stress values measured by HRV with a Bodyguard2 device. The Stage 5 group from TTM had better HVR and stress levels than the other groups for both women and men (p < 0.05). Participants in the good WAI group and low PSS group had better results than weak WAI and high PSS, but the differences with respect to medium WAI and medium PSS were less clear. Finally, TTM seemed to be the best tool to discriminate physiological stress in office workers with regard to other questionnaires. Full article