Modeling the intention to accept 3D-printed foods: the role of religious beliefs, food neophobia and food technology neophobia

PurposeThe overall purpose of this study is to utilize the Theory of Planned Behavior (TPB) in combination with four dark tourism constructs (dark experience, engaging entertainment, unique learning experience, and casual interest) to gain a better understanding of behaviors and intentions of tourists who have visited or plan to visit a dark tourism location.Design/methodology/approachA total of 1,068 useable questionnaires was collected via Qualtrics Panels for analysis purposes. Confirmatory Factor Analysis (CFA) was used to verify satisfactory reliability and validity regarding the measurement of model fit. With adequate model fit, structural equation modeling was employed to determine positive and negative relationships between TPB and dark tourism constructs. In all, 11 hypotheses statements were tested within this study.FindingsResults of this study indicate that tourists are curious, interested, and intrigued by dark experiences with paranormal activity, resulting in travel choices made for themselves based on personal beliefs and preferences, with minimal outside influence from others. It was determined that dark experience was the most influential of the dark tourism constructs tested in relationship to attitudes and subjective norm.Research limitations/implicationsThe data collected for this study were collected using Qualtrics Panels with self-reporting participants. The actual destination visited by survey participants was also not factored into the results of this research study.Originality/valueThis study provides a new theoretical research model that merges TPB and dark tourism constructs and established that there is a relationship between TPB constructs and dark tourism.

Considering the prevalent strain on environmental resources imparted by existing food systems, prioritizing environmental sustainability is an imperative course of action. Subsequently, the shift towards sustainable production and consumption patterns engenders an escalating demand for environmentally conscious food systems. Thus, 3D-printed food technology surfaces are a promising solution noted for their efficacy in curtailing food waste, bolstering environmental sustainability, and imparting innovative strategies to the food supply chain. Herein, we amalgamate the theory of planned behavior (TPB) framework with several variables, namely 'sensory appeal', 'food neophobia', 'perceived health risk', and 'environmental friendliness' to probe the behavioral intentions of Taiwanese university students' perceptions about 3D-printed food. Employing the snowball sampling method, 370 questionnaires were disseminated, out of which 319, constituting an effective retrieval rate of 86.2%, were deemed valid. Statistical analysis produced intriguing findings. Consumers' inclination to purchase 3D-printed food is substantially determined by their attitudes, subjective norms, sensory appeal, food neophobia, perceived health risks, and environmental friendliness. Contrary to our initial hypothesis, perceived behavioral control did not exhibit a significant impact on consumers' propensity to purchase 3D-printed food. Therefore, businesses should focus on magnifying the sensory appeal of 3D-printed food, coupled with precise nutritional labeling, to bolster consumer interest, enhance acceptance, and augment behavioral intentions. This study sheds light on the potential for the development of 3D-printed food in Taiwan, providing an indispensable reference for future endeavors in Taiwan's 3D-printed food industry.

This study explores the adoption of ecological sanitation (ecosan) toilets in Arba Minch City, Ethiopia, using an integrated approach combining the diffusion of innovation (DOI) model and the Theory of Planned Behavior (TPB). The research aims to understand the complex associations between DOI variables (relative advantage, complexity, compatibility, trialability, and observability) and TPB constructs (attitude, subjective norm, and perceived behavioral control) in predicting residents’ behavioral attitudes and intentions. Applying Structural Equation Modeling (SEM) and bootstrapping techniques, the study investigates direct and indirect effects, offering a comprehensive analysis of the adoption process. The objectives include examining the influence of TPB and DOI constructs on residents’ intentions, unraveling direct and indirect effects on these intentions, and investigating variations among users of different toilet types in the city. The result of the study shows that attitude and perceived behavioral control are central to shaping intentions, aligning with TPB principles. Contextual factors like compatibility, relative advantage, and trayability reveal nuanced insights, deviating from conventional patterns. The study identifies attitude as a key moderator between DOI constructs and behavioral intention, enriching our understanding of the adoption process. In conclusion, the integrated DOI and TPB model provides nuanced perspectives on factors influencing behavioral attitudes and intentions toward ecosan toilet adoption. The crucial roles of perceived behavioral control and attitude underscore the importance of tailored interventions. The study’s insights are relevant for policymakers, practitioners, and development organizations working on sustainable sanitation practices in urban areas, contributing to broader sustainable development objectives.

Purpose: Young adolescents who have little interest in participating in competitive team sports are at an increased risk for physical inactivity. Noncompetitive outdoor physical activity can provide young adolescents with increased opportunities to participate in physical activities that appeal to them and have positive health effects. The purpose of this study was to examine factors related to rural young adolescents' participation in noncompetitive outdoor physical activity to inform intervention design. Method: Young adolescents aged 10 to 14 years old (N = 1,032) from 1 rural county completed a self-administered questionnaire assessing constructs from self-determination theory (SDT) and the theory of planned behavior (TPB) related to noncompetitive outdoor physical activity. Structural equation modeling was used to examine an integrated conceptual model of hypothesized relationships among constructs. Results: The hypothesized conceptual model provided a good fit to the data with greater perceptions of autonomy support and self-determined motivation having statistically significant positive indirect effects on participation in noncompetitive outdoor physical activity mediated by the constructs of the TPB. All direct paths in the model were statistically significant; however, the direct effect of attitudes on intention was weak (.08) and self-determined motivation had no indirect effect on intention through attitudes (.03). Conclusions: Constructs of SDT and TPB should be accounted for by interventions targeting noncompetitive outdoor physical activity among young adolescents. More research is needed to determine young adolescents' preferences for noncompetitive and competitive physical activity and the potential influence that noncompetitive outdoor physical activity may have on total daily physical activity.

Food and General Neophobia in Swedish Families: Parent–Child Comparisons and Relationships with Serving Specific Foods

Citizen science (CS) is gaining recognition as a valuable approach to meet data needs for environmental projects while fostering collaboration between scientists and members of the public. Despite increasing implementation of CS by natural resource entities, organizations' motivations for engaging in CS remain poorly understood. We examined the utility of the theory of planned behavior (TPB) and social exchange theory (SET) in identifying factors influencing support of CS by scientific organizations. To test predictions of the TPB and SET theories, we surveyed (quantitative, web based) state wildlife agency staff in the United States on their perceptions of organizational engagement in CS. We divided questions that measured TPB items into individual and organizational components to address the influence of personal- and organization-level decision-making on staff perceptions and attitudes. We used structural equation modeling to identify key constructs that influence staff support of CS in state wildlife agencies. The survey yielded 627 responses across 44 states. Both TPB and SET constructs accurately predicted staff support of CS; however, measures from SET (e.g., public engagement benefits and costs of CS to scientific credibility) were most influential (i.e., TPB constructs had less impact). Our findings indicate that organizational support for CS is primarily influenced by assessment of trade-offs among perceived costs and benefits. Indicators of support for CS were further elucidated by including measures from the TPB model. Based on our results, we suggest that natural resource entities give careful consideration to CS project design, develop thorough communication and data management plans, and practice iterative evaluation of CS project productivity.

This paper explored people’s perceptions on the use of human excreta for biogas generation in Ghana using the theory of planned behaviour (TPB). It sought to assess the effect of attitude, subjective norms and perceived behavioural control on people’s behavioural intention to use human excreta (HEx) for biogas. Data collection was by questionnaire designed with the TPB constructs and other demographic information, and the analysis was done by structural equation modelling (SEM). The analysis produced two structural models: the standard TPB model and the adjusted model. Based on SEM, this study revealed that the adjusted model provides a useful and effective framework for analysing the interrelationships between socio-demographic variables and the standard TPB constructs than the standard TPB. Therefore, the results show that the effect of attitude, subjective norms and perceived behavioural control are all significant and positive. Though all the constructs were significant and positive, participants showed low perceived behavioural control or they perceive low ability of using HEx for biogas. Results revealed an adequate fit for people’s behavioural intentions to use HEx for biogas. The adjusted model, generated by the inclusion of gender and education into the TPB model, provided a useful and effective framework for the interrelationships between socio-demographic variables and the TPB constructs than the standard TPB. Attitudes, subjective norms and perceived behavioural control significantly influenced intentions to use HEx for biogas. Though perceived behavioural control showed low controllability, subjective norm was a major factor with religion being key on intentions to use HEx for biogas generation. Gender and education had no direct significant influence on intentions, but their effects were mediated through the TPB factors. It was further revealed that knowledge on the benefits of biogas as well as the perceived effect of using human excreta was strong and positive. Interventions aimed at promoting the use of HEx for biogas should address low controllability and that should include government subsidy and financial support as well as education to address stigma and HEx knowledge. The intervention should also bring on board important persons such as religious leaders and persons from relevant institutions to lead more open discussions on HEx use for biogas.

PurposeThis study examines the psychological drivers influencing the intention to engage alternative proteins as potential substitutes for meat, utilising an extended framework of the norm activation model. Our framework incorporates awareness of meat consumption impacts, personal responsibility, involvement in sustainable and healthy eating and involvement in animal welfare. These factors shape personal norms, which ultimately influence the intention to try new protein sources. The study also considers neophobia (both food neophobia and food technology neophobia) as a determinant of intention. Additionally, it analyses sociodemographic factors associated with previous experience of alternative protein consumption, providing a comprehensive understanding of consumer behaviour.Design/methodology/approachData were collected from a representative sample of 500 Italian consumers through a structured questionnaire. The study employed a structural equation model to analyse the intention to engage seitan-based proteins, insect-based proteins and cultured meat. Constructs measured included awareness of impacts, personal responsibility, involvement in healthy eating, involvement in sustainable eating, involvement in animal welfare, food neophobia and food technology neophobia. Additionally, individual scores for the intention to engage with each protein type were calculated, followed by a seemingly unrelated regression analysis (SUR). This model incorporated sociodemographic factors and previous experiences (such as tasting history, frequency of consumption and opinion) as independent variables.FindingsThe findings reveal that involvement in sustainable eating and awareness of meat consumption impacts on environmental sustainability are significant predictors of personal norms, which in turn influence the intention to engage alternative proteins. Conversely, health and animal welfare considerations are closely linked to personal responsibility, shaping personal norms that guide engagement intentions. Furthermore, food neophobia and food technology neophobia were found to significantly reduce the intention to consume insect-based foods and cultured meats. SUR analysis also indicates that sociodemographic traits and previous experience are effective predictors of alternative protein consumption frequency.Originality/valueThis study applies an extended version of the norm activation model to explore the engagement of alternative proteins, offering new insights into the psychological drivers behind consumer behaviour in the context of health, environmental sustainability and animal welfare. By integrating these factors with awareness and personal responsibility, the research provides a comprehensive understanding of how personal norms shape intentions to engage alternative proteins. The findings contribute to the literature by highlighting the roles of these factors and offering practical implications for promoting sustainable and ethical food consumption.

This study examines the willingness to consume a cultured meat burger in Germany. Based on the theory of planned behaviour (TPB), we assessed attitudes, perceived behavioural control, and subjective norms via an online questionnaire. Attitudes were operationalized in this research as general attitudes towards cultured meat and specific attitudes towards a cultured meat burger. Furthermore, the TPB was extended with nutritional-psychological variables including food (technology) neophobia, food disgust, sensation seeking, and green consumption values. In total, 58.4% of the participants reported being willing to consume a cultured meat burger. Using a path model, the extended TPB accounted for 77.8% of the variance in willingness to consume a cultured meat burger. All components of the TPB were significant predictors except general attitudes. The influence of general attitudes was completely mediated by specific attitudes. All nutritional-psychological variables influenced general attitudes. Food technology neophobia was the strongest negative, and green consumption values were the strongest positive predictor of general attitudes. Marketing strategies should therefore target the attitudes of consumers by encouraging the natural perception of cultured meat, using a less technological product name, enabling transparency about the production, and creating a dialogue about both the fears and the environmental benefits of the new technology.

Background:Early detection of breast cancer is a crucial factor in surviving the disease. This study aimed to investigate the mammography screening based on the theory of planned behavior (TPB) among rural women in Fasa and Shiraz cities, Iran.Methods:This study is a cross-sectional study performed on 800 female clients referring to rural health centers in Fasa and Shiraz cities in southern Iran in early 2021. The authors decided to send and distribute the electronic questionnaire form through the WhatsApp application in collaboration with the health staff of rural health centers for the people covered by these centers. Data gathering tools were a questionnaire on demographic characteristics, a questionnaire based on constructs of TPB, and behavior of mammography screening. Using the structural equation model (SEM), the TPB constructs and demographic variables were entered into the model. Data analysis was executed employing SPSS software version 26 and Amos version 24 (IBM Co., Ann Arbor, MI, USA). Analyzing the data was carried out using the 1-way analysis of variance (ANOVA), logistic regression, and structural equation analysis. During data analysis, various model indicators such as the goodness of fit, including comparative fit index (CFI), goodness-of-fit index (GFI), root mean square error of approximation (RMSEA), and chi-square index/df were evaluated. The significance level in all tests was considered 0.05.Results:The knowledge, attitude, and perceived behavioral control were the predictors of intention and behavior of mammography screening among the women. Among demographic variables, age, literacy, being menopausal, cancer in family, city, and ethnicity contribute more to the variance variation in TPB constructs. In this study, 7.2% of Persians, 8% of Qashqai Turks, and 4.5% of Arabs are contemplating going to mammography screening. In total, 6.8% (54 people) of all individuals intended to go mammography screening, and 5.4% (43 people) had a history of mammography screening. Goodness-of-fit indices (χ2 = 18.45, df = 10, n = 800, χ2/df = 1.845, RMSEA = 0.032, GFI = 0.90, non-normed fit index (NNFI) = 0.91) of conceptual model of this study indicate the suitability of the model.Conclusions:The results of the study indicated that the constructs of the TPB can predict mammography screening behaviors in rural women. It has also demonstrated that mammographic behavior can be improved in rural women using education based on the TPB model, emphasizing critical psychological factors of creating or changing behavior.

People with physical impairments can help solve energy problems by participating in diverse energy-saving behaviors, such as switching off lights or turning off an air conditioner when not in use; however, they may struggle to participate in some behaviors due to mobility impairments. This study aims to examine factors that impact the energy-saving behaviors of high school students with physical impairments. The theory of planned behavior (TPB) was used to test whether attitudes towards energy-saving behaviors, subjective norms, and perceived behavioral control could affect intentions, which then leads to performance of energy-saving behaviors. The participants were 330 high school students with physical impairments in Thailand. A questionnaire was employed to measure energy-saving behaviors and TPB constructs. A confirmatory factor analysis (CFA) was performed to validate all study variables; structural equation modeling (SEM) was then used to test causal relationships among TPB constructs and energy-saving behaviors. The results showed that the TPB could be used to explain the energy-saving behaviors of students with physical impairments, that subjective norms were the most significant predictor of behavioral intentions, and that intentions significantly impacted energy-saving behaviors. While perceived behavioral control did not have a direct effect on behaviors, it had a significant effect on intentions. Under the TPB construct, of the studied variables, attitude had the lowest power to predict students’ intentions to perform the concerned behaviors; however, the impact of attitude was still statistically significant. The results suggest that all TPB variables can predict energy-saving behaviors of high school students with physical impairments, but their power to predict the behaviors is different. To promote student participation in energy-saving behaviors, it is important to create subjective norms and eliminate obstacles that students with physical impairments might face when performing energy-saving behaviors.

Meta-analysis of driving behavior studies and assessment of factors using structural equation modeling

Physical activity (PA) plays a key role in the management of Type 1 (T1D) and Type 2 diabetes (T2D) but there are few theory-based, effective programs to promote PA for individuals with diabetes. The purpose of this study was to investigate the utility of the Theory of Planned Behaviour (TPB) in understanding PA in an adult population with T1D or T2D. A total of 2311 individuals (691 T1D; 1614 T2D) completed self-report TPB constructs of attitude, subjective norms, perceived behavioural control (PBC), intention and PA at baseline and 1717 (524 T1D; 1123 T2D) completed the PA measure again at 6-month follow-up. Multi-group Structural Equation Modelling was conducted to: (1) test the fit of the TPB structure (2) determine the TPB structural invariance between the two types of diabetes and (3) to examine the explained variances in PA and compare the strength of associations of the TPB constructs in the two types of diabetes. The TPB constructs explained ≥40% of the variance in intentions for both diabetes groups. In cross-sectional models, the TPB accounted for 23 and 19% of the variance in PA for T1D and T2D, respectively. In prospective models, the TPB explained 13 and 8% of the variance in PA for T1D and T2D, respectively. When adjusting for past PA behaviour, the impact of PBC and intention on behaviour was reduced in both groups. The findings provide evidence for the utility of the TPB for the design of PA promotion interventions for adults with either T1D or T2D.

Low physical activity (PA) levels are common among childhood cancer survivors (CCS) and have a serious negative impact on their physical recovery and long-term health. This study aimed to explore the factors that contribute to low levels of PA from the perspective of children themselves and how these factors affect their PA. In this cross-sectional survey, CCS were recruited by purposive sampling from several children's medical centers nationwide. The online questionnaires, which involved three valid scales (the Godin Leisure-Time Exercise Questionnaire, Theory of Planned Behavior (TPB) construct, and Physical Activity Self-efficacy), were used for data collection from July 2021 to January 2023. The Wilcoxon rank-sum test, Chi-square or Fisher's exact test, and logistic regression analysis were used to analyze the factors associated with PA in CCS. The associations between CCS' PA level and cognitive variables (TPB construct and self-efficacy) were evaluated using path analysis. Among the 1350 eligible participants, ultimately 964 of them submitted valid questionnaires. According to the leisure time index (LSI) scores, 59.34% of Chinese CCS reached the recommendation level of moderate-vigorous physical activity (MVPA) (LSI ≥ 24). Attending school, diagnosis, time since discharge, behavioral intention, and self-efficacy were associated with MVPA levels in CCS. Path analysis showed that intention and self-efficacy exerted a direct effect on CCS' PA, whereas the direct impact of perceived behavioral control on MVPA was not significant. The overall model fit indices of the TPB extended model incorporating self-efficacy showed the model fits the data well (RMSEA = 0.000, CFI = 1.000, NFI = 1.001, and TLI = 1.009). Compared to healthy populations, the level of MVPA participation among Chinese CCS was relatively lower. Improving self-efficacy is essential for increasing participation in CCS' physical activities. The extended TPB model with self-efficacy is appropriate for explaining MVPA participation in CCS. This study highlights the critical need to address low physical activity levels among childhood cancer survivors (CCS), as insufficient engagement in moderate-vigorous physical activity (MVPA) may hinder their recovery and longterm health outcomes. The findings underscore the pivotal role of self-efficacy in promoting MVPA participation, with both direct and indirect effects on activity behaviors. Interventions targeting CCS should prioritize strategies to enhance self-efficacy-such as goal-setting, skill-building, and psychosocial support-to foster sustained engagement in physical activity. Additionally, the validated extended theory of planned behavior (TPB) model provides a framework for designing tailored, survivor-centered programs that address behavioral, social, and environmental barriers. Clinicians and caregivers should adopt multidimensional approaches integrating self-efficacy enhancement, peer/community support, and accessible physical activity opportunities to mitigate long-term health risks and improve quality of life for CCS.

The purpose of this study was to assess the intention to exercise among ethnically and racially diverse community college students using the Theory of Planned Behavior (TPB). In addition to identifying the variables associated with motivation or intention of college students to engage in physical activity, this study tested the model of the Theory of Planned Behavior, asking: Does the TPB model explain intention to exercise among a racially/ethnically diverse group of college students? The relevant variables were the TPB constructs (behavioral beliefs, normative beliefs, and control beliefs), which combined to form a measure of intention to exercise. Structural Equation Modeling was used to test the predictive power of the TPB constructs for predicting intention to exercise. Following procedures described by Ajzen (2002), the researcher developed a questionnaire encompassing the external variables of student demographics (age, gender, work status, student status, socio-economic status, access to exercise facilities, and past behavior), major constructs of the TPB, and two questions from the Godin Leisure Time Questionnaire (GLTQ; Godin & Shephard, 1985). Participants were students (N = 255) who enrolled in an on-campus wellness course at an urban community college. The demographic profile of the sample revealed a racially/ethnically diverse study population. The original model that was used to reflect the TPB as developed by Ajzen was not supported by the data analyzed using SEM; however, a revised model that the researcher thought was theoretically a more accurate reflection of the causal relations between the TPB constructs was supported. The GLTQ questions were problematic for some students; those data could not be used in the modeling efforts. The GLTQ measure, however, revealed a significant correlation with intention to exercise (r = .27, p = .001). Post-hoc comparisons revealed significant differences in normative beliefs and attitude toward exercising behavior between Black students and Hispanic students. Compared to Black students, Hispanic students were more likely to (a) perceive “friends” as approving of them being physically active and (b) rate being physically active for 30 minutes per day as “beneficial”. No statistically significant difference was found among groups on overall intention to exercise.