Effect of a television programme on nutrition cognitions and intended behaviours

摘要

Aim: The present study examined the effect of nutrition-related information in the Lisa the Vegetarian episode fromthe prime-time television series The Simpsons on children's nutrition cognitions and intended behaviours. Thisepisode was chosen because its storyline is rich in nutrition-related information.Methods: The sample was girls aged 9 and 10 years from New Jersey in the USA who were assigned to either thetreatment group (n = 34) or control (n = 37). At the pretest, both study groups completed a self-administeredquestionnaire that measured nutrition cognitions (knowledge, outcome expectations, attitude and perceived norms)conveyed in the programme and intended behaviours related to vegetarianism. At the post-test, administered 7 to14 days later, the control group again completed the questionnaire. The treatment group viewed the televisionprogramme and completed the questionnaire. At the follow-up post-test, administered 7 to 14 days after thepost-test, both groups again completed the questionnaire.Results: Analysis of covariance, with pretest score as the covariate, revealed that the treatment group meanpost-test and follow-up post-test knowledge and intended behaviour scores were significantly more positive andattitude scores were significantly more negative than the control group.Conclusion: Study findings indicate that television programmes must be recognised as an important vehicle forconveying nutrition-related information that affects children's cognitions and intended behaviours.