An application of the stages of change model to consumer use of food labels

Describes a study which applied the stages of change model formulated by Prochaska and DiClemente to consumer use of food labels. A total of 165 students completed a self‐report questionnaire measuring stages of change, decisional balance, dietary behaviour and food choice motivations. The percentage of participants classified into each stage was as follows: precontemplation 30.0, contemplation 4.5, action 16.4 and maintenance 49.1. Significant associations with stage of change and decisional balance were observed. In addition, consumption of fruit and fatty foods was associated with stage of change as was a range of motivational factors in food choice.