What is the relationship between Trait Self-control, Threat or Challenge Appraisal, and Healthy Eating Behavior?
Summary
Self-control is important to make decisions in self-control dilemmas, for example to choose healthy options instead of unhealthy options. It is noteworthy how people with high trait selfcontrol experience these situations and how they react. In previous research, they reported fewer self-control dilemmas, therefore they used their self-control less than others. To explain this, it is interesting to examine the possible link between trait self-control and the biopsychological model (BPSM) of challenge and threat appraisal, because high trait self-control and challenge appraisal seem to be connected. In this study, it was examined why some people are better at resisting temptations than others, by examining the connection between trait self-control and the BPSM. It was hypothesized that high trait self-control would positively affect healthy eating behavior. Appraisal would have a mediating effect on the relationship between trait self-control and healthy eating, in a way that more challenge appraisal will lead to healthier eating behavior. Participants (N = 154, Mage = 23.71, 112 females, 1 other) were asked to fill out an online survey. The results (based on self-reports) showed a significant direct effect between trait self-control and healthy eating behavior. No significant mediation effect of appraisal was found. Remarkably, there was a significant relationship between trait self-control and appraisal. Therefore, these findings suggest underlying mechanisms of trait self-control. Overall, it can be concluded that trait self-control is an important concept when investigating healthy eating behavior, as well as the relationship with appraisal. Strengths and limitations were discussed, together with future directions.