Testing the transtheoretical model for fruit intake: comparing web-based tailored stage-matched and stage-mismatched feedback

Abstract

A match-mismatch test was conducted to test the transtheoretical model applied to fruit intake. Precontemplators and contemplators were randomly assigned to receive a web-based individualized precontemplation feedback (PCF), contemplation feedback (CF) or action feedback (AF) letter promoting fruit intake. Immediately and 1 week after reading this letter, post-test measures were obtained. Fruit intake increased significantly between pre- and post-test in contemplators, but not in precontemplators. No differences between the feedback conditions were found in fruit intake, stage progression, use or credibility of the feedback in precontemplators and contemplators. In precontemplators, also no differences between the conditions were found in personal relevance of the feedback. Contemplators, however, rated AF as more personally relevant than PCF or CF. To conclude, the present study failed to show superiority of stage-matched information in the promotion of fruit intake.