Effects of Previous Fruit Intake, Descriptive Majority Norms, and Message Framing on Fruit Intake Intentions and Behaviors in Dutch Adults Across a 1-Week Period

Abstract

Objective: To test the effects of descriptive norm and message framing on fruit intake (intentions) in Dutch adults.

Design: Randomized pretest-posttest study using a 2 × 2 design.

Setting: Internet-based.

Participants: Dutch adults recruited via leaflets and announcements on intranet and Internet and who provided immediate intention (n = 294) and 1-week follow-up intention and fruit intake data (n = 177).

Intervention: Messages combining information on intake of others (low vs high intake) with information about positive or negative outcomes of (in)sufficient fruit intake.

Main outcome measures: Fruit intake intentions and fruit intake.

Analysis: Analyses of covariance.

Results: Those already consuming sufficient fruit and receiving negative information about insufficient fruit intake increased their motivation to consume sufficient fruit immediately (P = .03), but not at 1-week follow-up. Those who read positive information about sufficient fruit intake reported higher fruit consumption than those who read negative information about insufficient fruit intake (P = .03). This was stronger in those already consuming sufficient fruit. There were no effects of descriptive norm information (P > .19).

Conclusions and implications: Information about outcomes was more persuasive than descriptive majority norm information. Effects were generally stronger in those already consuming sufficient fruit.

Keywords: adult; communication; fruit; health behavior; message framing.