The association of motivation and perceived social norms with eating behaviors in emerging adults

Objective: This study examines the associations of eating-related motivation, perceived norms, and their interaction with eating behaviors in emerging adults. Design: Data are from the NEXT Generation Health Study, a nationally representative sample of US emerging adults. Binominal logistic regression analyses estimated associations of eating behaviors with self-determined motivation, non-self-determined motivation, and perceived social norms. Multiplicative interaction terms between each motivation construct and perceived social norms were tested in the models. Results: Self-determined motivation was positively associated with intake frequency of whole grains, low-fat dairy, and fruit and vegetables. Soda intake frequency was inversely associated with greater non-self-determined motivation, but not self-determined motivation or perceived social norms. Perceived social norms were positively associated with the intake of whole grains, low-fat dairy, and fruit and vegetables. Perceived social norms did not moderate the association of motivation constructs with eating behaviors. Conclusion: Self-determined motivation and perceived social norms may be considered in intervention targeting healthful eating behaviors in emerging adults.