Fruit-Vegetable Consumption Self-Efficacy in Youth

Fruit-vegetable consumption self-efficacy is a construct representing perceptions of one's ability to eat fruits and vegetables in various situations. This investigation tested a quantitative instrument for the assessment of fruit-vegetable consumption self-efficacy in youth. Two reliable factors, labeled Environmental Resistance and Persuade Others, emerged from a principal components analysis. Results from a discriminant analysis revealed that both factors and sex were important in distinguishing youth with a varied diet from those who restrict food selections to particular food groups. Varied eaters showed higher levels of self-efficacy and were more likely to be girls.