A PRELIMINARY INVESTIGATION OF COSTS AND BENEFITS IN DIETARY DECISIONS

摘要

This paper describes an exploratory study that examined the perceived costs and benefits and general attitudes toward dietary supplements and seeking a doctor's dietary advice. Thirty-five undergraduates completed a survey packet that used various methods to assessed attitudes toward dieting and obesity (i.e. Likert scales, cost-benefit generation, scenario-based decision tasks). Results generally replicate past work, in that participants were unsure about the safety and regulation of dietary supplements, and although physician's advice is important, they were unlikely to seek their doctor's advice prior to beginning to try and lose weight. Further, responses indicated a perception of few risks associated with seeking physician's advice; however, these appear to be weighted heavily when deciding on a dietary method based on the scenario decision-making task. The implications of these results on planned future research are discussed.