Stages of health behaviour change and mindsets: A bottom-up approach

Background: Stage Theories of health behaviour are increasingly popular. However, the crucial assumption of qualitative differences in mindsets between people in different stages is rarely examined. This study uses a bottom-up approach inferring homogeneous subgroups of individuals according to mindsets in order to validate stage assumptions. Methods: 2220 adults completed a web-based questionnaire assessing social-cognitive variables and fruit and vegetable consumption. Latent class analysis was used to identify distinct groups of individuals sharing patterns of the social-cognitive predictors of behaviour, thereby identifying qualitatively different mindsets. Findings: Four latent classes were identified that can be matched unto the stages defined by most stage theories. Discussion: The methodological approach used in this study overcomes problems of currently used confirmatory procedures. Subsequently, this study could reveal more information about the actual mindsets of individuals in different stages of health behaviour change.