Learning To Health Yourself: A Randomized, Tailored Self-Regulation Intervention Among Custodial Employees

This intervention sought to bring about a dietary behavior change among individuals who are vulnerable to negative health outcomes and behaviors. Using a randomized controlled trial, we examined the efficacy of a six-week Education + Self-Regulation intervention against an Education Only condition in reducing saturated fat intake among custodial workers (N = 54). Assessments were made at baseline, 4weeks, 6weeks and 6months. The intervention group reported lower saturated fat intake and greater self-regulation than the Education Only control group throughout the intervention period and higher self-efficacy at week 6. Despite a fading of intervention effect at 6months, Education + Self-Regulation participants continued to report lower saturated fat intake relative to their baseline. Supplementing health education with self-regulatory skills is an effective strategy for positive health behavior change. The authors provide recommendations for engaging non-clinical health psychologists in community-level chronic disease prevention and health promotion efforts.