Psychology students’ intention to use nutrition interventions in future practice
Year: 2026
Type: article
Study design: Observational Study
Abstract: Objective Nutrition interventions (NIs) are gaining traction within mental healthcare, yet psychology training programs are yet to respond. Despite the absence of relevant guidelines, psychologists already incorporate NIs into practice, raising questions about how attitudes and training shape clinical intentions among the next generation of practitioners.Method Drawing on Ajzen’s Theory of Planned Behaviour, an online cross-sectional survey was administered to 116 Australian tertiary psychology students to examine whether attitudes, subjective norms and perceived behavioural control predicted intention to use NIs in future practice, and whether engagement with formal or informal nutrition education moderated or mediated these relationships.Results Attitude was the sole significant predictor of intention, accounting for 24% of variance. Formal nutrition education within psychology programs did not moderate the attitude–intention relationship, nor did informal nutrition information-seeking mediate it. Students with more favourable attitudes sought nutrition information more frequently from external sources.Conclusion Positive attitudes towards NIs drive intention and information-seeking behaviour among psychology students, independent of the nutrition education they receive. Given students’ expressed preference for evidence-based learning formats, there is a case for embedding nutrition content within Australian psychology curricula and for professional bodies to develop relevant guidelines to support safe and competent clinical practice.
Source: Australian Psychologist
Institution: Southern Cross University
Language: English
Subfield: Health Information Management
Field: Health Professions
Domain: Health Sciences
Open Access status: hybrid
Estimated APC paid: $2,500
OpenAlex ID: W7203639852