Abstract
Perceived motives of food choice were examined with Food Choice Questionnaire New Version (FCQ-N) in a sample of 514 adults and 427 college students. Exploratory factor analysis yielded four factors: Nutrition and Health, Weight Control, Convenience, and Sensory Appeal. Confirming test-retest reliability and internal consistency of FCQ-N, the authors investigated relationships between the subscales and dietary habits. Nutrition and Health scores, which were higher in female adults, were associated with increased vegetable consumption in both adults and students. Weight Control, which was more characteristic of younger women, was associated with reduced meat consumption in adults. Convenience scores, which were lower in male adults, were inversely associated with vegetable consumption in students. Sensory Appeal was not associated with dietary habits, though these scores were higher in females. Additionally, convergent validity was examined by testing links between FCQ-N subscales and dietary restraint and internal health locus of control. The findings indicated initial evidence of the reliability and validity of FCQ-N and intensified significance of measuring and addressing the motives in health counseling and nutrition education.
