Understanding predictors of gluten-free dietary adherence and physical activity: An Organismic Integration Theory approach

Abstract

The objective of the present study was to examine behavioural regulations for gluten-free dietary adherence and PA consistent with Organismic Integration Theory (OIT; Deci & Ryan, 2002). Those currently consuming a gluten-free diet (N = 202; Mage = 42.35; SDage = 12.43) were asked to complete a series of online questionnaires on a single occasion. Overall, 72.3% of the sample adhered to a strict gluten-free diet across the previous 7 days. Participant PA scores were higher than normative values (p = .00; Godin & Shephard, 1985; Wilson et al., 2010). Behavioural regulations consistent with OIT to consume a gluten-free diet predicted 5% (?2 = .08) of adherence with integrated (ß = -.32) and identified (ß = .30) regulations emerging as significant predictors. Intrinsic and identified regulations (ßs = .28) were found to be significant predictors of PA scores with the overall model accounting for 31% (?2 = .33) of the variance. Understanding predictors of gluten-free dietary adherence and PA are essential to the overall health for those living with a gluten-related disorder. These findings add to the existing literature, provide practical applications and offer insight into future directions for health-based researchers.