Correlations between self-efficacy in resisting six temptations and dietary energy and macronutrient intake at each meal

Self-efficacy in relation to eating behavior for weight control is commonly defined as having the confidence to control urges to overeat in high-risk situations. Prior researchers have suggested that self-efficacy plays a mediating role in eating behavior for weight loss and maintenance. The current study examined the relationship between self-efficacy in resisting certain temptations and daily dietary intake at each meal. Participants were 83 men and 122 women registered at the health management website “Asken”. They administered questionnaires about self-efficacy and dietary records. As results of multiple regression analysis, self-efficacy in resisting negative emotions was negatively related to lunch energy intake in men (β = − 0.308, p = 0.023) and total (β = − 0.302, p = 0.003), breakfast (β = − 0.334, p = 0.004), and snacking (β = − 0.232, p = 0.022) energy intake in women. Also, self-efficacy in resisting rewards was negatively related to lunch energy intake in men (β = − 0.218, p = 0.040). In men, self-efficacy in resisting hunger was positively related to protein intake (β = 0.148, p = 0.021) and relaxation was negatively related to lipid intake (β = − 0.211, p = 0.009). Self-efficacy in resisting some temptations, especially negative emotions, and dietary intakes were negatively related. Future research is needed to confirm these results and assess the prospective effects of self-efficacy.