The Mediterranean diet (MD) is one of the healthiest and most sustainable food regimes. Nevertheless, MD diffusion is still limited, emphasizing the need to understand the psychosocial factors that could predict and promote its adoption. Starting from an integrated model of Theory of Planned Behavior (TPB) and Self‐Determination Theory (SDT), the present randomized controlled trial investigated the effect of manipulating motivation (autonomous vs. controlled) on intention and MD adherence behavior. Participants included 726 Italian adults randomly allocated to one of three conditions: autonomous motivation manipulation, controlled motivation manipulation, and control group. TPB variables were measured immediately after manipulation (T1), while MD adherence was evaluated 2 weeks later (T2). Results from multivariate analyses of variance highlighted that participants in the autonomous motivation condition reported higher intention and a more favorable cognitive attitude than control group participants. However, no change in behavior was found. Moreover, a path analysis with mediation effect showed that the impact of autonomous motivation condition versus control group on intention was mediated by cognitive attitude. Findings support the integration of TPB and SDT to encourage intention to adhere to the MD, also suggesting that prompting autonomous motivation may help to promote a greater diffusion of this healthy and sustainable dietary pattern.

The Mediterranean diet (MD) is recognized as one of the healthiest and most sustainable dietary patterns worldwide. This study combines the Theory of Planned Behavior (TPB) and Self-Determination Theory (SDT) alongside past MD adherence behavior to predict MD adherence among young and adult Italians. Using a two-wave prospective design, 706 participants (Women = 60.5%, mean age = 31.82) completed measures of past behavior, SDT and TPB variables at baseline (T1) and reported their adherence behavior to MD two weeks later (T2). Results revealed that both intention and past adherence to MD predicted actual adherence. In turn, affective attitude, descriptive norm, perceived behavioral control (PBC), and autonomous motivation were positively associated with intention. Past adherence further predicted autonomous motivation, affective attitude, and PBC, and indirectly influenced MD adherence at T2 through its effect on these factors and intention. Finally, invariance tests showed no differences between women and men and between student and non-student samples. Overall, our findings support the integration of TPB and SDT, emphasizing the need for interventions that address both conscious decision-making and established dietary habits, acknowledging the multifaceted nature of dietary behavior change.

Vaccine hesitancy poses a significant threat to the health of individuals across all age groups, which has been exacerbated by the COVID-19 pandemic. In this cross-sectional study, an extension of the Theory of Planned Behavior (TPB) was applied to investigate psychosocial variables predicting intention to vaccinate children under 12 against COVID-19 in a sample of 420 Italian parents (Mean age = 40.4, SD = 5.9; Women = 78.1%). Hierarchical regression analysis revealed that, among the TPB variables, cognitive attitude, descriptive norms, and perceived behavioral control significantly predicted parents’ vaccination intention. Furthermore, including trust in the institutions’ ability to manage the vaccination campaign in the model significantly increased the explained variance in intention. These findings suggest that campaigns promoting childhood COVID-19 vaccination should not only emphasize the safety and effectiveness of vaccines for children but also focus on reducing barriers to vaccination. Additionally, attention should be given to enhancing the perception that this behavior is widespread among other parents, thus leveraging the power of social influence. Finally, and not less important, significant efforts should be directed toward building and reinforcing trust in the system of actors promoting and managing the COVID-19 vaccination campaign.

Population‐based colorectal cancer screening programs decrease mortality, but the participation rates are still unsatisfactory. Drawing from relevant psychosocial literature, this study aims to test a widely integrated theory of planned behaviour model applied to colorectal cancer screening attendance. The model considered, at the same time, additional proximal predictors (anticipated regret and self‐identity) and distal (via attitude) predictors (trust in institutions and perceived risk in their affective and cognitive facets) of intention. On top, to bridge the intention–behaviour gap, the role of two additional mediators (action and coping planning) was explored. In May‐June 2022, 435 adults residing in Campania (Italy) joined a survey assessing variables of interest. Structural equation model results showed that both action and coping planning, which were predicted by intention, significantly predicted attendance. Intention was predicted by attitude, subjective norms, perceived behavioural control, anticipated regret and self‐identity. Attitude was predicted by trust in institutions and affective perceived risk. A parallel mediation analysis confirmed the role of both action and coping planning as full mediators in the intention–behaviour relation. The proposed comprehensive model can inform future interventions and orienteer the improvement of healthcare access processes.

Following the One Health approach, designing multidimensional strategies to orient healthcare in promoting health and preventive processes has become paramount. In particular, in the prevention domain, cancer screening attendance is still unsatisfactory in many populations and requires specific consideration. To this end, following a research-intervention logic, this study aims to investigate the experiences and meanings that users of public cancer screening services associate with prevention, particularly participation in the screenings. The experiences of 103 users (96 females; M_age = 54.0; SD = 1.24) of public cancer screening programs in the Campania region (Italy) were collected through interviews. The data collected were analysed following the Grounded Theory Methodology, supported by the software Atlas.ti 8.0. The text material was organised into eight macro-categories: Health and Body; Relationship with Cancer and Diseases; Health Facilities and Health Providers; The Affective Determinants of Cancer Screening Participation; Partners and Children; Physical Sensations and Emotions in the Course of Action; Protective Actions; Promotion and Dissemination. The core category was named Family and Familiarity. Respondents perceived prevention as an act of care for the family and themselves. Our findings support a shift from the idea of taking care of personal health as an individual matter toward considering it as a community issue, according to which resistance to act is overcome for and through the presence of loved ones. The results of this study contribute to a deeper understanding of the perspectives of southern Italian users on participation in cancer screening, and provide important insights to guide future actions to promote these public programmes based primarily on the emerging theme of family and familiarity related to screening programs.