The relation between attitudes toward functional foods and satisfaction with food-related life. Issue 9 (5th September 2016)

• Record Type: Journal Article
• Authors: Schnettler, Berta; Adasme-Berríos, Cristian; Grunert, Klaus G.; Márquez, María Paulina; Lobos, German; Salinas-Oñate, Natalia; Orellana, Ligia; Sepúlveda, José
• Is Part Of: British food journal. Volume 118:Issue 9(2016)
• Page Start: 2234
• Page End: 2250
• Publication Date: 2016-09-05
• Subjects: Attitudes -- University students -- Functional foods -- Satisfaction with food-related life; Food industry and trade -- Periodicals; Food -- Marketing -- Periodicals; Food adulteration and inspection -- Periodicals; Food -- Periodicals; 381.456413
• DOI: 10.1108/BFJ-02-2016-0079
• Languages: English
• ISSNs: 0007-070X

Abstract

Abstract : Purpose: The purpose of this paper is to assess the effect of attitudes towards functional foods (AFF) on university students' satisfaction with food-related life (SWFL) and to distinguish student typologies, considering that the AFF are not homogeneous among consumers. Design/methodology/approach: A survey was applied to 372 university students (mean age=20.4 years, SD=2.4) in Southern Chile. The questionnaire included the AFF questionnaire and the SWFL scale, questions about consumption and knowledge about functional food (FF) and socio-demographic characteristics. Findings: Using confirmatory factor analysis (CFA) and structural equation modelling, it was found that AFF directly and significantly influence students' SWFL. A cluster analysis applied to the Z -scores from the factors obtained by the CFA classified three typologies: positive towards FF (36.3 per cent), moderately positive towards FF (43.0 per cent) and negative towards FF (20.7 per cent). The positive towards FF type had a significantly greater SWFL score than the negative towards FF type. The types differ according to consumption and knowledge about FF. Research limitations/implications: This study was conducted in the context of only one country in South America. Originality/value: This study is the first that assesses the effect of AFF on SWFL in a sample of university students. Fostering positive attitudes towards FF will allow for a growth in the degree of SWFL of university students with features similar to those of the study sample.