The study examines the social-cognitive predictors of health behavior, specifically action self-efficacy and coping self-efficacy, in 580 adults over two time points. The authors hypothesized that optimistic self-beliefs operate in two phases: action self-efficacy (pre-intention) and coping self-efficacy (post-intention). Risk perceptions, outcome expectancies, and action self-efficacy were identified as predictors of intention at Wave 1. Behavioral intention and coping self-efficacy served as mediators linking these predictors to low-fat and high-fiber dietary intake at Wave 2. Covariance structure analysis showed a good model fit for the total sample and six subsamples based on gender, age, and body weight. Parameter estimates varied between samples, with perceived self-efficacy becoming more important with age and weight. The study focused on self-reported nutrition, emphasizing the importance of a healthy diet low in saturated fat and high in fiber. Three factors were considered as predictors: risk appraisals, outcome expectancies, and self-efficacy beliefs. Gender, age, and body weight were also examined as moderators. Self-efficacy is a core concept in social-cognitive theory, representing an individual's belief in their ability to control their actions. It plays a crucial role in dieting, weight control, and preventive nutrition. Self-efficacious individuals are more likely to maintain healthy behaviors and resist setbacks. The study found that self-efficacy operates best in conjunction with lifestyle changes, including physical exercise and social support. Health behavior theories suggest that intentions, perceived self-efficacy, and outcome expectancies are key factors in health behavior. The Health Action Process Approach (HAPA) distinguishes between pre-intentional motivation processes and post-intentional volition processes. The intention to adopt a healthy diet depends on three sets of cognitions: risk perception, outcome expectancies, and self-efficacy. The study found that action self-efficacy was more important in the pre-intentional phase, while coping self-efficacy was more important in the post-intentional phase. The results showed that intention and coping self-efficacy were strong predictors of dietary behavior. The findings suggest that self-efficacy is a critical factor in health behavior, with its importance increasing with age and weight. The study used a longitudinal design, with participants completing questionnaires at two time points. The results showed that the model fit well for the total sample and six subsamples. The findings support the distinction between action and coping self-efficacy, with the latter being more important in maintaining healthy behaviors. The study also found that age and body weight were moderator variables, with older and overweight individuals showing higher self-efficacy. The study has implications for health interventions, suggesting that interventions should be tailored to the motivational phase of individuals. For those in the pre-intentional phase, improving outcome expectancies is important, while forThe study examines the social-cognitive predictors of health behavior, specifically action self-efficacy and coping self-efficacy, in 580 adults over two time points. The authors hypothesized that optimistic self-beliefs operate in two phases: action self-efficacy (pre-intention) and coping self-efficacy (post-intention). Risk perceptions, outcome expectancies, and action self-efficacy were identified as predictors of intention at Wave 1. Behavioral intention and coping self-efficacy served as mediators linking these predictors to low-fat and high-fiber dietary intake at Wave 2. Covariance structure analysis showed a good model fit for the total sample and six subsamples based on gender, age, and body weight. Parameter estimates varied between samples, with perceived self-efficacy becoming more important with age and weight. The study focused on self-reported nutrition, emphasizing the importance of a healthy diet low in saturated fat and high in fiber. Three factors were considered as predictors: risk appraisals, outcome expectancies, and self-efficacy beliefs. Gender, age, and body weight were also examined as moderators. Self-efficacy is a core concept in social-cognitive theory, representing an individual's belief in their ability to control their actions. It plays a crucial role in dieting, weight control, and preventive nutrition. Self-efficacious individuals are more likely to maintain healthy behaviors and resist setbacks. The study found that self-efficacy operates best in conjunction with lifestyle changes, including physical exercise and social support. Health behavior theories suggest that intentions, perceived self-efficacy, and outcome expectancies are key factors in health behavior. The Health Action Process Approach (HAPA) distinguishes between pre-intentional motivation processes and post-intentional volition processes. The intention to adopt a healthy diet depends on three sets of cognitions: risk perception, outcome expectancies, and self-efficacy. The study found that action self-efficacy was more important in the pre-intentional phase, while coping self-efficacy was more important in the post-intentional phase. The results showed that intention and coping self-efficacy were strong predictors of dietary behavior. The findings suggest that self-efficacy is a critical factor in health behavior, with its importance increasing with age and weight. The study used a longitudinal design, with participants completing questionnaires at two time points. The results showed that the model fit well for the total sample and six subsamples. The findings support the distinction between action and coping self-efficacy, with the latter being more important in maintaining healthy behaviors. The study also found that age and body weight were moderator variables, with older and overweight individuals showing higher self-efficacy. The study has implications for health interventions, suggesting that interventions should be tailored to the motivational phase of individuals. For those in the pre-intentional phase, improving outcome expectancies is important, while for