Effects of increased availability and economic incentives on preadolescents’ healthier beverages choices: An experimental study

Abstract

This field experimental study examined how increased availability and economic incentives for healthier beverages affect preadolescents' actual healthier beverage choices in a real-world setting. In addition, the impact of preadolescents’ descriptive norm towards healthier beverages, price awareness and parental restrictive rules regarding beverage consumption were explored. During the experiment, preadolescents could independently buy two beverages from an assortment with a total of eight beverages. A 2x2 between-subjects design was used, manipulating the presence of increased availability of healthier beverages and economic incentives (taxes for unhealthier beverages and subsidies for healthier beverages). A total of 305 preadolescents between 8 and 14 years old (M = 10.18, SD = 1.74) participated, each accompanied by one of their respective parents. Results showed that preadolescents were more likely to choose healthier beverages and perceived a higher descriptive norm towards healthier beverages when the assortment included increased relative availability of healthier beverages. Economic incentives and price awareness did not impact healthier beverage choices. Preadolescents were less likely to choose healthier beverages when parents reported higher levels of restrictive rules regarding beverage consumption. Results of the study suggest that increasing relative availability of healthier options could be a promising intervention strategy to support preadolescents in making healthier choices.