Adult Sensory Education for Sustainable Eating: The Moderating Roles of Prior Experience

ABSTRACT

Although sensory education has traditionally targeted children, its application to adult populations remains underexplored. This study examined how a Sapere‐based adult sensory education program grounded in social cognitive theory (SCT) influences food literacy, taste sensitivity, and healthy eating behavior among university students. A cross‐sectional survey was conducted with 300 Korean students (100 with prior sensory education experience and 200 without), and structural equation modeling was applied. Self‐evaluative outcome expectations significantly enhanced self‐efficacy ( p  < 0.001) and social support ( p  < 0.01), whereas social outcome expectations negatively predicted self‐efficacy ( p  < 0.01). Goal setting showed strong positive effects on food literacy, taste sensitivity, and healthy eating behavior ( p  < 0.001). Multigroup analysis showed that prior sensory education experience strengthened the relationship between goal setting and food literacy. These findings highlight the psychological mechanisms underlying adult sensory education and suggest that prior sensory education experience should be considered when designing programs to promote healthier and more sustainable eating behaviors.