Trust not in money: The effect of financial conflict of interest disclosure on dietary behavioural intention

Abstract

Purpose To determine the impact of financial conflict of interest (FCI) disclosure on dietary behavioural intention related to the glycaemic index (GI) of food. Design/methodology/approach Seventy-two participants were randomly allocated to two conditions by reading an academic journal article about GI that contained an FCI disclosure (conflict) or a statement detailing that the authors had no FCI to declare (no-conflict). Using a questionnaire, participants made judgments about the article and authors as well as intention to perform GI-related behaviour. These were then analysed for significant differences between the two conditions. Findings Although no significant differences emerged between group means of judgments about the article, those in the conflict condition judged the authors as significantly less trustworthy and credible than those in the conflict condition. Contrary to expectation, those in the conflict condition reported significantly higher intentions to perform GI-related behaviour. Research limitations/implications The present research must be conducted in other populations of interest in order to establish if the results can be generalised. Practical implications The results suggest that FCI disclosure might be best placed at the beginning of articles and that education about FCI be made available to the general public. Originality/value This paper examines the practical implications of FCI disclosure. It also focuses on a readership beyond an academic community who is well-acquainted with the subject area and issues pertaining to FCI.