The impact of self-efficacy on behavior change and weight change among overweight participants in a weight loss trial

Despite considerable clinical interest, attempts to link perceived self-efficacy with successful weight control have had mixed success. Definitive data on prospective associations between self-efficacy and weight loss are particularly sparse. This study examined relationships between self-efficacy b...

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Bibliographic Details
Published inHealth psychology Vol. 25; no. 3; p. 282
Main Authors Linde, Jennifer A, Rothman, Alexander J, Baldwin, Austin S, Jeffery, Robert W
Format Journal Article
LanguageEnglish
Published United States 01.05.2006
Subjects
Cross-Sectional Studies
Female
Health Behavior
Humans
Male
Middle Aged
Minnesota
Overweight
Prospective Studies
Self Efficacy
Surveys and Questionnaires
Weight Loss
Minnesota
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Summary:Despite considerable clinical interest, attempts to link perceived self-efficacy with successful weight control have had mixed success. Definitive data on prospective associations between self-efficacy and weight loss are particularly sparse. This study examined relationships between self-efficacy beliefs, weight control behaviors, and weight change among individuals participating in a weight loss trial (N = 349, 87% women). Cross-sectionally, eating and exercise self-efficacy beliefs were strongly associated with corresponding weight loss behaviors. Self-efficacy beliefs prospectively predicted weight control behavior and weight change during active treatment but not during follow-up. Mediational models indicate that people's weight control behaviors mediate the impact of self-efficacy on weight change.
ISSN:0278-6133
1930-7810
DOI:10.1037/0278-6133.25.3.282