Treatment-associated Improvements in Self-regulation and Mood as Theory-based Correlates of Increased Self-efficacy for Weight-management Behaviors

Abstract

Expanded understanding of the psychosocial dynamics of weight-loss treatment processes is required to improve consistently poor results. Women with obesity of ages 40–59 years participated in self-regulation-based (n= 41) and information-based (n= 46) treatments. Improvements in self-regulation and self-efficacy related to exercise and eating, mood, exercise, intake of fruits/vegetables and sweets, and weight were significant, and generally greater in the self-regulation group. Exercise- and eating-behavior changes significantly mediated the prediction of self-efficacy changes by changes in self-regulation, with mood change significantly adding to the prediction strength. Findings suggested the value in supporting exercise for its psychosocial benefits within weight-loss treatment.

Keywords

• obesity
• weight loss
• self-regulation
• self-efficacy
• mood
• exercise