An investigative study into the relationship between an individual's dieting self efficacy and intentions
Authors
McGrath, Amy
Issue Date
2012
Degree
BA (Hons) in Psychology
Publisher
Dublin Business School
Rights holder
Rights
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Abstract
The current study looked at a person’s level of Self Efficacy and Intentions in relation to weight loss. The scales used where based on the theory of Planed behavior (Ajzen, 1985) and DIET-SE Diet Self Efficacy (Stich, 2009). At the beginning of the eight week period participants expressed their views on Attitudes, Subjective Norms, Intentions and Control and in addition the three subscales of the DIET-SE assessed factors affecting weight loss and levels of self efficacy looking specifically at High Calorie Foods, Negative Emotional Events and Social and Internal factors. Participants were asked to set a weight loss target for themselves over an eight week period. During the eight week period participants were exposed to various Interventions with grounding in Cognitive Behavior therapy based on the healthy eating program they had signed up for. Eight weeks later they were asked if they reached their weight loss target and to express their views again on Attitudes, Subjective Norms, Intentions and Control and the three subscales of the DIET-SE (HCF), (NEE) and (SIF). No significant difference was found between a participant level of Self Efficacy (High Calorie Foods, Negative Emotional Events, Social and Internal factors )whether they reached their weight loss target or not from Pre and Post Intervention in relation to between weight loss achieved or not achieved. Results found no significant relationship between Intentions, Control and change in BMI (M= 11.11, SD = 1.49) No difference was found according to Gender and Attitudes, Subjective Norms, Intentions and Control, (HCF), (NEE) and (SIF).There was no significant difference according to Age and Attitudes, Subjective Norms, Intentions and Control, (HCF), (NEE) and (SIF). Author keywords: Diet, self efficacy, diet-se, TPB, TRA, weight loss, attitudes, subjective norms, intentions, perceived control, high-calorie food temptation