Abstract
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.
| Original language | English (US) |
|---|---|
| Pages (from-to) | 282-291 |
| Number of pages | 10 |
| Journal | Health Psychology |
| Volume | 25 |
| Issue number | 3 |
| DOIs | |
| State | Published - May 2006 |
Keywords
- Self-efficacy
- Weight control behaviors
- Weight loss