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Dissertation
An examination of an acceptance-based behavioral intervention for obesity prevention in at risk college females
Doctor of Philosophy (Ph.D.), Drexel University
Jan 2012
DOI:
https://doi.org/10.17918/etd-3792
Abstract
Given the limits of obesity treatment, cost-effective obesity prevention programs are clearly indicated. Epidemiological data suggest that young adult women are prone to weight gain, particularly those who are already overweight. The current study examined the efficacy of an acceptance-based behavioral approach for obesity prevention in female college students with above average, but non-obese BMIs (BMI of 23-30 kg/m2). Fifty-eight participants were randomized to an experimental group who attended eight small-group sessions over 16 weeks (n = 29), or an assessment-only control group (n = 29). Group sessions included behavioral (e.g., monitor weight and calories, increase exercise) and acceptance-based (e.g., distress tolerance, willingness to experience cravings) strategies for long-term weight control. Participants were assessed at baseline, 6 weeks, and 16 weeks. At baseline, psychological flexibility (i.e., the ability to choose from a full repertoire of behavior including that which engenders uncomfortable internal experiences), was inversely related to BMI, weight self-efficacy, and emotional eating (p-values all < .01). The intervention significantly reduced weight in the experimental group by 1.92 kg (SD = 3.57) and the control group gained 0.09 kg (SD = 2.34) at 16 weeks, F(1,40) = 5.282, p = .027, [eta]2 = 0.117. The intervention also increased weight self-efficacy, physical activity, and psychological flexibility related to physical activity at 6 weeks compared to controls, but group differences did not persist to 16 weeks. The current study was the first to examine weight gain prevention in this at risk population and results indicate that a brief behavioral intervention utilizing acceptance-based strategies produces weight reduction over 16 weeks. Additionally, the study was the first to examine acceptance-based variables in this group and indicates that several weight related outcomes are cross-sectionally related to psychological flexibility. The lack of significant group differences in behavioral and psychological variables at 16 weeks suggests that intervention participants may have used different strategies to achieve the weight reduction and/or the intervention may need to meet more frequently to show continued effects on behavioral and psychological variables. Regardless, results from this novel study indicate that the current intervention has promise as a cost-effective obesity prevention intervention. Future research should examine mechanisms of change and longer term follow up.
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Details
- Title
- An examination of an acceptance-based behavioral intervention for obesity prevention in at risk college females
- Creators
- Shawn Nicole Katterman - DU
- Contributors
- Michael R. Lowe (Advisor) - Drexel University (1970-)
- Awarding Institution
- Drexel University
- Degree Awarded
- Doctor of Philosophy (Ph.D.)
- Publisher
- Drexel University; Philadelphia, Pennsylvania
- Resource Type
- Dissertation
- Language
- English
- Academic Unit
- Psychological and Brain Sciences (Psychology); College of Arts and Sciences; Drexel University
- Other Identifier
- 3792; 991014632422504721