The role of self-efficacy, coping, and lapses in weight maintenance

Latner, J.D., McLeod, G., O’Brien, K.S. and Johnston, L. (2013) The role of self-efficacy, coping, and lapses in weight maintenance. Eating and Weight Disorders - Studies on Anorexia, Bulimia and Obesity, 18 (4). pp. 359-366.

Abstract

Purpose

Successful weight maintenance after weight loss is exceedingly rare. The present study aimed to identify psychological predictors of lapses and weight maintenance.

Methods

Self-efficacy, coping, and perceptions of lapses were examined as potential predictors of lapse frequency and weight maintenance (percentage weight loss maintained). Participants included 67 adults (85.3 % women) who had intentionally lost a mean of 16 % of their body weight and had stopped losing weight at least 6 months prior to data collection. Participants completed a 7-day lapse diary tracking the frequency and perceived severity of their dietary and activity lapses, along with questionnaires on self-efficacy, coping, and characteristics of their weight loss.

Results

Participants had lost a mean of 13.9 kg, 20.4 months prior to data collection. More frequent lapsing was correlated with lower self-efficacy and greater perceived lapse severity. Lower percentage of weight loss maintained was correlated with lower self-efficacy, poorer coping, greater perceived lapse severity, and longer time since weight loss ended. “Regainers,” who maintained <90 % of their weight loss, had poorer self-efficacy, poorer coping, greater lapse frequency, and greater perceived lapse severity, than “maintainers,” who maintained at least 90 % of their weight loss.

Conclusions

The results suggest that self-efficacy, coping, and perceived lapse severity are significant predictors of weight maintenance, consistent with the relapse prevention model. The goals of improving self-efficacy and coping skills might be important additions to weight maintenance programs.

Item Type:	Journal Article
Publisher:	Springer Nature
Copyright:	© 2021 Springer Nature Switzerland AG.
URI:	http://researchrepository.murdoch.edu.au/id/eprint/59301

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