| This study explored the theories of self-efficacy (Bandura, 1977) and learned helplessness (Seligman, 1976) in an effort to highlight the unique relevancy each theory has when applying Marlatt's (1980, 1985) theory of relapse prevention to obesity.; Through qualitative, in-depth interviews with adult women with a history of obesity, nine personal accounts of individual struggles with obesity were collected. Subjects were surveyed using a semi-structured interview format which was designed to allow each individual some latitude but with focused areas of attention.; Data was analyzed and sorted into common themes which emerged from the interviews. There was some overlapping of themes. The predominant themes included: Shame and low self-esteem; childhood trauma; environment and childrearing practices; health concerns; beliefs about biology and genetics; relationship to the body; learned helplessness; and low self-efficacy.; The data suggested that relapse prevention in the obese population is complicated by a number of factors. Feelings and beliefs consistent with learned helplessness were common among the subject sample. The subjects believed that efforts to maintain a desirable weight had no impact on the actual outcome. Repeated experiences of relapse reinforced this belief. The participants' responses indicated that perceptions of self-efficacy were extremely low. While this subject group was well educated and knowledgeable about the behaviors associated with successful weight maintenance, they did not feel they had the necessary skills to achieve success. All of the subjects agreed that it was possible to learn from previous lapses and relapses, however, none of the subjects were able to identify key components of the stimulus array which proceeded their individual relapse episodes. Additionally, many of the subjects endorsed a moral or disease model of addiction which renders the individual powerless and without control.; Relapse prevention is an essential component of any treatment for obesity. The data, when compared to much of the existing body of literature, offered a more detailed, in-depth examination of the phenomenon of relapse in the obese population. Implications for theory and clinical practice were outlined. This study provides many new directions for further research on relapse prevention in obesity. |
