Self-efficacy in mildly and moderately obese individuals enrolled in a behavior modification weight loss group

This study investigated the psychological construct of self-efficacy, as applied to eating behavior within a population enrolled in a behavior modification weight loss program. The study attempted to answer: (a) if self-efficacy and weight outcome measures differed between mildly and moderately obese groups; (b) if relationships exist between the variables in the study, including feelings about one's weight loss, feelings about the group experience, and eating self-efficacy; and (c) whether self-efficacy might be a predictor for attrition from the group.; The instruments used in this study, which were administered both pre-intervention and 6 months into the intervention of behavior modification for weight loss, consisted of the demographic data questionnaire, the Eating Self-Efficacy Scale (ESES), and the pre- and post-Self-Assessment Questionnaire (SAQ), authored by the researcher. Data were analyzed utilizing one-way analysis of variance (ANOVA), 2 x 2 ANOVA, t-tests, and Pearson product moment correlations.; Significant findings of the study were: (a) the mildly and moderately obese groups significantly increased their eating self-efficacy and significantly lost weight during the intervention; (b) the moderately obese group lost significantly more weight than the mildly obese group; (c) the post-ESES and post-SAQ were significantly correlated, suggesting a relationship exists between eating self-efficacy and positivism toward the group experience; (d) pleased feelings with one's weight loss was significantly correlated with percent of goal weight attained, absolute weight lost, and positivism toward the group experience; and (e) dropouts indicated significantly more displeasure with their weight loss than program compliers.; Implications of the study and suggestions for future research, including "group process" as a possible variable for predicting program compliance, are discussed.