Comparisons of weight-loss behavior among dieters using TFA Systems™

The purpose of this study was to compare dieters' behavior patterns at critical times in the weight-loss process: beginning of treatment, end of treatment, and one year post treatment. Dieters' thoughts, feelings, and actions were assessed after lapses in "high-risk" situations. A review of the extant literature provided insight into the interpersonal, environmental, and intrapersonal risk factors for weight-loss relapse. The Risk For Relapse Questionnaire was developed to assess dieters' probability of relapse. Data were collected by personal interviews. The TFA Clinical Interview was contained in the interview protocol and provided qualitative and quantitative data relevant to each dieter's thoughts, feelings, and actions. A comparison of individual and group thoughts, feelings, and actions contributed to the overall conclusion that the majority of dieters make short-term changes in treatment but return to maladaptive behavior patterns during post weight loss. The results of this study indicate that dieters before and after treatment have the highest probability of relapse, whereas dieters at the end of treatment engage in behaviors conducive to weight-loss maintenance. Dieters at the beginning of treatment were guided by negative feelings leading to impulsivity. positive thinking behavior increased and feelings decreased by the end of treatment. By one year post treatment, 87% of dieters had relapsed and returned to maladaptive behavior. The heavy emphasis on positive actions regardless of negative feelings separated the 13% of weight loss maintainers from relapsers. TFA Systems™ provided a systematic method to evaluate specific thoughts, feelings, and actions relevant to dieters' responses after lapses in "high-risk" situations. Analysis of behavior patterns supported the need for weight-loss programs to require long-term maintenance follow-up.

Name thesis:degree_name

Doctor of Education

Level thesis:degree_level

doctoral

Discipline thesis:degree_discipline

Counselor Education

Department dc:contributor.department

Counselor Education

Grantor dc:publisher

Virginia Tech

Year dc:date.issued

1992

Author dc:creator

• Hayes, Gerald Lynn

Chairs dc:contributor.committeechair

• Hutchins, David E.
• Vogler, Daniel E.

Committee members dc:contributor.committeemember

• Getz, H. G.
• Keith, Timothy Z.
• Hartman, D. W.

Statement dc:rights

• In Copyright

Licence dc:rights.uri

• http://rightsstatements.org/vocab/InC/1.0/

Language dc:language.iso

en

Dc Identifier Other

etd-06062008-165543

OAI identifier oai:identifier

oai:vtechworks.lib.vt.edu:10919/38330