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Behavioral Benefits of a Process‐Focused Workout Program: A Quasi‐Experimental Test
Author(s) -
Furman Celina R.,
Rothman Alexander J.
Publication year - 2020
Publication title -
applied psychology: health and well‐being
Language(s) - English
Resource type - Journals
SCImago Journal Rank - 1.276
H-Index - 31
eISSN - 1758-0854
pISSN - 1758-0846
DOI - 10.1111/aphw.12210
Subject(s) - weight loss , attendance , outcome (game theory) , test (biology) , psychology , process (computing) , physical therapy , applied psychology , medicine , computer science , obesity , paleontology , mathematics , mathematical economics , economics , biology , economic growth , operating system
Background Research suggests that focusing on the process of losing weight (i.e. how to eat and exercise) may be more advantageous for sustained engagement with goal pursuit than focusing on weight loss itself. However, gym‐based weight loss programs focus almost exclusively on outcomes (e.g. weight, appearance). Using a quasi‐experimental design, this study provides a test of subjective and behavioral outcomes of a process‐ versus an outcome‐focused approach integrated into an 8‐week workout challenge at four fitness studios. Methods Four hundred and forty‐eight individuals who were enrolled in the workout challenge consented to participate in study assessments at the start of the 8‐week challenge, the end of the 8‐week challenge, and again 8 weeks later. Results The process‐ and outcome‐focused programs produced similar subjective experiences, but the process‐focused program was associated with greater workout attendance, more adoption of supplemental weight‐loss strategies, and higher completion of the program requirements. Conclusions As compared to traditional outcome‐focused approaches, process‐focused weight loss programs may elicit behavioral benefits, such as maintaining engagement with the behavioral demands of weight loss.