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The CHANGE Program: Comparing an Interactive versus Prescriptive Obesity Intervention on University Students' Self‐Esteem and Quality of Life
Author(s) -
Pearson Erin S.,
Irwin Jennifer D.,
Morrow Don,
Hall Craig R.
Publication year - 2012
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/j.1758-0854.2012.01080.x
Subject(s) - motivational interviewing , obesity , intervention (counseling) , quality of life (healthcare) , psychology , certification , self esteem , gerontology , behavior change , medicine , physical therapy , clinical psychology , social psychology , psychotherapist , nursing , political science , law
Background: Previous studies incorporating Motivational Interviewing administered via C o‐ A ctive L ife C oaching tools ( MI ‐via‐ CALC ) have elicited positive results among adults with obesity. However, there is a paucity of this research that includes sufficient power and a comparison group. This study's purpose was to compare MI ‐via‐ CALC with a validated obesity intervention among university students. Methods: Participants ( n = 45) were randomised to either a telephone‐based 12‐week: (a) MI ‐via‐ CALC program whereby a certified coach worked with subjects to achieve goals through dialogue; or (b) lifestyle modification treatment following the LEARN P rogram for W eight M anagement. Participants completed the R osenberg S elf‐ E steem S cale and S hort F orm F unctional H ealth S tatus S cale ( SF ‐36) at baseline, mid‐, and post‐treatment, and 3 and 6 months following the program. Results: Analyses revealed that both conditions elicited significant time effects between baseline and 6 months for self‐esteem and all dimensions of the SF ‐36 (e.g. overall health). Conclusions: MI ‐via‐ CALC compares favorably with LEARN as an obesity treatment. Given that self‐esteem and quality of life are essential for promoting behavior change among individuals with obesity, this study offers unique insights into their change processes. Future research should provide both treatments and allow participants to choose based on their personal preferences, learning styles, and needs.