Volition and motivations influence on weight maintenance
ISSN: 0965-4283
Article publication date: 3 April 2019
Issue publication date: 7 May 2019
Abstract
Purpose
The purpose of this paper is to explore how the psychological constructs volition and motivation influence successful and unsuccessful weight maintainers’ experiences during the difficult period following an intensive lifestyle intervention.
Design/methodology/approach
Post lifestyle intervention semi-structured interviews with 11 successful and four unsuccessful weight maintainers were conducted.
Findings
The eight themes that emerged and the differences between successful and unsuccessful maintainers were theoretically explained applying the self-determination theory (motivation) and the personal systems interaction (volition).
Practical implications
The study validates and coheres with previous findings on the importance of self-regulation and autonomous motivation for weight loss maintenance. Additionally, the study’s findings expand the literature by explaining both empirically and theoretically how the quality of motivation concerning an activity influences the level of volitional intensity needed when wanting to either engage in goal oriented or refrain from goal opposing activities.
Originality/value
Developing effective obesity interventions has become essential, as obesity is a growing health threat in most countries in the world. However, there is a gap in the literature with regards to qualitative psychological studies with a clear theoretical framework informing intervention development.
Keywords
Acknowledgements
The study is supported by the research program “Physical activity and nutrition for improvement of health” funded by the University of Copenhagen Excellence Programme for Interdisciplinary Research.
Citation
Elsborg, P., Nielsen, J.B., Pfister, G.U., Dümer, V., Jacobsen, A. and Elbe, A.-M. (2019), "Volition and motivations influence on weight maintenance", Health Education, Vol. 119 No. 2, pp. 115-132. https://doi.org/10.1108/HE-04-2018-0023
Publisher
:Emerald Publishing Limited
Copyright © 2019, Emerald Publishing Limited