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Hope and the use of behavioural strategies related to diet and physical activity

Year: 2013

Type: article

Abstract: BACKGROUND: The use of specific behavioural strategies such as portion control or meal planning is important for weight management, although studies of determinants of strategy use are limited. The present study explored the concept of hope and its association with the use of behavioural strategies. METHODS: Data were obtained from a larger cross-sectional survey conducted in 2009 among 178 patients of a city-county sponsored primary care clinic in the Midwest region of the USA. Hope was measured with subscales representing 'agency' (determination in meeting goals) and 'pathways' (perception of ways to meet goals) and a total score. Diet and physical activity-related strategies were captured with five and two scales, respectively. RESULTS: Analyses showed a significant (P < 0.05) association between both the total hope score and the agency subscale and all behavioural strategy measures. The pathways subscale was significantly associated with physical activity-related strategies, and a subset of diet-related strategies. CONCLUSIONS: The hope measures should be explored further in the context of a weight loss intervention to determine their predictive association with the use of specific behavioural strategies.

Source: Journal of Human Nutrition and Dietetics

DOI: 10.1111/jhn.12057

Authors: F. Nothwehr, D. O. Clark, A. Perkins

Institutions: University of Iowa, Regenstrief Institute

Language: English

Topic: Optimism, Hope, and Well-being

Subfield: Applied Psychology

Field: Psychology

Domain: Social Sciences

SDG: Good health and well-being

Open Access status: bronze

Funders: National Institutes of Health, National Institute on Aging, National Institute of Diabetes and Digestive and Kidney Diseases