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An Examination of Adolescents' Values in a Motivational Interviewing-based Obesity Intervention

Year: 2020

Type: article

Abstract: Objectives: In this paper, we examine values selected by adolescents as part of a motivational interviewing (MI) weight loss intervention. Methods: During a values clarification activity, adolescents (N = 52; 75.0% girls; 78.4% African-American; mean age = 13.5 ± 1.8 years; mean body mass index (BMI) = 36.8 ± 6.4 kg/m2) selected their top 5 values. Using MI, interventionists explored selected values with adolescents and related them to target behaviors to develop discrepancy and enhance motivation for engagement in behavioral weight loss behaviors. Values were categorized using thematic analysis. Frequencies of value and theme selection were examined. Results: The majority of adolescents selected values in the Health (N = 38; 73.1%), Religion/ Spirituality (N = 36; 69.2%), Personal Achievement (N = 31; 59.6%), Virtuous (N = 28; 53.8%), and Family (N = 27; 51.9%) categories. Conclusions: Values selected by adolescents with obesity can inform intervention development for this difficult to engage population.

Source: American Journal of Health Behavior

DOI: 10.5993/ajhb.44.4.13

Authors: Laura J. Caccavale, Jessica Gokee LaRose, Suzanne E. Mazzeo, Melanie K. Bean

Institutions: Virginia Commonwealth University, Children's Hospital of Richmond at VCU

Language: English

Topic: Obesity and Health Practices

Subfield: Pharmacy

Field: Health Professions

Domain: Health Sciences

SDG: Good health and well-being

Open Access status: green

Funders: National Institutes of Health, National Center for Advancing Translational Sciences