Combining Motivational Interviewing And Physical Activity Program To Improve Self-efficacy In Obese Adolescents

Abstract

There have been a relatively large number of studies examining the influence of physical activity (PA) in obesity treatment for youths. The literature on PA interventions, however, has demonstrated inconsistent effects in youths on behavioral changes outside of PA program. Combining PA program with Motivational interviewing (MI) seems to be a significant strategy to maintain changes in youths' behavior. MI is a therapeutic technique designed to enhance an individual's motivation to change behaviors and move him or her into action. PURPOSE: This study examined the effectiveness of an eight-week intervention program that was developed to increase obese adolescent's self-efficacy in physical activity. Social learning theory (self-efficacy), body-image and the transtheoretical approach of behavioral change were used as the guiding theoretical frameworks in this study. METHODS: Twenty-four adolescents were selected from a centre for adolescent with diet problem and divided into three groups (PA vs PA+MI vs Control). A series of questionnaires were completed including the Self-Efficacy questionnaire, the Body Shape Questionnaire, and the stages of change questionnaire. RESULTS: Repeated measures analysis of variance was performed to compare adolescent's self-perceptions (self-efficacy, body image and stages of change), and three conditions (PA vs PA+MI vs C), obtained across the three times of measurement (just before the program vs at the end of the program vs one month later). Interaction effects were obtained with higher self-efficacy, body image and stages of change for the PA+MI group than for PA group in tests two and three except for stages of change in test three. The control group did not change at any of the tests. CONCLUSIONS: These preliminary results indicate that the addition of MI to a PA program participation with obese adolescents enhanced both self-efficacy and body-image, with strong suggestions of relapse among individuals receiving PA only. Indeed, one month later, these two groups shown similar pattern of behavioral change whereas self-efficacy and body-image are significantly higher for PA+MI group at the same period. Given that self-efficacy is an important predictor of engagement in new behaviors, one can suggest that the participants of the PA program will relapse more easily.