Taylor, Rosalyn (2015) Don't Worry, Be Healthy: An In Depth Look at the Psychological Factors Involved in Weight Loss. Coursework Masters thesis, University of Southern Queensland. (Unpublished)
Abstract
Obesity is a significant problem in many parts of the world and the prevalence here in Australia is growing year by year. Repercussions of obesity are widespread and impact not only on an individual’s physical and mental health, but also through a significant financial burden on the wider health care system. Due to high rates of comorbidity between obesity and psychological conditions a number of risk factors for obesity were identified including depression, mood, anxiety, stress, social support and self-efficacy. In Study 1 a systematic review was conducted to answer the research question “Do psychological factors predict weight loss?” In addition to this the theory of planned behaviour model was also explored for its predictive ability of weight loss intentions and actual weight loss. Results showed sufficient evidence to support the theory that both depression and self-efficacy were significant predictors of weight loss. Higher levels of depressive symptoms significantly reduced weight loss success and higher levels of self-efficacy (general and health specific) significantly improved weight loss success.
Study 2 tested a revised model of the theory of planned behaviour. A longitudinal study followed 111 participants who completed a weight loss program. It was hypothesised that the addition of self-efficacy (general and health specific) and satisfaction with social support would significantly add to the predictive ability of the standard model on weight loss intentions. Results supported this hypothesis however nutrition self-efficacy was found to be the only significant unique predictor of intentions to lose weight. Results also showed that intentions predicted actual weight loss. This research supports a shift in the focus of weight loss programs DON’T WORRY BE HEALTHY towards nutrition as well as the inclusion of psychological screening and support to achieve greater success rates. Further implications and limitations of the research are discussed along with suggestions for future research.
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| Item Type: | Thesis (Non-Research) (Coursework Masters) |
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| Item Status: | Live Archive |
| Additional Information: | Current UniSQ staff and students can request access to this thesis. Please email research.repository@unisq.edu.au with a subject line of SEAR thesis request and provide: Name of the thesis requested and Your name and UniSQ email address |
| Faculty/School / Institute/Centre: | Historic - Faculty of Health, Engineering and Sciences - School of Psychology and Counselling (1 Jan 2015 - 31 Dec 2021) |
| Supervisors: | Carla Jeffries |
| Qualification: | Doctor of Psychology (Clinical) |
| Date Deposited: | 20 Nov 2025 00:16 |
| Last Modified: | 20 Nov 2025 00:16 |
| Fields of Research (2008): | 17 Psychology and Cognitive Sciences > 1799 Other Psychology and Cognitive Sciences > 179999 Psychology and Cognitive Sciences not elsewhere classified |
| Fields of Research (2020): | 52 PSYCHOLOGY > 5299 Other psychology > 529999 Other psychology not elsewhere classified |
| URI: | https://sear.unisq.edu.au/id/eprint/52811 |
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