Abstract

VELOSO, S. et al. Weight management program based on self-determination theory: comparing parents-child data. Psic., Saúde & Doenças [online]. 2015, vol.16, n.1, pp.86-99. ISSN 1645-0086.  https://doi.org/10.15309/15psd160209.

This study aimed to analyze the changes in self-regulation, basic psychological needs, staff and parents support after the first 4-months of a weight management program with adolescents. To improve our understanding about the clinical implications, we also analyze the participants' views (adolescents and their parents) about the program. The 24 overweight adolescents (31 ± 4.9 kg/m²; 17 girls; 13,2 years), followed in a tertiary health unit, participated in a 4-month program with structured exercise, eight educational sessions on behavioral change and parental involvement. We measured the perception of staff and parental support, self-regulation for treatment, basic psychological needs at 0 and 4 months. At 2,5 months 20 adolescents and 16 parents participated in focus groups to analyze the impact of the program. There were improvements in relatedness satisfaction, but not in weight. The adolescent’s opinion found the exercise as the main strength of the program, but for parents was the personalized and group format; for both parents and sons the main weakness of the program was the disillusionment with weight loss. The discussion suggests that the weight loss treatmentbased on exercise and self-determination theory principles could bring psychological benefits even without weight loss.

Keywords : adolescents; weight management; self-determination theory; exercise.

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