Abstract

ROSAS, Raquel; PIMENTA, Filipa; MAROCO, João  and  LEAL, Isabel. Spontaneous self-concept in a successful weight loss: A pluralist qualitative study. Psic., Saúde & Doenças [online]. 2017, vol.18, n.1, pp.01-18. ISSN 1645-0086.  https://doi.org/10.15309/17psd180101.

Obesity implies risks for physical and psychological health, impacting negatively on self-esteem. As an improvement strategy, weight loss often has an impact not only on body image but also on others domains of self-concept. Despite the extensive research on physical self-concept, the exploration of others self-concept's domains concerning a weight loss is scarce. This study aims to explore the spontaneous self-concept of a successful weight loss. Thirty men and women who achieved a successful weight loss (loss at least 7% of the initial weight and made a minimum maintenance of 12 months) were interviewed. The in-depth audio-recorded interviews were transcribed and analysed through content and thematic analysis (pluralistic analysis with inductive and deductive approaches), by a jury of psychologists. A quantitative exploration of the association between the emergent categories was made through a multiple correspondence analysis. An inter-rater agreement (Cohen's k) was substantial (.734). Self-concept established a three-factor model: 1) Effective investment/Balanced self-esteem, 2) Ambivalent, and 3) Positive acceptance/Focused, entailed domains such as self-esteem, physical, social, and explicit personality self-concept. The qualitative exploration of self-concept on a weight loss context contributes to engrossing the current literature. Emphasising that not only physical but also psychological aspects may be impacted in a successful weight loss process, this study highlights that negative self-representations must be attended in a clinical interventions' context.

Keywords : Successful Weight Loss; Self-Concept; Qualitative; Content Analysis; Thematic Analysis.

        · abstract in Portuguese     · text in English     · English ( pdf )