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Quirke-McFarlane S, Ogden J. Care or sabotage? A reflexive thematic analysis of perceived partner support throughout the bariatric surgery journey. Br J Health Psychol 2024. [PMID: 38783153 DOI: 10.1111/bjhp.12733] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/02/2023] [Accepted: 05/09/2024] [Indexed: 05/25/2024]
Abstract
OBJECTIVE Social support is mostly seen as a positive resource for many health outcomes. However, some research indicates that weight loss may disrupt the equilibrium of relationships and highlights the potential for a more negative form of social support. This qualitative study aimed to explore bariatric surgery (BS) patients' perceptions of the way in which their current or previous partner supported them throughout their BS journey. DESIGN BS patients (N = 30) participated in semi-structured interviews. METHODS The data were analysed using an inductive approach to reflexive thematic analysis. RESULTS Four themes were derived from the data. While two themes reflected social support as a form of caring (Mutual Investment and Positive Reinforcements), the other two themes indicated aspects of sabotage (Feeder Behaviours and Negative Reactions to Weight Loss Attempts and Successes). Transcending these themes was the notion of Bariatric Surgery as an Opportunity or Threat to the Relationship. CONCLUSIONS Some patients perceived social support as a positive resource in BS success involving Mutual Investment from their partners and being offered Positive Reinforcements for changes in their weight status and wellbeing. Some, however, described more negative aspects of support which had undermined their BS goals, either unintentionally or intentionally, through acts of sabotage including Feeder Behaviours and Negative Reactions to Weight Loss Attempts and Successes. Future research should develop interventions to help prepare the partners of those undergoing BS for the changes to both their partner's weight status and the dynamics of their relationship.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Jane Ogden
- School of Psychology, University of Surrey, Guildford, Surrey, UK
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Ogden J, Quirke-McFarlane S. Sabotage, Collusion, and Being a Feeder: Towards a New Model of Negative Social Support and Its Impact on Weight Management. Curr Obes Rep 2023:10.1007/s13679-023-00504-5. [PMID: 37280423 DOI: 10.1007/s13679-023-00504-5] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 04/03/2023] [Indexed: 06/08/2023]
Abstract
PURPOSE OF REVIEW Whilst research indicates the positive impact of social support across a number of health domains, including weight management, not all social support is beneficial. RECENT FINDINGS This paper reviews the evidence for both positive and negative social support in the context of behavioural interventions and surgery for obesity. It then presents a new model of negative social support focusing on sabotage ('active and intentional undermining of another person's weight goals'), feeding behaviour ('explicit over feeding of someone when they are not hungry or wishing not to eat'), and collusion ('passive and benign negative social support to avoid conflict') which can be conceptualised within the context of relationships as systems and the mechanisms of homeostasis. There is increasing evidence for the negative impact of social support. This new model could form the basis of further research and the development of interventions for family, friends, and partners to maximise weight loss outcomes.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jane Ogden
- School of Psychology, University of Surrey, Guildford, GU2 7XH, Surrey, UK.
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Dailey RM, Zhang Z, Kurlak R, Lloyd R, Burdick S. Romantic Partner Perspectives of the Relational Context of Weight Loss Support. HEALTH COMMUNICATION 2022; 37:1788-1797. [PMID: 33941002 DOI: 10.1080/10410236.2021.1920712] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 06/12/2023]
Abstract
Much of the research on romantic partner support of weight loss takes the perspective of targets pursuing weight loss. This study, however, assesses the perspectives of the partners providing support, and specifically their perceptions of the relational context and their support strategy use. An MTurk sample of 283 partners of individuals trying to lose weight reported on relational context characteristics (i.e., having a team effort, opposing approaches, and imposition regarding the weight loss pursuits) and their use of encouragement, direct influence, and coercion. Analyses largely supported the hypotheses regarding the associations between the relational characteristics and strategy use. For example, higher team effort and lower opposing approaches about weight management were linked with more encouragement, and greater opposing approaches and imposition were associated with more coercion. Four relational weight loss climates based on the collective of these characteristics were also linked with strategy use. All associations were found after accounting for general relationship satisfaction as well as other control variables. Overall, the findings suggest that perceptions of the weight loss in the context of the relationship were connected to the strategies partners employed in helping targets achieve weight loss. Because strategies vary in effectiveness, understanding which relational characteristics, as well as which broader relational climates, facilitate partner strategy choice can ultimately help augment individuals' weight loss success.
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Affiliation(s)
- René M Dailey
- Department of Communication Studies, University of Texas at Austin
| | - Zhengyu Zhang
- Department of Communication Studies, Western Washington University
| | - Rebecca Kurlak
- Department of Communication Studies, University of Texas at Austin
| | - Rachel Lloyd
- Department of Communication Studies, University of Texas at Austin
| | - Suzanne Burdick
- Department of Communication Studies, University of Texas at Austin
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4
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Dailey RM, Lloyd R, Burdick S, Zhang Z, Kurlak R. Romantic partner undermining of weight loss: Links between overweight individuals' weight management efforts and perceptions of their partner's undermining motivations and behaviors. J Health Psychol 2022; 28:583-596. [PMID: 36124728 DOI: 10.1177/13591053221123842] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/15/2022] Open
Abstract
This study investigated romantic partners' undermining of weight management (i.e. hindrance of weight loss efforts) and how perceived motivations behind undermining were associated with weight loss progress. Data from 241 overweight individuals currently cohabiting with a romantic partner and trying to lose weight revealed two overarching undermining factors (i.e. verbal criticism/complaint, behavioral interference) and six perceived motivations (e.g. partner believed weight loss was unnecessary, partner relational fears, weight loss was an imposition on partner). Path modeling showed both undermining behaviors were negatively associated with weight management. Yet, only certain motivations (e.g. imposition on partner, weight loss was unnecessary) were linked to weight management, either directly or indirectly, through undermining. Specifically, whereas criticism/complaint mediated the associations between these motivations and weight management, interference only mediated the association between imposition and weight management. Findings are discussed in terms of the theoretical and practical value of distinguishing undermining behaviors and their underlying motivations.
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Ferber MF, Noria S, Focht B, Wallace L, Needleman B, Pratt KJ. The Effect of Family Member Attendance at Bariatric Surgery Appointments on Patient and Family Weight-Related Outcomes. Obes Surg 2020; 31:1073-1081. [PMID: 33067769 DOI: 10.1007/s11695-020-05041-x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/16/2020] [Revised: 10/05/2020] [Accepted: 10/06/2020] [Indexed: 12/23/2022]
Abstract
PURPOSE To assess the effect of family member attendance at routine pre- and postoperative appointments on early postoperative patients' weight loss and physical activity levels and family members' weight control practices. MATERIALS AND METHODS As part of a RCT, patients were randomized to (1) invite a romantic partner or cohabitating family member to attend routine appointments (FA arm) or (2) proceed with treatment as usual (TAU arm). Patients in FA arm were asked to invite their family member to attend four routine appointments (T1 = pre-surgery class, T2 = 1 month pre-surgery, T3 = 2 weeks post-surgery, T4 = 2 months post-surgery). Assessments of patients' percent excess weight loss (%EWL), change in body mass index (ΔBMI), and levels of physical activity and family members' weight control practices (dietary control, self-monitoring, physical activity, and psychological coping) were conducted at T1-T4 with all dyads, and attendance was documented. Of the 213 dyads approached, 63 dyads consented to participate. RESULTS There were no significant differences in patient outcomes between FA and TAU arms or based on consistent attendance of family members. There were no significant differences in weight control practices between FA and TAU dyads. At T3 and T4, family members with consistent attendance reported higher self-monitoring, physical activity, and psychological control practices. Family members with consistent attendance reported significant increases in physical activity and psychological control practices from T1 to T4. CONCLUSIONS Family member attendance at routine appointments had greater positive effects on family members rather than on patient outcomes.
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Affiliation(s)
- Megan Ferriby Ferber
- Department of Human Sciences, Human Development and Family Science Program, The Ohio State University, Columbus, OH, USA.
| | - Sabrena Noria
- Department of Surgery, Division of General and GI Surgery, The Ohio State University, Columbus, OH, USA
| | - Brian Focht
- Department of Human Sciences, Kinesiology Program, The Ohio State University, Columbus, OH, USA
| | - Lorraine Wallace
- Department of Family Medicine, The Ohio State University, Columbus, OH, USA
| | - Bradley Needleman
- Department of Surgery, Division of General and GI Surgery, The Ohio State University, Columbus, OH, USA
| | - Keeley J Pratt
- Department of Human Sciences, Human Development and Family Science Program, The Ohio State University, Columbus, OH, USA.,Department of Surgery, Division of General and GI Surgery, The Ohio State University, Columbus, OH, USA
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6
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Bruze G, Holmin TE, Peltonen M, Ottosson J, Sjöholm K, Näslund I, Neovius M, Carlsson LMS, Svensson PA. Associations of Bariatric Surgery With Changes in Interpersonal Relationship Status: Results From 2 Swedish Cohort Studies. JAMA Surg 2019; 153:654-661. [PMID: 29590289 DOI: 10.1001/jamasurg.2018.0215] [Citation(s) in RCA: 37] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/14/2023]
Abstract
Importance Bariatric surgery is a life-changing treatment for patients with severe obesity, but little is known about its association with interpersonal relationships. Objectives To investigate if relationship status is altered after bariatric surgery. Design, Setting, and Participants Changes in relationship status after bariatric surgery were examined in 2 cohorts: (1) the prospective Swedish Obese Subjects (SOS) study, which recruited patients undergoing bariatric surgery from September 1, 1987, to January 31, 2001, and compared their care with usual nonsurgical care in matched obese control participants; and (2) participants from the Scandinavian Obesity Surgery Registry (SOReg), a prospective, electronically captured register that recruited patients from January 2007 through December 2012 and selected comparator participants from the general population matched on age, sex, and place of residence. Data was collected in surgical departments and primary health care centers in Sweden. The current analysis includes data collected up until July 2015 (SOS) and December 2012 (SOReg). Data analysis was completed from June 2016 to December 2017. Main Outcomes and Measures In the SOS study, information on relationship status was obtained from questionnaires. In the SOReg and general population cohort, information on marriage and divorce was obtained from the Swedish Total Population Registry. Results The SOS study included 1958 patients who had bariatric surgery (of whom 1389 [70.9%] were female) and 1912 matched obese controls (of whom 1354 [70.8%] were female) and had a median (range) follow-up of 10 (0.5-20) years. The SOReg cohort included 29 234 patients who had gastric bypass surgery (of whom 22 131 [75.6%] were female) and 283 748 comparators from the general population (of whom 214 342 [75.5%] were female), and had a median (range) follow-up of 2.9 (0.003-7.0) years. In the SOS study, the surgical patients received gastric banding (n = 368; 18.8%), vertical banded gastroplasty (n = 1331; 68.0%), or gastric bypass (n = 259; 13.2%); controls received usual obesity care. In SOReg, all 29 234 surgical participants received gastric bypass surgery. In the SOS study, bariatric surgery was associated with increased incidence of divorce/separation compared with controls for those in a relationship (adjusted hazard ratio [aHR] = 1.28; 95% CI, 1.03-1.60; P = .03) and increased incidence of marriage or new relationship (aHR = 2.03; 95% CI, 1.52-2.71; P < .001) in those who were unmarried or single at baseline. In the SOReg and general population cohort, gastric bypass was associated with increased incidence of divorce compared with married control participants (aHR = 1.41; 95% CI, 1.33-1.49; P < .001) and increased incidence of marriage in those who were unmarried at baseline (aHR = 1.35; 95% CI, 1.28-1.42; P < .001). Within the surgery groups, changes in relationship status were more common in those with larger weight loss. Conclusions and Relevance In addition to its association with obesity comorbidities, bariatric surgery-induced weight loss is also associated with changes in relationship status.
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Affiliation(s)
- Gustaf Bruze
- Clinical Epidemiology Unit, Department of Medicine, Karolinska Institutet, Stockholm, Sweden
| | - Tobias E Holmin
- Institute of Medicine, Sahlgrenska Academy, University of Gothenburg, Gothenburg, Sweden
| | - Markku Peltonen
- Chronic Disease Prevention Unit, National Institute for Health and Welfare, Helsinki, Finland
| | - Johan Ottosson
- Department of Surgery, Faculty of Medicine and Health, Örebro, Örebro University, Sweden
| | - Kajsa Sjöholm
- Institute of Medicine, Sahlgrenska Academy, University of Gothenburg, Gothenburg, Sweden
| | - Ingmar Näslund
- Department of Surgery, Faculty of Medicine and Health, Örebro, Örebro University, Sweden
| | - Martin Neovius
- Clinical Epidemiology Unit, Department of Medicine, Karolinska Institutet, Stockholm, Sweden
| | - Lena M S Carlsson
- Institute of Medicine, Sahlgrenska Academy, University of Gothenburg, Gothenburg, Sweden
| | - Per-Arne Svensson
- Institute of Medicine, Sahlgrenska Academy, University of Gothenburg, Gothenburg, Sweden.,Institute of Health and Care Sciences, Sahlgrenska Academy, University of Gothenburg, Gothenburg, Sweden
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Ferriby M, Pratt K, Noria S, Needleman B. Associations Between Romantic Relationship Factors and Body Mass Index Among Weight Loss Surgery Patients. JOURNAL OF MARITAL AND FAMILY THERAPY 2019; 45:719-732. [PMID: 30255509 DOI: 10.1111/jmft.12357] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 06/08/2023]
Abstract
The current study utilized a sample of 183 patients, in romantic relationships, who were either pre- or post-weight loss surgery (WLS), to assess (a) associations between romantic relationship factors and pre- and post-surgery body mass index (BMI), (b) the positive and negative influences of obesity in romantic relationships, and (c) the influence of romantic relationship factors on BMI and the reciprocal. Correlations, confirmatory factor analysis, and multiple linear regression were conducted. Patients endorsed greater negative influence of obesity in their romantic relationships compared to positive influences, and their romantic relationship quality was predicted by several variables, including BMI, in pre- and post-surgery patient groups.
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Bartram A, Crabb S, Hanson-Easey S, Eliott J. "We Were Totally Supportive, of Course": How People Talk About Supporting a Significant Other to Stop or Reduce Their Drinking. QUALITATIVE HEALTH RESEARCH 2019; 29:1120-1131. [PMID: 30484374 DOI: 10.1177/1049732318809945] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 06/09/2023]
Abstract
Despite the strong influence our significant others have on health behaviors such as alcohol consumption, little is known about when they are willing to provide support for changing such behaviors. We conducted interviews with 13 Australian adults who had a partner, friend, or family member who stopped or significantly reduced their alcohol consumption within the past 2 years, to understand how these significant others accounted for providing support for this behavior change as reasonable. Through thematic discourse analysis, we identified three types of accounts: (a) deontological, referring to duty or obligation to support others; (b) consequentialist, where costs for providing support were minimized or balanced; and (c) relational, attending to the importance of maintaining relationships. By identifying the principles people draw on to justify supporting a significant other who changes their alcohol consumption, this study enhances our understanding about when significant others are likely to support health behavior changes.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ashlea Bartram
- 1 The University of Adelaide, Adelaide, Australia
- 2 University of South Australia, Adelaide, Australia
| | - Shona Crabb
- 1 The University of Adelaide, Adelaide, Australia
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9
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Romo LK. An Examination of How People Who Have Lost Weight Communicatively Negotiate Interpersonal Challenges to Weight Management. HEALTH COMMUNICATION 2018; 33:469-477. [PMID: 28151017 DOI: 10.1080/10410236.2016.1278497] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 06/06/2023]
Abstract
The vast majority of Americans are overweight, and those who are able to lose weight typically regain at least the amount they lost. Some people are confronted with sabotage, criticism, and declines in social support during and following weight loss. However, how individuals negotiate these interpersonal barriers is not very well understood. Such an understanding could help individuals maintain their weight loss while minimizing the risk of adverse health or relational consequences. Thus, through a thematic analysis of 40 interviews of people who were identified as previously overweight or obese and a facework lens (Cupach & Metts, 1994; Goffman, 1967), this study examined how people were communicatively able to sustain their weight loss in the face of challenges from friends, family, and colleagues. The investigation found that altered weight management behaviors (particularly healthy eating) can threaten others' face and uncovered several communication strategies people used to prevent and mitigate face threat. To avoid face threat, participants proactively issued cognitive disclaimers about weight management or designated cheat days, accepted but did not consume food, avoided social situations involving food, or ate unhealthy food in smaller portions to assimilate with the in-group. To remediate face threat, participants provided personal choice and health excuses to save face and accomplish their dual goals of maintaining their weight management practices without compromising their relationships.
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Affiliation(s)
- Lynsey K Romo
- a Department of Communication , North Carolina State University
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10
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Dailey R, Romo L, Myer S, Thomas C, Aggarwal S, Nordby K, Johnson M, Dunn C. The Buddy Benefit: Increasing the Effectiveness of an Employee-Targeted Weight-Loss Program. JOURNAL OF HEALTH COMMUNICATION 2018; 23:272-280. [PMID: 29452062 DOI: 10.1080/10810730.2018.1436622] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 06/08/2023]
Abstract
It is well known that significant others (particularly romantic partners) can influence people's weight management efforts. However, what constitutes effective support-and from which type of individual (e.g., romantic partner, family member, friend)-is unclear. Thus, framed by confirmation theory, we assessed the effectiveness and types of communication of a weight-loss "buddy" through reports of 704 individuals enrolled in a 15-week synchronous online weight-loss program. Roughly 54% of participants chose buddies; and those who did lost more weight and waist inches than those who were involved in the program without buddy support. We also found that a combination of high accepting and high challenging messages from buddies was associated with the greatest decrease in body mass index (BMI) as well as the greatest reduction in waist size. Furthermore, the support by romantic partners paralleled support by other types of buddies. Having a supportive buddy who was not a romantic partner was just as effective as turning to a romantic partner for assistance. This study underscores the important role of a buddy in supporting weight-loss program involvement and encourages individuals to consider enlisting the help of a buddy, as opposed to losing weight alone, in order to maximize weight management effectiveness.
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Pratt KJ, Balk EK, Ferriby M, Wallace L, Noria S, Needleman B. Bariatric Surgery Candidates' Peer and Romantic Relationships and Associations with Health Behaviors. Obes Surg 2017; 26:2764-2771. [PMID: 27143096 DOI: 10.1007/s11695-016-2196-y] [Citation(s) in RCA: 15] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/21/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND The aim was to assess the romantic and peer relationships of bariatric surgery candidates and associations with health behaviors. METHOD Adults seeking bariatric surgery (N = 120) completed surveys addressing health behaviors and social relationships at information sessions. Analysis was done to compare male/female differences in peer and romantic relationships and associations with health behaviors. Previously published reference (REF) data on the Relationship Structures questionnaire was used for comparison, and to split our sample into those ≤ or > REF mean for relationship anxiety and avoidance. RESULTS Our sample reported higher avoidance and lower anxiety in their close friendships and romantic relationships compared to the REF sample. Men in our sample had higher peer and romantic relationships avoidance compared to the REF sample and had significantly higher close friendship avoidance than women in our sample. Participants with lower anxiety in their romantic relationships (≤ REF) had higher uncontrolled eating and physical activity; those with more anxiety in their romantic relationships (> REF) had a higher BMI. CONCLUSIONS Our findings highlight the potential influence that social relationships may have on health behaviors within the bariatric surgery population. Further investigation is warranted to explore male bariatric surgery candidates' relationships to inform understanding and intervention development.
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Affiliation(s)
- Keeley J Pratt
- Department of Human Sciences, College of Education and Human Ecology, The Ohio State University, 135 Campbell Hall, 1787 Neil Avenue, Columbus, OH, 43210, USA. .,Department of Surgery, College of Medicine, The Ohio State University Wexner Medical Center, Columbus, OH, 43210, USA.
| | - Elizabeth K Balk
- Department of Health Promotion and Exercise Studies, Western Connecticut State University, Danbury, CT, 06810, USA
| | - Megan Ferriby
- Department of Human Sciences, College of Education and Human Ecology, The Ohio State University, 135 Campbell Hall, 1787 Neil Avenue, Columbus, OH, 43210, USA
| | - Lorraine Wallace
- Department of Family Medicine, College of Medicine, The Ohio State University Wexner Medical Center, Columbus, OH, 43210, USA
| | - Sabrena Noria
- Department of Surgery, College of Medicine, The Ohio State University Wexner Medical Center, Columbus, OH, 43210, USA
| | - Bradley Needleman
- Department of Surgery, College of Medicine, The Ohio State University Wexner Medical Center, Columbus, OH, 43210, USA
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Facilitating Partner Support for Lifestyle Change Among Adults with Serious Mental Illness: A Feasibility Pilot Study. Community Ment Health J 2017; 53:394-404. [PMID: 28176207 PMCID: PMC5510867 DOI: 10.1007/s10597-017-0100-4] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/26/2015] [Accepted: 01/24/2017] [Indexed: 12/15/2022]
Abstract
The purpose of this pilot study was to explore the feasibility of an intervention designed to facilitate partner support for lifestyle change among overweight and obese adults with serious mental illness (SMI). Fifteen adults with SMI enrolled in a lifestyle intervention at community mental health centers participated with a self-selected partner in an additional 12-week intervention component designed to facilitate social support for health behavior change. Participants reported that the program was useful, convenient, and helped them reach their goals. Approximately two-thirds (66%) of participants were below their baseline weight at follow-up, including 27% achieving clinically significant weight loss. Participants reported significant increases in partner support for exercise and use of persuasive social support strategies. Partner support interventions that promote exercising together and positive communication may be effective for helping individuals with SMI initiate and sustain health behavior change necessary to reduce cardiovascular risk.
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Romo LK. How Formerly Overweight and Obese Individuals Negotiate Disclosure of Their Weight Loss. HEALTH COMMUNICATION 2016; 31:1145-1154. [PMID: 26881478 DOI: 10.1080/10410236.2015.1045790] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 06/05/2023]
Abstract
Overweight and obese individuals frequently experience weight-based stigma, and reducing stigma is one reason people want to lose weight. However, research suggests even after individuals become a normal weight, knowledge of their old body size can result in stigma. Through interviews of 30 formerly overweight or obese individuals and the framework of Communication Privacy Management theory, this study found the vast majority of participants perceived more benefits from disclosing their larger identity than risks, regardless of weight-loss method. Participants revealed their weight loss in order to inspire others, build relationships, or hold themselves accountable. Conversely, a few participants concealed to protect their thinner identity (i.e., they feared stigma) or to avoid coming across as boastful. In contrast to previous studies, this investigation suggests most participants were not dissuaded from revealing their former body size due to a threat of residual stigma. Participants' disclosure was overwhelmingly met with encouraging and supportive responses.
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Affiliation(s)
- Lynsey K Romo
- a Department of Communication , North Carolina State University
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14
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Smith SA, Brunner SR. The Great Whoosh: Connecting an Online Personal Health Narrative and Communication Privacy Management. HEALTH COMMUNICATION 2015; 31:12-21. [PMID: 25616685 DOI: 10.1080/10410236.2014.930551] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 06/04/2023]
Abstract
This research study examined Bud Goodall's online health narrative as a case study through the use of a thematic analysis to investigate the presence of communication privacy management (CPM) theory. Emergent themes of humor as a privacy management strategy, legitimization of co-owners, shifting privacy rules at end of life, and metaphors as privacy protection were used to recount Goodall's cancer experience on his personal blog, connecting to the components of CPM. The themes the authors analyzed represent the push-pull dialectical tension experienced to reveal and conceal information, conceptualization of private information, shared boundaries, and boundary linkages.
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