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Related Concept Videos

Cause and Effect01:53

Cause and Effect

While variables are sometimes correlated because one does cause the other, it could also be that some other factor, a confounding variable, is actually causing the systematic movement in our variables of interest. For instance, as sales in ice cream increase, so does the overall rate of crime. Is it possible that indulging in your favorite flavor of ice cream could send you on a crime spree? Or, after committing crime do you think you might decide to treat yourself to a cone?
Regression Toward the Mean01:52

Regression Toward the Mean

Regression toward the mean (“RTM”) is a phenomenon in which extremely high or low values—for example, and individual’s blood pressure at a particular moment—appear closer to a group’s average upon remeasuring. Although this statistical peculiarity is the result of random error and chance, it has been problematic across various medical, scientific, financial and psychological applications. In particular, RTM, if not taken into account, can interfere when researchers try to extrapolate results...
Social Exchange Theory02:06

Social Exchange Theory

We have discussed why we form relationships, what attracts us to others, and different types of love. But what determines whether we are satisfied with and stay in a relationship? One theory that provides an explanation is social exchange theory. According to social exchange theory, we act as naïve economists in keeping a tally of the ratio of costs and benefits of forming and maintaining a relationship with others (Rusbult & Van Lange, 2003).
Social Exchange Theory01:26

Social Exchange Theory

As formulated by John Thibaut and Harold Kelley, Social Exchange Theory explains human relationships as economic-like exchanges that maximize rewards and minimize costs. This theory suggests that individuals engage in relationships to gain benefits and reduce burdens, similar to economic transactions. It has been widely applied to various types of relationships, including romantic, professional, and social interactions.Rewards and Costs in RelationshipsRelationship rewards include emotional...
Ending Relationships01:28

Ending Relationships

The dissolution of intimate relationships presents complex emotional and psychological challenges, particularly when emotional bonds are strong, the relationship is long-standing, and perceived alternatives are limited. This distress often intensifies in romantic breakups, where the initiator may experience greater turmoil than the rejected partner. Contributing factors include residual attachment, guilt over causing pain, and uncertainty about how to manage the situation. The stress is further...
Relationship Formation02:12

Relationship Formation

What do you think is the single most influential factor in determining with whom you become friends and whom you form romantic relationships? You might be surprised to learn that the answer is simple: the people with whom you have the most contact. This most important factor is proximity. You are more likely to be friends with people you have regular contact with. For example, there are decades of research that shows that you are more likely to become friends with people who live in your dorm,...

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Related Experiment Video

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Multidisciplinary Approach to Obesity Management: A Case Report
05:10

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Published on: May 30, 2025

Examining a ripple effect: do spouses' behavior changes predict each other's weight loss?

Anna E Schierberl Scherr1, Kimberly J McClure Brenchley, Amy A Gorin

  • 1Department of Psychology, University of Connecticut, 406 Babbidge Road, Unit 1020, Storrs, CT 06269, USA. aesscherr@gmail.com

Journal of Obesity
|October 2, 2013
PubMed
Summary
This summary is machine-generated.

Spouses’ dietary changes influenced weight loss in obesity treatment. When one partner reduced calorie and fat intake, the other experienced greater weight loss, especially if both participated in the program.

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Area of Science:

  • Obesity research
  • Behavioral medicine
  • Public health

Background:

  • Spousal involvement in obesity treatment can enhance weight loss outcomes.
  • Previous research suggests including partners promotes adherence and success in weight management programs.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To investigate the impact of spouses' dietary and physical activity changes on each other's weight loss.
  • To compare these effects in couples where both partners attended treatment versus only one partner attended.

Main Methods:

  • 132 heterosexual couples participated in an 18-month randomized controlled weight loss trial.
  • Data on weight, dietary intake, and physical activity were collected at baseline and 6 months.
  • Dyadic data analyses were performed using the Actor-Partner Interdependence Model.

Main Results:

  • Participants' weight loss was not directly predicted by their partners' behavioral changes.
  • Partners' weight loss was significantly influenced by the participant's changes in calorie and fat intake.
  • Physical activity changes did not show reciprocal effects on weight loss between partners.

Conclusions:

  • Direct participation in weight loss treatment yielded the most significant results for both individuals and their partners.
  • Untreated partners experienced positive weight loss effects from their spouses' dietary modifications, indicating a "ripple effect."
  • Dietary changes by a treated spouse positively influenced weight loss in their untreated partner.