Autonomy support in a couples weight loss trial: Helping yourself while helping others

Self-determination theory proposes that autonomy-supportive environments produce better health outcomes, and evidence demonstrating the importance of autonomy support for health behavior change has become increasingly clear. The bulk of the previous research has focused on the effects of receiving autonomy support, whereas the present study focuses on the potential impact of providing autonomy support for improving the weight loss and relationship satisfaction of the support provider.

Sixty-four couples were randomized to a standard weight loss intervention or to an intervention that included training to enhance autonomy support behavior (e.g., empathic responding, accepting personal choices, etc.). Groups met weekly for 6 months, with assessments at baseline, 3, 6, and 12 months. The assessment of provided autonomy support was based on ratings of videotaped interactions of the couple discussing weight loss issues and on partner report of the autonomy support they received.

The results did not show any condition effects; however, the results for both conditions indicated that beyond receiving autonomy support, providing autonomy support was associated with greater sustained weight loss for the support provider, and for men greater relationship satisfaction over time.

The results confirm the importance of couples-based interventions and autonomy support for behavior change. In addition, it appears that providing autonomy support is useful for both the recipient and the provider. These results point to the need for developing targeted interventions to facilitate the provision of autonomy support. (PsycInfo Database Record (c) 2022 APA, all rights reserved).