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Understanding the selection of support partners in a behavioral weight loss program
Nicole T Crane1, Nicole A Miller1, Danielle Arigo2,3
1Center for Weight, Eating, and Lifestyle Science, Department of Psychological and Brain Sciences, Drexel University, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, USA.
Psychology & Health
|July 19, 2024
Summary
Behavioral weight loss (BWL) programs benefit from support partners, often friends or family. Men are more likely to choose spouses, while communication comfort varies by topic.
Area of Science:
- Behavioral science
- Health psychology
- Social support
Background:
- Support partners enhance behavioral weight loss (BWL) program outcomes.
- Limited understanding exists regarding the characteristics of chosen support partners and relationship dynamics.
Purpose of the Study:
- To characterize support partners and relationship qualities in BWL.
- To examine differences in relationship dynamics based on relationship type.
- To assess variations in supportive relationships concerning participant gender.
Main Methods:
- 323 participants in a 24-month BWL program nominated a support person.
- Baseline self-report measures included the Working Alliance Inventory and study-specific questionnaires.
- Data collected on support person characteristics and communication comfort.
Main Results:
- Spouses/partners were selected by 43.3% of participants.
- Married men (80.9%) were more likely than married women (53.8%) to choose their spouse.
- Lower working alliance was observed with spouses compared to friends (p < 0.05).
- Comfort discussing exercise was higher than discussing eating or weight (p < 0.001).
Conclusions:
- Diverse social network members, including friends and family, serve as support partners in BWL.
- BWL programs should consider gender-specific needs when identifying support systems.
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