Perceived negative social influence related to weight loss: development of a questionnaire and exploratory factor analysis
Related Experiment Video
Updated: Nov 7, 2026

Validation of a Psychosocial Intervention on Body Image in Older People: An Experimental Design
Published on: May 31, 2021
Ingrid H M Steenhuis1,2, Milou Vlaar3,4, Lies Ter Beek3,4
1Department of Health Sciences, Faculty of Sciences, Vrije Universiteit Amsterdam, Amsterdam, The Netherlands. Ingrid.steenhuis@vu.nl.
Background:
Weight loss is often unsuccessful in the long term. The social environment plays a role in lapses and relapses. Perceived negative social influence is still underexplored in the context of weight loss. The aim of this study was to develop a questionnaire to measure perceived negative social influence related to weight loss.
Methods:
A cross-sectional study with an online survey was conducted (n = 368). Questions were constructed on the basis of answers from 47 respondents to an open question about sabotage in a pilot study. An exploratory factor analysis was performed, internal consistency was determined.
Results:
Three subscales were identified: Normative and Verbal Pressure to Eat or Drink, Creating a Tempting Environment, Doubting the Need for Weight Loss. Cronbach's alpha varied from 0.84 - 0.89 for the subscales and 0.92 for the overall questionnaire.
Conclusions:
The present study provides a preliminary questionnaire to measure perceived negative social influence related to weight loss. Future studies are needed to gain insight into the prevalence of these factors among people trying to lose weight and to identify additional potential negative social influences related to weight loss.
Related Concept Videos
Self-Discrepancy Theory
Factorial Design
Assessment of the Gastrointestinal System II: Health Perception Pattern
Health Perception Patterns
Health perception patterns offer valuable insights into a patient's lifestyle habits and how they may impact their GI health. These patterns include:
Negative and Cognitive Symptoms of Schizophrenia
Negative Symptoms
Negative symptoms of schizophrenia manifest as deficits in normal emotional and behavioral functioning, profoundly impacting daily life. Individuals with schizophrenia often display a flat affect, characterized by a near-total absence of emotional expression,...
Regression Toward the Mean