Effect of self-efficacy on dropout from obesity treatment.

Investigated the link between low weight-control self-efficacy and dropout rate in 414 participants (mean age 38 yrs) in a behavioral program. Ss had an average weight of 185 lb and were an average of 51 lb overweight. Ss were administered a telephone questionnaire during the 1st 12 wks of their participation. Results show that the 101 dropouts were significantly more likely than stayers to report low self-efficacy at the beginning of their memberships. Dropouts were also significantly less likely to feel successful in weight control and behavior change, even though their rates of weight loss did not differ significantly from those of the stayers. (2 ref) (PsycINFO Database Record (c) 2010 APA, all rights reserved)