Intention, perceived control, and weight loss: An application of the theory of planned behavior.

Predicted success at attempted weight reduction among college women on the basis of a theory of planned behavior. 83 Ss expressed their attitudes, subjective norms, perceived control, and intentions with respect to losing weight. In addition, the extent to which they had made detailed weight reduction plans was assessed, as were a number of general attitudes and personality factors. 76 Ss were reassessed 6 wks later. In support of the theory, intentions to lose weight were accurately predicted on the basis of attitudes, subjective norms, and perceived control; perceived control and intentions were together moderately successful in predicting the amount of weight that Ss actually lost over the 6-wk period. Actual weight loss was also found to increase with the development of a plan and with ego strength, factors that were assumed to increase control over goal attainment. Other factors, such as health locus of control, perceived competence, and action control, were found to be unrelated to weight reduction. (19 ref) (PsycINFO Database Record (c) 2010 APA, all rights reserved)