Blending Behavioural Theory and Narrative Analysis to Explore the Lived Experience of Obesity and Assess Potential Engagement in a UK Weight Management Service: Theory and Narrative Approaches in Weight Management

Jessica Gillespie, Hannah Wright, Jonathan Pinkney, Helen Lloyd*

*Corresponding author for this work

Research output: Contribution to journalArticlepeer-review

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Abstract

Background: Current treatments for people with obesity emphasise the need for person-centred approaches that consider complex biopsychosocial factors and value the lived experience of people when attempting to lose weight. Methods: Narrative interviews (n = 20) were conducted with people living with obesity to explore the causes of their weight gain and their expectations and engagement with treatment at a Weight Management Clinic. A mixed inductive and deductive qualitative analysis identified utterances that represented psychological constructs used to understand self-appraisal and health behaviour. A narrative analysis was used to situate these findings in the context of a participant’s life story. Results: Locus of control was a dominant construct evidenced through a person’s attributional style and self-efficacy. Transcripts represented a heightened sense of self-understanding and shifts in control, and styles of attribution and efficacy resulted in either stasis or self-actualisation. The Stages of Change model could be applied to narratives to ascertain a patient’s motivation to access treatment. Importantly, narrative interviews also allowed for the consideration of how a person’s systemic context influenced their weight. Conclusion: Narrative interaction supports both self- and shared understandings of the causes and consequences of obesity for individuals, in a non-blaming or shaming manner. It provides an opportunity to enhance engagement through tailored, person-centred treatments.

Original languageEnglish
Article number747
JournalHealthcare (Switzerland)
Volume12
Issue number7
DOIs
Publication statusPublished - 29 Mar 2024

ASJC Scopus subject areas

  • Leadership and Management
  • Health Policy
  • Health Informatics
  • Health Information Management

Keywords

  • attribution style
  • locus of control
  • motivation
  • narrative elicitation
  • narrative-based medicine
  • obesity
  • self-efficacy
  • stages of change
  • transtheoretical model
  • weight management

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