An exploration of the intra- and interpersonal pathways linking interpersonal goals to weight management goal pursuit

1 online resource (137 pages) : PDF

2019

University of North Carolina at Charlotte

Using Pietromonaco and colleagues’ (2013) model as a guiding framework, I designed an empirically testable model that integrates theory and constructs from relationship science, affective science, and health psychology to explore the impact of social relationships on weight management. The present study focused on two interpersonal goals as indicators of relational orientations, which have strong and consistent implications for psychological, physical, and relational well-being (Crocker & Canevello, 2012). These relational orientations were expected to act upon weight management through two paths: an intrapersonal pathway connecting interpersonal goals to intentions to persist through emotional processes and an interpersonal pathway connecting interpersonal goals to intentions to persist through dyadic processes. This model was explored in a cross-sectional study of 71 romantic couples with weight management goals. Regarding the intrapersonal pathway, compassionate and self-image goals were generally unrelated to emotional responses to progress and setbacks. Empowered responses to progress and ashamed responses to setbacks were weakly associated with intentions to persist. Regarding the interpersonal pathway, partners’ compassionate goals were associated with greater provision of goal-relevant partner support. Partners’ self-image goals were related to less partner support when actors or partners reported a lower BMI. In turn, partner support was conditionally related to actors’ intentions to persist. Results offer insight into how compassionate and self-image goals contribute to own and romantic partner’s regulation of weight management goals, providing a nuanced perspective on the highly interdependent context of weight management.

doctoral dissertations

Social psychology
Psychology
Medical sciences

Ph.D.

Emotions
Interpersonal Goals
Relationships
Social Motives
Social Support
Weight Management

Psychology

Canevello, Amy

Gil-Rivas, Virginia
Webb, Jennifer
Sullivan, Shannon

Thesis (Ph.D.)--University of North Carolina at Charlotte, 2019.

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Hilaire_uncc_0694D_12271

http://hdl.handle.net/20.500.13093/etd:2503