Using Motivational Interviewing to Help Overweight Teens
Author Information
Author(s): Walpole Beverly, Dettmer Elizabeth, Morrongiello Barbara, McCrindle Brian, Hamilton Jill
Primary Institution: University of Guelph and Hospital for Sick Children
Hypothesis
Motivational Interviewing is an effective intervention for increasing self-efficacy and promoting healthy behavior changes in overweight and obese youth.
Conclusion
The study aims to enhance understanding of how Motivational Interviewing can improve psychological and physiological outcomes in overweight and obese adolescents.
Supporting Evidence
- Motivational Interviewing has been shown to improve intrinsic motivation and self-efficacy in various populations.
- Previous studies indicate that MI can lead to positive behavior changes in adults, but its effectiveness in youth is less understood.
- The study aims to fill gaps in knowledge regarding MI's impact on overweight and obese adolescents.
Takeaway
This study is trying to help overweight teens feel better about themselves and make healthier choices by talking to them in a special way called Motivational Interviewing.
Methodology
The study involves overweight youth aged 10-18 who will be randomly assigned to either a Motivational Interviewing group or a control group receiving social skills training, with assessments conducted at the beginning and end of the 6-month intervention.
Potential Biases
There may be risks of bias in the coding of therapy sessions and participant selection.
Limitations
The study may not generalize to all overweight youth due to potential underrepresentation of certain demographics and the exclusion of parents from the intervention.
Participant Demographics
Participants are overweight and obese youth aged 10-18 attending a pediatric outpatient obesity clinic.
Digital Object Identifier (DOI)
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