The purpose of this dissertation was to develop a reliable and valid measure to assess coping responses to weight-related discrepancy in women. The decision to create such a measure stemmed from the difficulties individuals have with initiation and consistent regulation of weight-related behavior. When salient, perceived discrepancies with one’s weight or body can be emotionally laden, producing negative affective responses and discontent, labeled here as dissatisfaction. The individual must then find ways to cope. However, not all coping responses are equal, and are theorized to have varied impacts on future regulation of weight loss efforts. The present research addressed these issues by developing a theoretically-based measure, labeled the WEIGHT-COPE. The WEIGHT-COPE originally sought to capture healthy and unhealthy problem-focused coping efforts to lose weight, as well as approach and avoidance coping efforts theorized as more distal influences on problem-focused efforts. The WEIGHT-COPE and other relevant measures were completed by 470 females ages 18-35 years. Results of an exploratory factor analysis revealed a 38-item measure consisting of eight coping factors: Exercise/Physical Activity, Healthy Eating, Cutting Calories/Appetite Suppression, Supplement Use, Monitor/Planning, Disengage/Denial, Camouflage, and Acceptance/Positive Reframing. All factors were internally consistent ( = 0.71 to 0.89), and converged with other pertinent measures of weight satisfaction, weight controllability/changeability, social physique anxiety, self-esteem, weight loss efficacy, physical activity level, dietary intake and objectified body consciousness. To test theoretical implications on future self-regulation of weight loss behavior, a structural regression model was run utilizing the WEIGHT-COPE factors. The factors were associated in a theoretically-driven pattern, illustrating that coping responses to weight-related discrepancy have varied impact on weight loss behavior choice. Thus, the present findings provide preliminary support for the WEIGHT-COPE and suggest that individuals cope with weight-related discrepancy in different ways, which may then have various impacts future self-regulation of weight loss behavior. / text

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The analyses in this dissertation were designed to 1) extend the knowledge of characteristics associated with and predictive of energy intake plausibility (under or overreported energy intake), and 2) extend previous research in a sub-sample of this study population of baseline short-term weight loss predictors to evaluate within the full sample whether baseline psychosocial, behavioral and dietary predictors of weight loss varied by energy intake plausibility. Subjects were 155 overweight or obese perimenopausal women participating in a 4mo lifestyle weight loss program. Based on self-reported intake from 3-d dietary records, women were categorized as energy underreporters (n=71), accurate energy reporters (n=27), or energy overreporters (n=57), using the cut-off values for energy plausibility defined by Goldberg. All subjects completed a comprehensive behavioral and psychosocial battery assessing diet and weight history, life status, weight loss readiness, psychology, eating behavior, physical activity, and self-image. Results from logistic regression models showed that y of education, weight loss aspirations, exercise perceived competence, social support to exercise, and measures of body image were the best predictors of energy underreporting. Dietary carbohydrate and fat intake, health related quality of life, and profile of mood states (anger) were the best predictors of energy overreporting. Baseline predictors of successful weight loss did vary by energy plausibility group, with unique predictors for energy underreporters including fewer previous dieting attempts and exercise perceived obstacles, and energy overreporters including higher TEE, more negative mood status and higher perceived hunger. Overall, more successful weight loss was also associated with higher baseline fruit and vegetable intake. Validation of these findings will help lead to establish factors to account or adjust for bias from energy misreporting, reduce health or disease risk underestimation and improve understanding of nutrition, health and disease relationships. Further, identification of successful weight loss predictors unique to energy under- and overreporters will enhance weight loss profiling and tailoring of interventions to optimize success.

Thesis (M.S.)--Purdue University--[West Lafayette, Indiana], 2006. / Includes bibliographical references (leaves 91-96).

Thesis (PlanA)--University of Wisconsin--Stout, 2007. / Includes bibliographical references.

Thesis (Ph. D.)--West Virginia University, 2008. / Title from document title page. Document formatted into pages; contains viii, 104 p. : ill. (some col.). Includes abstract. Includes bibliographical references (p. 54-59).

Thesis (M.S.)--Auburn University, 2008. / Abstract. Vita. Includes bibliographical references (p. [60]-67).

Thesis (Ph. D.)--University of North Texas, May, 2008. / Title from title page display. Includes bibliographical references.

Thesis (Ed. D.)--Teachers College, Columbia University. / Typescript; issued also on microfilm. Sponsor: Bernard Gutin. Dissertation Committee: Janice M, Dodds. Bibliography: leaves 119-128.

Thesis (Ph. D.)--Drexel University, 2005. / Includes abstract and vita. Includes bibliographical references (leaves 92-108).