A quantitative examination of self-determination, self-efficacy, and successful self-regulation of weight management in African American men

Obesity is a condition that affects the health and psychosocial well-being of an estimated 133.6 million adults in the U.S. The purpose of this study was to examine self-regulation and its relationship to weight management in 126 African American men. The research questions examined self-regulation in relation to (a) self-determination, (b) self-efficacy, and (c) the use of self-regulatory behaviors using self-report surveys administered at one point in time. A descriptive design using Spearman correlation, point-serial correlation, and chi-square analysis was used to determine the nature and strength of the relationships between the variables of self-regulatory behaviors, self-determination, self-efficacy, perception of successful weight management, and body mass index (BMI). Data were collected from the revised Carolina self-regulation inventory (CSRI-R), the health self-determinism index (HSDI), the generalized (SES) and situational (SEWT) self-efficacy scales, the perception of successful weight management scale (PSS), and the satisfaction with body scale (SBS). Body mass index (BMI) measurements and demographic data (education, income, and age) were also collected. The primary findings were that there were positive relationships between age and satisfaction with body and self-efficacy and satisfaction with body. No statistically significant relationships were found between the HSDI and other variables, the HSDI and BMI, BMI and self-efficacy, the CSRI and other variables, and the CSRI and BMI. The results of this study could help practitioners decrease obesity and develop tailored treatment plans to enhance positive weight management for patients. Implications for positive social change suggest decreased economic, psychological, social, and medical costs.