Spontaneous self-concept in successful weight losers – a pluralist qualitative study

Abstract

Background: People with overweight/obesity might express negative self-perceptions; moreover, the weight loss process often has an impact on a domain of self-concept: body image. Despite the vast literature on self-concept in adolescence, little research has been done with adults. Thus, this study aims to explore the spontaneous self-concept in adults who have done a successful weight loss. Methods: Thirty men and women who achieved a successful weight loss (a minimum loss of 7% of the initial weight and maintenance of at least 12 months) were interviewed. The interviews were transcribed and analysed both through content and thematic analysis (pluralistic analysis), by a jury of two psychologists. A quantitative exploration of the emergent categories’ was performed. Findings: An inter-rater agreement (Cohen’s k) was satisfactory (0.734). The analysis revealed themes such as the 1) physical self-concept (entailing positive, negative and ambivalent/neutral valences), 2) investment in one’s appearance and body, 3) interpersonal self-concept, with positive and negative ambits, 4) global self-esteem, and 5) explicit personality self-concept (comprehending positive and negative aspects). Discussion: Exploring characteristics referent to one’s knowledge of the self in a weight loss background increases information to a lacking literature. Theoretically, this understanding will shed a light on how different constructs (e.g. body image, self-esteem, explicit personality self-concept), usually researched apart form each other, have emerged together from the narrative of the adults interviewed. Clinically, this study may contribute to a greater knowledge about healthier self-perceptions of people how have undergone/performed a significant body/weight change.