Does Concern Motivate Behavior Change?

Abstract

Objective. To explore relationships between concerns and physical activity and body mass index (BMI) among a racially/ethnically diverse low-income population. Method. A cross-sectional survey documented behavioral risks among racially/ethnically diverse low-income residents in the Boston area (2005-2009). Multivariable logistic regressions were conducted in 2012 for each concern, using SAS version 9.2. Results. Those very/moderately concerned about weight were more likely to have higher BMIs, be in the preparation/action stage, received behavioral counseling, participated in a weight management program, and be interested in participating in one in the future. Those very/moderately concerned about physical activity were more likely to have higher BMIs, received behavioral counseling, and participated in a physical activity program. Conclusion. Individuals with elevated BMIs or low levels of physical activity are concerned. While level of concern is important, these findings suggest that it is not likely to be a sufficient catalyst to behavior change.

Demographic, health-related, and work-related factors associated with body mass index and body fat percentage among workers at six Connecticut manufacturing companies across different age groups: a cohort study

“…One of the few factors that we observed to be consistently associated with higher baseline BMI and BFPregardless of age wasinterest in changing weight: participants in our population who reported that they were “interested in changing” their weight had consistently higher baseline BMIs and BFPs than those who were satisfied with their current weights. A previous study by Tamers et al reported similar findings [ 41 ]. This factor may be a beneficial to consider as part of workplace interventions for all age groups.…”

“…Based on the theory of the Transtheoretical Stages of Change Model, which posits that behavior modification is more likely to occur when participants are ready to change [ 42 ], we might expect that these participants reporting an interest in changing their weight would be more likely to reduce their BMIs or BFPs throughout the measurement period. Unfortunately, similarly to another finding by Tamers et al [ 41 ], we did not identify weight perception as a factor associated with change in BMI or BFP in our analyses, indicating that intentions to change weight are not sufficient to actually affect these indicators of obesity.…”

Distrustful Complacency and the COVID‐19 Vaccine: How Concern and Political Trust Interact to Affect Vaccine Hesitancy

“…In the health domain, concern is generally considered as directly emanating from perceived personal risk, and the two variables are often strongly correlated (e.g., see Beebe‐Dimmer et al, 2004; Lipkus et al, 1999). Health studies also generally find health concern is predictive of the adoption of health behavior intended to detect or prevent the potential disease (see also Tamers et al, 2014). Similar evidence applies to vaccination intentions specifically (as per the complacency dimension of the 5C model described above; Betsch et al, 2018; Enea et al, 2022; Ryan & Malinga, 2021; Taylor‐Clark et al, 2005).…”

Compliance in crisis: Concern, trust and distrustful complacency in the COVID‐19 pandemic

“…Across many domains, including health, people are more willing to change their behaviour when they are concerned (i.e., more worried and directly involved) about an issue (e.g., Betsch et al, 2018;Iversen & Rundmo, 2002;Tamers et al, 2014). Similarly, people are more supportive of government protective policies when a global threat (such as a pandemic) elicits high levels of anxiety (Albertson & Gadarian, 2015).…”