EXPECTANCIES, SELF-ESTEEM, KNOWLEDGE, AND ADOLESCENT WEIGHT-REDUCTIONBEHAVIOR

The aims of the current study were to assess the factor structure of w eight loss expectancy and to explain weight reduction behavior among t eenagers. An anonymous questionnaire was administered to a sample of 5 99 adolescents. Principal components analysis identified four weight l oss expectancy factors, which were labeled social confidence, adult ap proval, self-worth, and negative consequences. Results from regression analyses indicated that dieting frequency, diet pill use, and purging were best explained by different subsets of predictors. Overall, self -esteem, gender, and specific expectancy and knowledge variables accou nted for most of the variance in measures of dieting frequency, diet p ill use, and purging. The findings suggest that weight management educ ation for teenagers should emphasize self-esteem enhancement. However, curriculum planning must also address the anticipated psychosocial re wards of weight loss and attend to gender-specific concerns.