APPLICATION OF THE TRANSTHEORETICAL MODEL OF BEHAVIOR-CHANGE FOR OBESITY IN MEXICAN-AMERICAN WOMEN

The prevalence, consequences, and resistance to treatment of obesity m ake it one of the most difficult psychological and medical problems in society today. The incidence of obesity is greater in Mexican America ns than in Caucasians. The purpose of this study was to apply the Tran stheoretical Model of Behavior Change on a sample of Mexican American women in weight-loss study. Questionnaires assessing the stages and pr ocesses of change were shortened, translated, and administered to subj ects. Cluster analyses were conducted to determine the stage of change profiles, with five distinct profiles emerging. These profiles are co nsistent with those reported in previous research on smoking, psychoth erapy, alcoholism, and overeating. Relationships among stages, process es, and profiles of change were examined and found to be consistent wi th previous research. This study supports the use of the Transtheoreti cal Model with Mexican American women who were enrolled in a behaviora lly oriented weight-loss program. Results of the study are limited owi ng to a small sample size; however, it does provide a foundation to in corporate Hispanic populations in future studies pertaining to stages and processes of behavior change. (C) 1998 Elsevier Science Ltd.