1. Exploring the benefits and costs of a growth mindset in a digital app weight management program.
- Author
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Earl S, Burnette JL, and Ho AS
- Subjects
- Humans, Female, Male, Middle Aged, Adult, Weight Loss, Shame, Cost-Benefit Analysis, Body Image psychology, Weight Reduction Programs methods, Weight Reduction Programs economics, Mobile Applications
- Abstract
We explored the potential benefits and costs of believing one can change their weight (i.e. growth mindset) in the context of a digital weight management program. We investigated mechanisms by which growth mindsets relate to weight loss achievement and body shame. Among participants seeking to lose weight ( N = 1626; 74.7% female; 77.9% White; M = 45.7), stronger growth mindsets indirectly predicted greater weight loss achievement through positive offset expectations and subsequent increased program engagement. Additionally, stronger growth mindsets predicted less body shame through positive offset expectations but predicted more body shame through increased onset responsibility, replicating the double-edged sword model of growth mindsets. We conclude with applications that leverage growth mindsets for optimal behavior change while mitigating costs such as body shame.
age = 45.7), stronger growth mindsets indirectly predicted greater weight loss achievement through positive offset expectations and subsequent increased program engagement. Additionally, stronger growth mindsets predicted less body shame through positive offset expectations but predicted more body shame through increased onset responsibility, replicating the double-edged sword model of growth mindsets. We conclude with applications that leverage growth mindsets for optimal behavior change while mitigating costs such as body shame., Competing Interests: Declaration of conflicting interestsThe authors declared the following potential conflicts of interest with respect to the research, authorship, and/or publication of this article: Author ASH. is an employee of Noom Inc. and has received salary and/or stock compensation from Noom Inc. Author SE. is a contractor for Noom and received salary but not stock options. The Supplemental Material are available via the Sage Journals platform.- Published
- 2024
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