Self-concept mode. The basic need underlying the self-concept mode is psychological
and spiritual integrity (Roy & Andrews, 1999). Each group member had a strong
and solid moral–ethical–spiritual self. Group members described themselves as being in
good overall physical health and expressed that they liked most aspects of their physical
appearance. The areas of greatest concern for the members were their slow and steady
weight gain, a prominent abdomen, and the loss of their slimwaistlines.When askedwhat
they would change about themselves if they could, group members echoed, “the size of
my tummy.” During the first-level assessment for self-concept, the members also expressed
that they would like to be more assertive and include their own feelings and needs
whenmaking decisions.Overall, cognator and regulator processes weremaintaining ade-
52 Cunningham
quate adaptive responses in the self-concept mode, but body image was identified as an
area of concern.