Psychosocial interventions such as self
�
efficacy interventions (e.g., structured,
individualized training programs) are
effective in controlling mean body weight
gains; participation in a patient
empowerment program can be effective at
improving perceived levels of
empowerment, self
�
care self
�
efficacy, and
for decreasing levels of depression; group
psychosocial therapy can be an effective
method of increasing confidence in self
�
care; an educational and support program
was shown to be effective in improving
psychosocial skills and performance of
activities of daily living; a behavioural
contract and a behavioural contract with a
family member or friend resulted in lowered
weight gains (compliance to treatment);
and a weekly telephone contact
intervention also improved compliance to
treatment. However, none of the
interventions in this last study changed the
participants’ health beliefs.
Successful interventions in four of the
included studies involved one
�
on
�
one
contact over several weeks using a
number of theory
�
based methods to
develop coping and decision
�
making skills.
The studies also showed that such
interventions can be effective by using
both an individual and group format.