Ya gotta have friends: social support and self-efficacy predict success following immersion treatment.

Abstract

This study examined the impact of perceived social support and self-efficacy on predicting success in weight management following immersion treatment of adolescent obesity. 198 overweight and obese adolescents (M% overweight = 81.4%; M BMI = 36.0) participated in Wellspring's cognitive-behavioral therapeutic camps for 3-10 weeks during the summer of 2011. The campers and one of their caretakers completed a series of questionnaires at the halfway point during immersion. One year following camp, campers and their parents provided follow-up heights and weights. Multiple regression intent to treat analyses indicated that campers who perceived their friends as supportive, reported confidence in their ability to succeed, and believed that their families functioned well achieved relatively more substantial reductions in percent overweight 1 year after immersion. Perceptions of support anticipated from parents failed to predict success. Campers who more fully engaged in the process of change at camp also achieved somewhat greater success in the long run. These results suggest that participants in cognitive-behavioral immersion treatment may improve outcomes by nurturing support from their friends, increasing self-efficacy, and having their families consider family therapy if warranted.