Patient perceptions of a pledge scheme for weight loss
Research type
Research Study
Full title
Qualitative investigation of the patient perceptions of a pledge scheme intervention for weight loss.
IRAS ID
144136
Contact name
Sarah Peters
Contact email
Research summary
Pledge schemes are a simple psychological method of encouraging people to change their behaviour by asking them to pledge to achieve a specific goal. Similar psychological approaches, such as the use of implementation intentions, have proven useful in helping people to lose weight (Luszczynska, Sobczyk & Abraham, 2007) but pledge schemes have not yet been applied to weight loss. This study will investigate the application of pledge schemes to weight loss by conducting a brief pledge scheme and then examining patient opinions and experiences of the scheme. Participants will be recruited from the weight management clinic at Salford Royal Hospital, all patients attending this clinic aged over 18 will be eligible to participate. The study will be conducted at Salford Royal Hospital, each participant will attend two sessions approximately 4 weeks apart. During the first session participants will meet with the researcher and develop a pledge that is specific to their individual weight management goals. During the second session the researcher will conduct a semi-structured interview with the participant to assess their thoughts and feeling about making their pledge and then carrying it out.
REC name
North West - Greater Manchester Central Research Ethics Committee
REC reference
14/NW/0115
Date of REC Opinion
26 Mar 2014
REC opinion
Further Information Favourable Opinion