Romantic Partner Perspectives of the Relational Context of Weight Loss Support

Health Commun. 2022 Dec;37(14):1788-1797. doi: 10.1080/10410236.2021.1920712. Epub 2021 May 3.

Abstract

Much of the research on romantic partner support of weight loss takes the perspective of targets pursuing weight loss. This study, however, assesses the perspectives of the partners providing support, and specifically their perceptions of the relational context and their support strategy use. An MTurk sample of 283 partners of individuals trying to lose weight reported on relational context characteristics (i.e., having a team effort, opposing approaches, and imposition regarding the weight loss pursuits) and their use of encouragement, direct influence, and coercion. Analyses largely supported the hypotheses regarding the associations between the relational characteristics and strategy use. For example, higher team effort and lower opposing approaches about weight management were linked with more encouragement, and greater opposing approaches and imposition were associated with more coercion. Four relational weight loss climates based on the collective of these characteristics were also linked with strategy use. All associations were found after accounting for general relationship satisfaction as well as other control variables. Overall, the findings suggest that perceptions of the weight loss in the context of the relationship were connected to the strategies partners employed in helping targets achieve weight loss. Because strategies vary in effectiveness, understanding which relational characteristics, as well as which broader relational climates, facilitate partner strategy choice can ultimately help augment individuals' weight loss success.

MeSH terms

  • Humans
  • Interpersonal Relations
  • Personal Satisfaction*
  • Sexual Partners
  • Weight Loss*