A Study on the Correlation Between Self-efficacy and Self-regulation Behavior in Obese College Wo

Kim, Heasook; Hwang, Ranhee

Abstract

The purpose of this study was to examine the correlation between self-efficacy and self -regulation behavior in obese college women. Subjects included 52 college women with a Body Mass Index (BMI) score above 25 at Gwang Ju Women's University. Data was analyzed using SPSS/PC. The frequency, percentage, mean, standard deviation, t-test, ANOVA, and Pearson Correlation Coefficient tests were used to describe the data and for statistical comparisons. Results of this study showed that the mean scores for general self-efficacy and specific self-efficacy of obese college women were 3.37(1 to 5 point scale) and 60.16 (10 to 100 point scale) respectively. Significant differences for general and specific self-efficacy based on economic status were seen. The mean score for self-regulation behavior of obese college women was 2.55(1 to 5 point scale) with significant differences seen for both economic status and obesity of the mother. General self-efficacy was positively correlated with specific self-efficacy (P=.009) and specific self-efficacy with self-regulation behavior (P=.000). This study revealed the level of self-efficacy and self-regulation behavior, and the positive correlation between specific self-efficacy and self-regulation behavior in obese college women. Intervention is needed to promote selfefficacy for self-regulation behavior of obese college women. Further research needs to focus on the role of health promotion, diet and stress management in developing self-efficacy programs for obese college women.