Elizabeth Visser

A Multidimensional Weight-Management Program for Women

Real and imagined overweight and obesity, and resulting weight-reduction efforts, are associated with the development of a variety of health problems and eating disorders. For many years, research and practice in the field of weight management have been based largely on a unidimensional, simplistic, weight-loss paradigm. The long-term success rate for persons using this paradigm has been low. This article presents a multidimensional paradigm that focuses on all aspects of the prevention, treatment, and management of weight-related problems. The goal is to stimulate a shift from the unidimensional to a more multidimensional approach in weight-management interventions. The paradigm presents weight management as a continuum on which 5 prominent points are identified: formulation of reasonable weight goals, prevention of unnecessary weight; gain or loss, weight loss when necessary, prevention of relapse, and acceptance of an overweight/obese physique when necessary. The intrapersonal characteristics and skills associated with this continuum, namely, self-esteem, body image, self-efficacy, locus of control, motivation, stress management, problem solving and decision making, and assertiveness, as well as the role of stage of change and environmental influences on weight management, are examined. Issues concerning the different dimensions of the paradigm are discussed as are challenges and applications for researchers and practitioners in the field of weight management.

Special Session: Store Image – Theory, Research and Reality: A South African Perspective Consumer Perceptions of Store Image Attributes

This paper is the second in the special session on Store Image. This qualitative research focused on identifying those retail store image attributes perceived as important to female apparel consumers. Results indicated that Merchandise, Clientele as well as Service, in rank order, were considered as most important.

Special Session: Store Image – Theory, Research and Reality: A South African Perspective Store Image Attributes Theory: Lindquist Revisited

This paper is the first in a special session on Store Image. The primary objective of this paper is to provide a theoretical framework for the study of store image. Emphasis is placed on research (1974–2004) in comparison with Lindquist (1974–1975). Recommendations for future research are made.