Joke Verstuyf

Motivational dynamics of eating regulation: a self-determination theory perspective

Within Western society, many people have difficulties adequately regulating their eating behaviors and weight. Although the literature on eating regulation is vast, little attention has been given to motivational dynamics involved in eating regulation. Grounded in Self-Determination Theory (SDT), the present contribution aims to provide a motivational perspective on eating regulation. The role of satisfaction and thwarting of the basic psychological needs for autonomy, competence, and relatedness is introduced as a mechanism to (a) explain the etiology of body image concerns and disordered eating and (b) understand the optimal regulation of ongoing eating behavior for healthy weight maintenance. An overview of empirical studies on these two research lines is provided. In a final section, the potential relevance and value of SDT in relation to prevailing theoretical models in the domain of eating regulation is discussed. Although research on SDT in the domain of eating regulation is still in its early stages and more research is clearly needed, this review suggests that the SDT represents a promising framework to more thoroughly study and understand the motivational processes involved in eating regulation and associated problems.

A longitudinal study of gross motor coordination and weight status in children

This longitudinal study investigated the interrelationship between childrens weight status and level of gross motor coordination over time, taking baseline physical activity (PA) into account as a possible mediator.

Eating regulation and bulimic symptoms: the differential correlates of health-focused and appearance-focused eating regulation

Based on Self-Determination Theory, this study aimed to gain further insight in the pathway from eating regulation to bulimic symptoms by (a) examining diet-specific need frustration as an intervening mechanism, (b) investigating the associations between different types of goals underlying eating regulation and diet-specific need frustration and bulimic symptoms, and (c) considering body dissatisfaction as an antecedent of eating regulation and eating regulation goals. In a sample of 244 female adolescents, SEM analyses showed that (a) the association between eating regulation and bulimic symptoms can be accounted for by need frustration, (b) appearance-focused and health-focused eating regulation are associated differentially with need frustration and bulimic symptoms, and (c) body dissatisfaction is related positively to eating regulation and appearance-focused eating regulation. These findings suggest that the goals underlying ones eating regulation and the concept of need frustration help to understand when and why eating regulation is associated with bulimic symptoms.

Self-critical perfectionism and binge eating symptoms: a longitudinal test of the intervening role of psychological need frustration

Although abundant research has shown that self-critical perfectionism relates to binge eating symptoms, fewer studies have addressed the role of intervening processes that might explain why this is the case. Grounded in self-determination theory, we hypothesized that self-critical perfectionism would relate to an increased risk for binge eating symptoms because it engenders frustration of the psychological needs for autonomy, competence, and relatedness. This hypothesis was tested in a sample of 566 adolescents (72% female; mean age = 13.3 years) using a 3-wave longitudinal study with a 6-month interval. Structural equation modeling analyses showed that self-critical perfectionism related to increases in psychological need frustration which, in turn, predicted increases in binge eating symptoms. Structural relations were found to be equivalent for males and females. Theoretical and clinical implications of these findings are discussed.

Hoe (de)motiverend zijn beloningen in therapie

Sommige drugshelpcentra in Vlaanderen hebben het over een andere boeg gegooid. Om drugsverslaafden te motiveren hun druggebruik te staken, worden ze volgens een premiestelsel beloond. Er worden hen filmtickets en ander materieel goeds beloofd, wanneer ze zich houden aan de opgelegde gebruiks- en gedragscode. Ook bij de behandeling van obesitas of eetstoornissen wordt gebruik gemaakt van beloningen. Cliënten kunnen beloningen krijgen, zoals uitstapjes, thuisbezoeken en speciale activiteiten, op voorwaarde dat ze zich houden aan de voorgeschreven symptoomverandering (zoals gewicht verliezen).

Van moeten naar willen: motivatiewerk in de bijzondere jeugdzorg

In de klinische praktijk worden hulpverleners al te vaak geconfonteerd met clienten die niet willen veranderen of heel ambivalent staan ten opzichte van verandering. Het is vooral de omgeving, zoals de school of de ouders, die aangeeft dat de jongere zijn gedrag zou moeten veranderen. In sommige gevallen wordt de jongere zelfs een behandeling opgelegd (bijv. door de jeugdrechter).