Content area
Abstract
The purpose of this qualitative study was to examine: (a) how women receive and apply knowledge in making behavior changes, (b) factors that motivate adult females to implement acquired knowledge into behavior patterns, (c) influential factors that adult females use to engage in change behaviors, and (d) the impact of others' behaviors on overweight adult females implementing behaviors to achieve weight loss. Thirteen adult female participants were purposefully selected for the study. Semistructured, tape-recorded interviews were conducted. The topics were learning, motivation, and change. Internal and external validity checks were used. When attempting to define learning, the subjects mentioned change. Learning was viewed as necessary to make a change. Various modes of instruction were necessary to reach the different subjects' learning preferences. There did not appear to be one right way of instructing or motivating the individuals. A variety of factors motivate adults at different periods in their lives; however, motivation was necessary for the subjects to demonstrate the new skills they had acquired. An individualized approach to learning, motivation, and change was recommended considering lifestyles, personalities, and learning preferences.
