Off-campus UNL users: To download campus access dissertations, please use the following link to log into our proxy server with your NU ID and password. When you are done browsing please remember to return to this page and log out.
Non-UNL users: Please talk to your librarian about requesting this dissertation through interlibrary loan.
The role of learning and motivation in change: A case study of females who were involved in weight loss programs
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.
Subject Area
Adult education|Continuing education|Health education|Educational psychology|Womens studies
Recommended Citation
Rahe, Sandra Jean, "The role of learning and motivation in change: A case study of females who were involved in weight loss programs" (1991). ETD collection for University of Nebraska-Lincoln. AAI9133313.
https://digitalcommons.unl.edu/dissertations/AAI9133313