The Theory of Reasoned Action, or TRA, is a behavioral hypothesis offered by Martin Fishbein, PhD and Icek Ajzen, Ph.D., both doctors of psychology. Simply, TRA suggests that if a you intend to do something, such as eat healthily, and believe that others want you to, you will probably do it. TRA is not a diet plan, but a motivational process to help with weight loss.
Attitudes Change Intentions
If you overeat, you may have developed some misconceptions. For example, a person whose mother is obese may believe the being overweight is genetic so it can't be prevented. Medical science does say that genes do play a role , but this does not mean you cannot achieve a healthy weight because your parents were heavy. Previous failures may also lead you to think that weight loss is not possible for you. Acceptance of what causes weight gain in the first place can change your attitude. Once your attitude shifts and misconceptions fade, you will be more inclined to diet.
Expert Opinion
According to TRA, researching weight loss might help you understand the mechanics of the process, and because expert opinion often affects attitude and intention, it may help you change your behavior. This may be why having a doctor tell a patient that he must drop pounds to be healthy is often effective. Expert opinion makes a mental impression and subconsciously a person who once thought weight loss was impossible or unnecessary will not rethink that belief.
Support System
Having a support system is an important part of the Theory of Reasoned Action and one factor in changing behavior. Addiction is a habit, and for some, overeating is an addiction. Motivation from others to change addictive behavior can work toward altering your attitude. This is why a support system is so important. Knowing someone else believes you can achieve helps you believe it too. Encouragement from someone you care about can lead to effective weight loss.
TRA and Weight Loss
In the TRA model, the combination of intention and support works to change your attitude. You must intend to work at losing weight, believe it is possible and understand that the people who care about you think weight loss is important and achievable. Once you have the right state of mind, you will change your behaviors to reach your goal. Working with TRA may lead to healthy eating and increased exercise, which are necessary components of any weight-loss plan.
References
- Bahagian Pendidikan Kesihatan: Theory of Reasoned Action/Theory of Planned Behavior
- Michigan State University: The Theory of Reasoned Action
- Family Health International: Behavior Change -- A Summary of Four Major Theories: Theory of Reasoned Action
- MayoClinic.com: Counting Calories: Get Back to Weight-loss Basics
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