Table of Contents
Description
The Weight Decisional Balance Scale is a psychological tool developed by the University of Rhode Island to aid individuals in assessing the pros and cons of losing weight. This scale is designed to help individuals weigh their motivations and concerns related to weight loss, allowing them to make informed decisions about their health. It incorporates elements from the Transtheoretical Model (TTM), which focuses on the stages of change in health behaviors. The use of this scale can facilitate introspection about personal beliefs regarding weight loss, ultimately guiding individuals toward making healthier choices.
Authors and Contact Email
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Purpose
The purpose of the Weight Decisional Balance Scale is to identify the perceived pros and cons associated with losing weight, thereby helping individuals evaluate their readiness and motivation to change their eating and exercise behaviors.
Test Year
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Administration Method and Scoring
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Reliability and Validity
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Factors and Subscales
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Keywords
Weight loss, decisional balance, motivation, health psychology, dietary behavior
Items of ‘Weight Decisional Balance Scale’
1. The exercises needed for me to lose weight would be drudgery.
2. I would feel more optimistic if I lose weight.
3. I would be less productive.
4. I would feel sexier if I lose weight.
5. In order to lose weight I would be forced to eat less appetizing foods.
6. My self-respect would be greater if I lose weight.
7. My dieting could make meal planning more difficult for my family or housemates.
8. My family would be proud of me if I lose weight.
9. I would not be able to eat some of my favorite foods if I were trying to lose weight.
10. I would be less self-conscious if I lost weight.
11. Dieting would take the pleasure out of meals.
12. Others would have more respect for me if I lose weight.
13. I would have to cut down on some of my favorite activities if I try to lose weight.
14. I could wear more attractive clothing if I lost weight.
15. I would have to avoid some of my favorite places if I were trying to lose weight.
16. My health would improve if I lost weight.
17. Trying to lose weight could end up being expensive when everything is taken into account.
18. I would feel more energetic if I lost weight.
19. I would have to cut down on my favorite snacks if I were dieting.
20. I would be able to accomplish more if I carried fewer pounds.
References
This instrument can be found at: http://habitslab.umbc.edu/decisional-balance-scales/
Velicer, W.F., DiClemente, C.C., and Prochaska, J.O. (1985). Decisional balance measure for assessing and predicting smoking status. Journal of Personality and Social Psychology, 48, 1279-1289.
Prochaska, J.O., Velicer, W.F., Rossi, J.S., Goldstein, M.G., Marcus, B.H., Rakowski, W., Fiore, C., Harlow, L.L., Redding, C.A., Rosenbloom, D., and Rossi, S.R. (1994). Stages of change and decisional balance for 12 problem behaviors. Health Psychology, 13, 39-46.
Carey, K.B., Maisto, S.A., Carey, M.P., and Purnine, D.M. (2001). Measuring readiness to change substance misuse among psychiatric outpatients: Reliability and validity of self-report measures. Journal of Studies on Alcohol, 62, 79-88.
Ward, R.M., Velicer, W.F., and Rossi, J.S. (2004). Factorial invariance and internal consistency for the decisional balance inventory – short form. Addictive Behaviors, 29, 953-958.
Collins, Susan E., Carey, Kate B., and Otto, Jacqueline M. (2009). A New Decisional Balance Measure of Motivation to Change Among At-Risk College Drinkers. Psychol Addict Behav, 23(3): 464–471. doi: 10.1037/a0015841.