Integrating COM-B and the person-based approach to develop an ACT based therapy programme to raise self-determination in adolescents with obesity

Jennifer S Cox; Aidan Searle; Gail Thornton; Julian P Hamilton-Shield; Elanor C Hinton

doi:10.1186/s12913-023-09930-6

Integrating COM-B and the person-based approach to develop an ACT based therapy programme to raise self-determination in adolescents with obesity

BMC Health Serv Res. 2023 Oct 26;23(1):1158. doi: 10.1186/s12913-023-09930-6.

Authors

Jennifer S Cox¹, Aidan Searle¹, Gail Thornton², Julian P Hamilton-Shield¹, Elanor C Hinton³

Affiliations

¹ National Institute for Health Research Bristol Biomedical Research Centre Diet and Physical Activity Theme, University Hospitals Bristol NHS Foundation Trust and University of Bristol, Bristol, BS8 1TU, UK.
² Ms Gail Thornton, Patient & Public Involvement Representative, Bristol, UK.
³ National Institute for Health Research Bristol Biomedical Research Centre Diet and Physical Activity Theme, University Hospitals Bristol NHS Foundation Trust and University of Bristol, Bristol, BS8 1TU, UK. Elanor.Hinton@bristol.ac.uk.

Abstract

Background: This paper details the development of the Adolescent Intrinsic Motivation 'AIM2Change' intervention to support weight-management in young people previously unable to make changes whilst attending a tier 3 weight management service for children and young people. AIM2Change is an acceptance and commitment therapy based intervention that will be delivered one-to-one online over a seven-week period.

Methods: To develop this intervention, we have triangulated results from a qualitative research study, patient and public involvement groups (PPI) and a COM-B (capability, opportunity, motivation, behaviour) analysis, in a method informed by the person-based approach.

Results: The integrated development approach yielded a broad range of perspectives and facilitated the creation of a tailored intervention to meet the needs of the patient group whist remaining pragmatic and deliverable.

Conclusions: The next steps for this intervention will be in-depth co-development of the therapy sessions with service users, before implementing a proof of concept trial.

Keywords: ACT; Adolescents; Behaviour change; Clinical; Obesity; Self-determination.

MeSH terms

Acceptance and Commitment Therapy*
Adolescent
Humans
Motivation
Pediatric Obesity* / therapy
Qualitative Research
Self Care / methods