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A qualitative study : Exploring the experiences and motivations of adults who have tried intermittent fasting
Callsen, M.A. (2025) A qualitative study : Exploring the experiences and motivations of adults who have tried intermittent fasting.
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| Abstract: | Intermittent fasting is a dietary practice that can help for weight loss where the time in which people can eat is restricted. It can also improve the overall health of individuals. However, it can be difficult to adhere to intermittent fasting. This research aims to explore factors that motivated or hindered people who tried intermittent fasting with interruptions to adhere. A total of eight participants were interviewed. Thematic analysis was conducted to identify underlying themes, employing both inductive and deductive approaches using the Health Belief Model and Social Cognitive Theory to gain a deeper understanding of people’s experiences with IF. The analysis yielded one theme related to motivational factors for starting IF, namely health-related motivation to start IF. Two themes emerged regarding perceived benefits, which were categorized into perceived physical and perceived mental benefits. The difficulties in adherence to IF resulted in three themes which included personal barriers, external barriers and reasons for stopping IF. The study offers insights into several factors that promote or hinder adherence to intermittent fasting. These insights can help to develop interventions that increase adherence to IF. Future research could investigate, through quantitative analysis, the impact of these factors on adherence to IF. |
| Item Type: | Essay (Bachelor) |
| Faculty: | BMS: Behavioural, Management and Social Sciences |
| Subject: | 77 psychology |
| Programme: | Psychology BSc (56604) |
| Link to this item: | https://purl.utwente.nl/essays/107096 |
| Export this item as: | BibTeX EndNote HTML Citation Reference Manager |
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