What Keeps You Going? Modelling Motivation and Lifestyle Change in Patients with Type 2 Diabetes

Abstract

Chronic lifestyle-related disease is one of the major health problems the world is facing in the twenty-first century. One of the ways to address the problem of chronic lifestyle-related disease is through programs which support lifestyle changes. Research shows the actual benefits of lifestyle changes for patients. However, in reality only a fraction of patients succeeds in changing their lifestyle. Their level and type of motivation appear to be important factors in shaping their chances for success. We devised a second order temporal-causal network for adoption of habit with regards to motivation, focusing on patients with type 2 diabetes who receive advice to exercise. Taking into account a variety of motivational forces, the model clearly shows the benefits of more and repeated interactions. They lead to a more long-lasting change, even though these interactions may also amplify negative emotions. These findings are in accordance with tentative findings in research.