The purpose of this project has been to answer the research question:
Which factors are people experiencing as contributing to a change in their life style? Illustrated through three women’s stories about their experience of changing lifestyle
To answer the research question I used qualitative semi-structured interviews which were inspired by the traditions of phenomenology and narrative science. There are three female participants in the study who are all over the age of 18. They volunteered to participate after seeing a flyer about the project in their local gyms.
An analysis was made based on the stories of the women and relevant theory. Some of these theories are “The Transtheoretical Model”, “Motivational Interviewing” and “Situated Learning - Legitimate Peripheral Participation”.
The results are as follows:
The women experience a desire for change as a central factor that contributes to their actual change of lifestyle. The desire for change originates from the fact that they are not contempt with their present situation of life and has positive expectations to what a positive lifestyle might bring.
Another important factor that contributes to a change in lifestyle is a belief in the method they used to achieve the new lifestyle as well as a belief in their own ability to change. Participation in communities also contributes to change. Their identity as “someone who wants change” gives them a way in to the community. Through the participation they challenge their old identity as they move toward a new one. Through participation in the communities in the gyms they also get support from others and their trainers become role models which is also a factor that enhances motivation to change.
To share ones decision with others can also be a helpful factor. Sharing can lead to increased support from the surroundings and give a sense of responsibility in addition. It can also help if a person becomes aware of the fact that the wanted change is consistent with their deep wishes and desires.
Furthermore I discuss how the phenomenon of change might reflect a discussion between theory and practise. I suggest that the knowledge required for change is the knowledge referred to as “practical knowledge”. It also appears that not all factors that contribute to a change in lifestyle can be made explicit through speech. I consider the possibility of tacit knowledge as an explanation of this.