TABLE 3.

Potential Barriers to Behavior Change and Management Strategies Reported by Participants^a

	Barrier		Strategy
Domains	Categories	Examples	Categories	Examples
Personal factors	Cravings Emotions/mental health Physical limitations Personal behaviors/actions	“Craving, habit,” “emotional eating” “Uncertainty-anxiety,” “scared,” “bored/unmotivated,” “unable to get out of depression (anger and circumstances),” “irritated all day/week” “Health and mobility,” “feeling tired,” “eating unhealthy,” “not taking medication,” “spending too much time with children at the store when I am hungry”	Distractions Faith/spirituality Change habits Psychological techniques Physical activity Positive reappraisal Calming/relaxation techniques	“Develop hobbies,” “distract myself by watching TV, playing video games, watch my phone, sleep” “Prayer,” “read bible, go to church” “Eat before I go to the store,” “wake up earlier” “Dedicate positive time to spend with myself, reading and studying,” “writing” “Yoga,” “take walks,” “gym, swimming lessons” “Positive thinking,” “push through resistance,” “intentionally reflect on what to do differently next time,” “have gratitude and appreciation” “Meditation,” “take deep, intentional breaths to restore thinking brain”
Environmental factors	Personal environment	“Living situation,” “find a comfortable gym,” “household food,” “having a messed up day”	Change/control environment Avoid triggers	“Buy own food—keep healthier things,” “[find] tunes to cook to,” “no smoking in my car,” “set rules and parameters in the beginning,” “bring snacks with me when 1 go places” “Walk away,” “leave the environment”
Social relationships	Social relationships	“Having to deal with others and their stuff,” “being around people who smoke,” “[desiring] companionship,” “loneliness”	Social support Service to others Communication Professional support Avoid triggers	“Have a buddy to go to the gym,” “attend AA meetings” “Volunteering at church and St. Vincent de Paul,” “practice random acts of kindness” “Talk about what’s on my mind,” “speak my truth “Therapy” “physical therapy” “Stay away from people who are drinking, leave the environment,” “negative people, walk away or ignore”
External pressures	Time constraints Financial Stress	“Making time to exercise,” “schedule conflicts,” “work/school/responsibilities” “Afford to buy healthy food,” “money” “Stress/distress”	Compromise Problem-solve Confrontive	“Fit in 20-min walk here and there/bike with husband,” “drop a job to make more time to exercise,” “not coming home after work—do it right away!” “Buy the best I can,” “create a realistic budget” “Be curious and understand what is stressful or making me emotional upset and seek to change”

^aParticipants identified strategies specific to addressing each barrier.