PSYCHOLOGICAL ADJUSTMENT TO SURGICALLY INDUCED WEIGHT LOSS: DISTINGUISHING FACTORS IN BARIATRIC PATIENTS

ECU Author/Contributor (non-ECU co-authors, if there are any, appear on document)

Tamara O Perdue (Creator)

Institution

East Carolina University (ECU )

Web Site: http://www.ecu.edu/lib/

Abstract: Bariatric surgery is an effective tool to promote weight loss and reduction of co-morbidities associated with obesity. A battery of pre-operative tests and consultations are required to certify someone as a candidate for such surgery. Even though the patient may be prepared for physical change , they may not be fully prepared for the psychological , spiritual and social challenges that rapid weight loss presents. Based on Hermans' Dialogical Self Theory , this research introduces a series of questions to assess which patients may be having difficulty with psychological adaptation to their diminished weight. Based on these 25 questions , participants are clustered into predominately 'I-obese' or 'I-ex-obese' categories. Female participants who remain in an 'I-obese' psychological state , were found more likely to have body image concerns , view their health as strongly impacted by the influence of others and have difficulty identifying their feelings. In addition , they were significantly more likely to have lower health-related quality of life scores in vitality , social functioning and mental health.

Additional Information

Publication

Dissertation

Language: English

Date: 2017

Keywords

Dialogical Self Theory, obesity, body image, locus of control, alexithymia, health quality of life, ESV

Subjects

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