Intentions to see a psychologist for weight management: A cross‐sectional study investigating beliefs about psychologists, psychological services and obesity

Abstract

Objectives: The current study investigated beliefs about psychologists, psychological services and obesity, and their association with intentions to see a psychologist for weight management. Methods: A cross-sectional online survey design was employed in a sample of 136 adults with overweight or obesity (n = 121 females, M age = 37.58, SD = 9.85). Results: Psychologists and psychological services were viewed favourably by participants, with little evidence of role knowledge deficits or significant treatment barriers. Behavioural and social causal beliefs about obesity were indirectly associated with intentions to see a psychologist for weight management through positive associations with psychologists' perceived helpfulness in lifestyle intervention. Indirect effects were not observed for psychological and medical causal beliefs. Conclusion: Promotion of psychological services in obesity could highlight their utility in addressing behavioural and social factors. However, there is a need for more research into avoidance of all sources of professional support in this context.