Toward a psychology of obesity: Review of research on the role of personality and level of adjustment

Abstract

Research bearing on the psychoneurotic and psychosomatic theories of obesity is reviewed. The extent to which obese persons have been found to be suffering from a mental disorder or to evidence either a distinctive pattern of personality features or a characteristic emotionality is examined. The published reports on the mental status of obese patients in mental health settings show that many of these persons suffer from a neurotic or characterological disturbance involving issues of nurturance, growth and dependence. Obese general medical and nutrition clinic patients have been found to be psychologically disturbed in some cases and free of disturbance in other cases. Controlled research shows that a large proportion of these patients are indistinguishable from normal, nonobese persons on a variety of psychological measures. Another large group of obese medical patients have been found to suffer from various mild mental disturbances. Research comparing the mental status of obese and nonobese persons not under any form of medical care (e.g., government and factory workers) provides compelling evidence that obese persons who are unselected with respect to physical health and psychiatric status function as well or better than comparable nonobese persons. Although the research does not support a psychology of obesity based on psychoneurotic or psychosomatic process, the role of other behavioral and social influences in energy consumption and weight regulation merits careful investigation.

Analysis of factors that influence body mass index from ages 3 to 6 years: A study based on the Toyama cohort study

“…Previous studies have reported association between psychopathology and obesity in adolescence. 28,29 We should not fail to notice this association, and when we conduct education for obesity we should give greater weight to these psychiatric results.…”

Assessment of Quality of Life in Obese Individuals

“…(Surprisingly, in men the inverse was found; excess weight was associated with a decreased risk of depression and suicidality.) Increased levels of depression and other psychopathology are common in obese men and women who seek weight-loss treatment (11,72).…”

Modern Concepts Of Obesity

“…Psychological factors may also play a role in the etiology of obesity,47 although the extent to which they do so is as yet uncertain. 48 Finally, socioeconomic49 and culturalw factors play significant, although more indirect, roles in the expression of obesity.…”