Date of Conferral

2022

Degree

Ph.D.

School

Psychology

Advisor

Ethel Perry

Abstract

More than half the population in and outside of the United States experience childhood adversity, which is associated with the risk of developing obesity and overweight problems across the life span. In the United States, overweight affects 73.6% of adults, obesity affects 42.5% of adults, and both are considered a major public health concern. With this qualitative study, 18 adults with early life adversities were explored as to how experience weight loss treatment within their primary care. This narrative inquiry was designed to answer the research questions intended to explore physical health, mental health, and socio-environmental aspects of their stories, using the biopsychosocial framework. Thematic analysis was used to collect, organize, and analyze their stories to highlight themes that have the potential to make a significant contribution to the existing understanding of this public health problem. The stories told produced common narratives about the comorbidity of physical and mental health problems, the perception of disrespect by providers, and the recognition of chronic stress due to living as an overweight individual, lack of social supports, or financial/employment insecurities that negatively impact their weight loss. Other commonalities in the overall story included the use of eating as a primary mechanism to cope with these stressors and lower self-efficacy that they could make healthy changes. With such a high prevalence of adverse childhood experiences and adult weight management issues, this information has the potential for widespread positive social change by creating more appropriate, trauma-informed screening and weight loss treatment in healthcare settings.

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