Date of Conferral

4-17-2024

Date of Award

April 2024

Degree

Doctor of Psychology (Psy.D.)

School

Psychology

Advisor

Jay Greiner

Abstract

Obesity is considered a disease, an epidemic, and is a risk factor for the development of cardiovascular diseases, certain cancers, poor mental health, and low quality of life. It is also a leading cause of mortality. While it is difficult for obese adults to combat their condition, it was much more challenging during unprecedented times such as the COVID-19 pandemic. Annesi’s self-regulation conceptual framework was used as a basis to ground this study. Research explains the importance of practicing self-regulation to increase physical activity. However, there is little research on the practice of self-regulation to increase physical activity and weight loss among obese adults during the COVID-19 pandemic. In this descriptive phenomenological qualitative study, the goal was to understand the experience of self-regulation among obese adults during the COVID-19 pandemic. This study's main research question was how self-regulation played a role in the lives of obese adults to increase physical activity and weight loss during the COVID-19 pandemic. Five participants for this study were selected by purposive sampling. The semistructured interviews that were conducted with these five adults were analyzed using Saldana’s descriptive coding method, resulting in 29 codes, six categories, and two themes. The study's findings show that mindful awareness, self-reflection, self-talk, and commitment are crucial components needed to execute self-regulation to control weight and increase physical activity. The implication of this study is to impact positive social change by inspiring the development of intervention programs designed to increase awareness and encourage obese adults to implement self-regulation strategies to practice physical activities and ultimately, reduce the prevalence of obesity.

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