Date of Conferral
2-18-2025
Degree
Ph.D.
School
Psychology
Advisor
Silvia Bigatti
Abstract
The COVID-19 pandemic posed unprecedented challenges to public health worldwide, significantly impacting vulnerable populations like obese men in the United States. This qualitative descriptive study involved exploring how these men perceived the pandemic’s impact on their physical and mental health, addressing a critical gap in existing literature. The research question that guided this study was: How did obese men living in the United States perceive the stressor that was the COVID-19 pandemic on their physical and mental health? Guided by the biopsychosocial model, the study involved using semi-structured interviews with 15 participants who were recruited online through social media. Thematic analysis revealed five key themes: unhealthy lifestyle and coping strategies, worsened quality of life, physical and mental health declines, value of social support during isolation, and realization of the need for better self-care. By addressing experiences of this population group, the study contributed to positive social change by informing development of targeted public health initiatives and healthcare practices that support needs of obese men during times of crisis.
Recommended Citation
Cunningham, James, "Physical and Mental Health Experiences of Obese Men Living in the United States During the COVID-19 Pandemic" (2025). Walden Dissertations and Doctoral Studies. 17387.
https://scholarworks.waldenu.edu/dissertations/17387
