Date of Conferral

10-3-2025

Degree

Ph.D.

School

Public Health

Advisor

Dr. Michael Schwab

Abstract

One of the highest rates of obesity in the United States is in Mississippi, where middle- aged obese women deal with a variety of social, cultural, and personal issues, including shame, discrimination, and stigma based on weight, mental anguish, cultural norms, financial limitations, and restricted access to healthcare. This study investigated the psychosocial factors that contribute to obesity in women aged 40- 60 years, and the effects of obesity on body image, self-esteem, health behaviors, and quality of life. A qualitative phenomenological study using the social ecological model (SEM) framework looked at the individual, interpersonal, and policy levels of the phenomenon. Twelve major themes emerged from a thematic analysis of in-depth interviews. These included internalized weight stigma, cultural body size expectations, institutional healthcare hurdles, socioeconomic limitations that limit access to healthy food and exercise options, emotional eating as a coping mechanism, and the supportive role of social networks such as churches and communities. The primary psychosocial stressors, which were influenced by Mississippi's cultural and economic context, were caregiving strain, mourning, and economic demands. In addition, adoption of healthy behaviors was hampered by low self- efficacy, time constraints, and fear of being judged, but was encouraged by self- compassion and social support. The findings provide a basis for multi-level interventions that incorporate structural obstacle elimination, weight control, mental health assistance, and culturally specific health promotion. The adoption of such interventions would result in substantial positive social change.

Download

Included in

Public Health Commons

Share

 
COinS