Attributions and coping strategies for obesity in adult women

Abstract

The present study explores the attributions and coping strategies of 50 adult women about their own obesity (BMI>27) through a qualitative survey-type instrument with open-ended questions. It was developed in the Obesity Research Line, from a cognitive-behavioral perspective, at the Multidisciplinary Clinic Zaragoza (FES Zaragoza, UNAM) in 2019. Content analysis and description by categories to four questions were performed. The results show 6 attributions and their coping strategies in: external control, internal control, behavior, cognitions, interpersonal relationships and emotions. The results show greater external control for modification of health condition and body weight; emotions of stress, anger and anxiety predominant to depression and sadness. Social inadequacy, rejection and mockery. These results allow the development of exploratory studies on the psychological factors associated with obesity and psychological intervention programs with greater effectiveness and quality in the health care of obese women.