Toward a psychology of obesity: Review of research on the role of personality and level of adjustment
1982
McReynolds, William T.
Studies relevant to the psychoneurotic and psychosomatic theories of obesity are reviewed, with specific emphasis on the former. Reflecting fundamental differences in obese populations and methodologies, the relevant studies are considered according to 1 of 3 classes of obese persons examined: 1) assessment of psychogenic factors in obese psychiatric and psychosomatic clinic patients; 2) general medical and nutrition clinic patients; and 3) non-patient, non-help-seeking obese populations. It was concluded that obese psychiatric patients exhibit a full range of mental disorders, including neurotic and psychosomatic disturbances. Obese non-psychiatric patients fail to show a clear association between obesity and psychological disturbance. Non-patient obese students and workers show few signs of psychological disturbance and have relatively few instances of diagnosable mental disorders. While the research reviewed does not support a psychology of obesity formalized on psychoneurotic and psychosomatic process, the relevance of other behavioral (and social) influences of energy intake and weight regulation justifies careful assessment. (wz)
显示更多 [+] 显示较少 [-]