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Coping behavior and loneliness among obese patients
Rogier Hörchner1, Wim E Tuinebreijer, Hans Kelder
1Nursing Research Institute, Beverwijk, The Netherlands. nri.rh@planet.nl
Obesity Surgery
|February 6, 2003
Summary
Morbidly obese patients often experience loneliness and use passive coping strategies like avoidance. Female patients particularly showed these patterns, impacting their intimate relationships.
Area of Science:
- Psychology
- Obesity Research
- Social Science
Background:
- Morbid obesity presents significant physical and social challenges.
- These challenges can negatively impact interpersonal relationships and social support networks.
- Effective coping strategies are crucial for managing obesity-related issues.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate coping strategies and loneliness in morbidly obese patients.
- To analyze coping behaviors in relation to relationship quality.
- To identify specific patterns in a female cohort.
Main Methods:
- 104 morbidly obese patients (BMI 32-64 kg/m2, mean age 36) completed the Utrecht Coping List (UCL) and Loneliness Scale.
- A subgroup of 94 female patients was analyzed in more detail.
- Comparison of active coping scores with a control group.
Main Results:
- Patients reported higher loneliness and utilized palliative, avoidant, and passive/depressive coping styles.
- Expression of emotions/anger was also elevated.
- Active coping strategies were employed less frequently compared to controls.
Conclusions:
- Morbidly obese women tend to use avoidance and passive coping mechanisms.
- These behaviors correlate with perceptions of unreliable and less intimate relationships.
- Further research is necessary to link coping behaviors to therapeutic outcomes.