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Subgrouping in obesity based on Rorschach personality characteristics
Kristina Elfhag1, Anna Maria Carlsson, Stephan Rössner
1Obesity Unit, Karolinska Institutet, Huddinge University Hospital, Stockholm, Sweden. Kristina.Elfhag@medhs.ki.se
Scandinavian Journal of Psychology
|March 20, 2004
Summary
Obese patients can be categorized into subgroups based on personality traits. One group shows emotional difficulties and depression, while another has coping liabilities, impacting eating patterns and lifestyle.
Area of Science:
- Psychology
- Clinical Psychology
- Obesity Research
Background:
- Obesity is a complex condition with diverse psychological underpinnings.
- Understanding personality subtypes in obesity may inform targeted interventions.
Purpose of the Study:
- To identify and characterize distinct psychological subgroups within an obese patient population.
- To explore the relationship between personality, emotions, coping mechanisms, and eating behaviors in obesity.
Main Methods:
- Utilized the Rorschach Comprehensive System to assess personality traits in 100 obese patients.
- Compared identified subgroups based on demographic, anamnestic, and behavioral data.
Main Results:
- Identified two primary subgroups: one with emotional difficulties/depression and another with coping liabilities.
- The emotional difficulties subgroup exhibited higher education, regular meals, eating disorders (e.g., binge eating), and perceived psychological meaning of body size.
- The coping liabilities subgroup was associated with lower socioeconomic status and irregular eating patterns.
Conclusions:
- Obesity subgroups present with different psychological profiles and behavioral patterns.
- Emotional regulation and coping strategies are significantly linked to eating behaviors and lifestyle in obese individuals.
- Findings suggest tailored therapeutic approaches addressing emotional and coping deficits are crucial for obesity management.