Date of Submission

2010

Degree Type

Dissertation

Degree Name

Doctor of Psychology (PsyD)

Department

Psychology

Department Chair

Robert A. DiTomasso, Ph.D., ABPP, Chair, Department of Psychology

First Advisor

Robert A. DiTomasso, Ph.D., ABPP, Chairperson

Second Advisor

Donald Masey, Psy.D.

Third Advisor

Harry Morris, D.O., M.P.H.

Abstract

The current study was designed to investigate the relationship between the frequency of cognitive distortions, as measured by the Inventory of Cognitive Distortions (ICD), and psychological and behavioral factors, as measured by the Millon Behavioral Medicine Diagnostic (MBMD), which includes negative health habits, psychiatric indications, and treatment prognostics among a sample of individuals who were average weight, who were overweight, and who were obese. The sample of 385 men and women was recruited primarily from a health and fitness center. The results of this study indicated that negative health risk behaviors such as inactivity and overeating, as well as depression were associated with increased obesity rates. The findings of this study did not suggest that individuals who are obese engage in higher levels of distorted thinking. Instead, the results confirmed previous research indicating that there was a relationship between the frequency of cognitive distortions and psychological and behavioral factors, such as negative health habits, psychiatric indications, and treatment prognostics. It is possible that distorted thinking impacts individuals’ abilities to manage psychological problems and behavioral problems, which, in turn, impact the course of medical conditions such as obesity. Gaining further evidence that there is a strong relationship between cognitive distortions and psychological and behavioral factors that impact medical conditions and influence the course of treatment lends support for the utilization of cognitive behavioral treatments in medical settings. Utilization of tailored cognitive behavioral interventions in medical settings may produce more successful management of mental and physical health conditions, resulting in more positive treatment outcomes, decreased rates of morbidity and mortality, and reduced health care costs.

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