Date of Submission

2012

Degree Type

Dissertation

Degree Name

Doctor of Psychology (PsyD)

Department

Psychology

Department Chair

Robert A DiTomasso, PhD, ABPP, Chair, Department of Psychology

First Advisor

Petra Kottsieper, PhD, Chairperson

Second Advisor

Barbara Golden, PsyD, ABPP

Third Advisor

Mark Salzer, PhD

Abstract

Individuals with serious mental illnesses are at high risk for obesity. The increased risk of obesity and comorbid medical conditions among individuals with serious mental illnesses has increased the need to seek and utilize effective treatments to address obesity in this population. In efforts to address the need for effective treatment, Eli Lilly and Company developed the Solutions for Wellness program. The aim of this study was to examine if the Solutions for Wellness nutritional program was effective in increasing wellness knowledge and increasing healthy lifestyle choices within a small sample of obese individuals with serious mental illnesses. The nutritional program was assessed using a multiple-case repeated measures design with multiple measures before, during, and after the intervention. The results show the potential for obese individuals with serious mental illnesses to be active in learning and making healthy lifestyle changes to improve their health and mental well-being. The results of this study suggest that individuals with serious mental illnesses consider interventions to address health concerns important, and they have the ability and motivation to make healthy lifestyle choices to improve overall wellness.

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