Date of Submission
2023
Degree Type
Dissertation
Degree Name
Doctor of Psychology (PsyD)
Department
Psychology
Department Chair
Stephanie Felgoise, PhD, ABPP
First Advisor
Stephanie Felgoise, PhD, ABPP
Second Advisor
Ashley Poole, PsyD
Third Advisor
Joanne Kakaty-Monzo, DO
Abstract
The present study investigated bariatric surgery patients’ perspectives about the factors associated with relationship success after surgery. Additionally, this study sought to recommend useful strategies to prepare partners for the postoperative changes that are required of bariatric patients. Female participants (N = 10) were chosen using voluntary response sampling to participate in semi-structured interviews before completing the Marital Adjustment Test to identify their level of relationship adjustment postoperatively. Participants reported changes to their relationship dynamic related to food choices, activities, varying levels of support from their significant others, and factors that impacted their relationship satisfaction throughout their bariatric surgery journey. Moreover, women identified the information they deemed most important for significant others to know about obesity and bariatric surgery, which could lead to the development of bariatric support groups for significant others. Given the experiences found in the present study, more research is needed to better understand the perspectives of bariatric surgery patients’ significant others and to develop empirically based interventions to enhance social support from romantic partners.
Recommended Citation
Sims-Reiley, Simone, "A Qualitative Examination of Satisfaction and Support in Weight-Loss Surgery Patients" (2023). PCOM Psychology Dissertations. 624.
https://digitalcommons.pcom.edu/psychology_dissertations/624