Automatic thoughts, self-esteem and mindfulness among overweight adults

Pages: 442-446
Swathy Sathyapal and Prajeesh Palanthara (Little Flower Institute of Social Sciences and Health (LISSAH), Calicut, Kozhikode, Kerala)

In today’s appearance-obsessed world, it is not surprising that being overweight or obese is considered to be something undesirable, often leading to a wide range of psychological issues like low self-esteem, depression, body dysmorphic disorders, eating disorders and body dissatisfaction. This study measured the correlation between automatic thoughts, self-esteem and mindfulness in overweight and obese adults between the ages of 18 and 55. Mindfulness is a trait that helps people to overcome automatic thoughts and also, has been found to be linked with higher self-esteem. The variables were measured using Automatic Thoughts Questionnaire (Kendall & Horton, 1980); Rosenberg Self Esteem Scale (Rosenberg, 1965); Cognitive and Affective Mindfulness Scale (Kumar, Feldman, & Hayes, 2005). Statistical techniques such as Karl Pearson Product moment correlation and independent sample t-test were used for the analysis of the data. Results indicated a high negative correlation between automatic thoughts and self-esteem, and high negative correlation between automatic thoughts and with mindfulness. However, there is a high positive correlation between mindfulness and self-esteem. There is significant difference in automatic thoughts and mindfulness on the basis of age and marital status, and also between working and studying individuals. Implications of the findings of the study are discussed.