@article{article_1651308, title={The Psychological Burdens of Obesity: A Mixed-Methods Exploration of Early Maladaptive Schemas and Well-Being}, journal={Research on Education and Psychology}, volume={9}, pages={73–96}, year={2025}, DOI={10.54535/rep.1651308}, author={Erden Çınar, Seval and Ulutürk, Uğurkan}, keywords={Obesity, Schemas, Well-being}, abstract={This study explores the relationships between early maladaptive schemas, schema avoidance behaviors, and psychological well-being in obese adults while also examining their life experiences and coping strategies. Using an explanatory mixed-methods design, the study first conducted a quantitative phase with 785 obese adults (BMI ≥ 30), analyzing data from the Psychological Well-being Scale, Young Schema Questionnaire, and Young-Rygh Avoidance Inventory through structural equation modeling (SEM). Findings indicated that schemas such as social isolation, insecurity, enmeshment, dependency, punitiveness, and self-sacrifice predicted schema avoidance and negatively impacted psychological well-being. In the qualitative phase, eight obese women who scored low on the Psychological Well-Being Scale but high on schema questionnaires participated in focus groups. Thematic analysis revealed that defectiveness, emotional deprivation, poor self-control, and high standards schemas were frequently triggered in obesity. The integration of quantitative and qualitative findings emphasized the significant role of schemas in obesity-related psychological distress.}, number={1}, publisher={Bülent DİLMAÇ}