Comparison of Experiential Avoidance, Explicit and Implicit Attraction Beliefs in Obese and Normal Weight Females

Objective: The aim of this study was to compare the experiential avoidance, explicit and implicit attraction beliefs in obese and normal body mass index (BMI) females. Materials and Methods: This was an analytic cross sectional study. About ۴۰۰ females (between ۲۰-۴۳ years old) were selected from nutrition and obesity clinics by convenience sampling method. The ۴۰ items avoidance questionnaire (young rai ۱۹۹۴) and ۲۰ items explicit and implicit attraction beliefs questionnaire (mash and labarzh, ۱۹۹۶) were applied. Data analysis was carried out by Statistical package for social sciences version ۲۱ (SPSS-۲۱). Descriptive statistics included indices such as mean and standard deviation and inferential statistics included variance analysis. Results: A significant difference was found between the experiential avoidance, explicit and implicit attraction beliefs in obese and normal females (P<۰.۰۵).Results showed an underlying potential mechanism between experiential avoidance, explicit and implicit attraction beliefs in obese females in comparison with their normal counterparts which might cause avoidance behaviors and maladaptive responses due to lack of cognitive control in these people. Discussion: The present findings supported a model of mediating role of experiential avoidance in obesity. Also there was a significant difference in attractiveness beliefs between obese and normal women.