The impact of living with morbid obesity on psychological need frustration: A study with bariatric patients

Abstract

Guided by self-determination theory, the purpose of this study was to gain an understanding of the previous experiences of living with morbid obesity of 10 post-bariatric patients enrolled in a physical activity program. Qualitative data were collected through interviews and diarized observations. A thematic analysis revealed that participants suffered from health and mobility troubles in their daily life and experienced stigmatization and discrimination in most areas of their social functioning. Participants described how these experiences resulted in the thwarting of their basic psychological needs for autonomy, competence, and relatedness. In turn, psychological need frustration contributed to negative consequences such as body image concerns, low self-esteem, anxiety, and depression; controlled regulation of their eating behavior and extrinsic goals; rigid behaviors like avoiding social situations; and compensatory and self-defeating behaviors like giving up diet and physical activity regimens and binge eating (i.e., oppositional defiance). This study highlights how living with morbid obesity can impair optimal functioning and well-being via experiences of psychological need frustration.