Effects of a Lifestyle Intervention Based on Type D Personality in Overweight and Obese Middle-Aged Women: A Feasibility Study

Abstract

Background Obesity is an important public health problem, particularly among middle-aged women. Type D personality, characterized by negative affectivity and social inhibition, is prevalent among obese and overweight middle-aged women and has been linked to maladaptive health-related behaviors and unhealthy lifestyle. Lifestyle interventions based on type D personality could be a first step in combatting obesity in middle-aged women. Aim To identify the effects of a lifestyle intervention based on type D personality on health-promoting lifestyle behaviors, psychological distress, type D personality, and body composition in overweight and obese middle-aged women. Methods A total of 36 overweight and obese middle-aged women participated in a quasi-experimental design using a non-equivalent control group pretest-posttest. The experimental group received a total of eight sessions of a lifestyle intervention program based on type D personality over the course of four weeks. Outcomes were measured health-promoting lifestyle behaviors, psychological distress, type D personality, and body composition (body weight, body mass index, body fat, and abdominal fat). Results Following the intervention, the experimental group scored significantly higher than the control group for health-promoting lifestyle behaviors, and significantly lower than the control group for psychological distress and type D personality. Body weight and body mass index decreased significantly in the experimental group compared to the control group. Linking Evidence to Action Further research on various intervention programs for overweight and obese middle-aged women is warranted, including lifestyle interventions based on type D personality.