Body Mass Index: Effects on Overt Behaviors and Perceived Reward

• Main Author: Mullane, Christin Nicole
• Published: Trace: Tennessee Research and Creative Exchange 2008
• Subjects: Psychology
• Online Access: http://trace.tennessee.edu/utk_gradthes/478

The incidence of obesity, defined as a BMI [body mass index] of over 30, has increased by 50% in the past 20 years (Carlson, 2004). Some notable behavioral differences as a function of weight have been identified, including the findings that individuals with obesity participate less often in physical activities, and spend more time engaging in sedentary behaviors. Using a daily-dairy assessment method as completed by undergraduate college students (n=99), the current study examined the impact of BMI on the duration of time spent and pleasure experienced within 13 behavioral domains: 1) Social, 2) Physical, 3) Health/Hygiene, 4) Spiritual, 5) Educational, 6) Sedentary, 7) Sexual, 8) Employment or Volunteering, 9) Hobbies and Recreation, 10) Eating Alone 11) Eating with Others, 12) Travel, and 13) Other. Controlling for depression, anxiety, and locus of control, both univariate and multivariate statistics suggested non-significant relationships between BMI and duration and reward level of behaviors. Study limitations and future directions are discussed.