Date
8-9-2024
Department
School of Health Sciences
Degree
Doctor of Philosophy
Chair
Marybeth Mitcham
Keywords
obesity, mental health, military, anxiety, depression, self-esteem, self-efficacy
Disciplines
Medicine and Health Sciences | Public Health
Recommended Citation
Quigley, Tegan M., "The Mental Effect of Obesity on Active-Duty Service Members in the United States: A Phenomenological Approach" (2024). Doctoral Dissertations and Projects. 5816.
https://digitalcommons.liberty.edu/doctoral/5816
Abstract
This phenomenological research was intended to explore the impact that obesity has on the mental health of soldiers in the U.S. military. The U.S. military has stringent physical fitness standards that must be met by each soldier regardless of sex. These standards can be challenging to maintain. Obesity is an increasing issue in the United States, and soldiers are not immune. Research regarding the physical issues that occur from obesity has been performed, but this study aimed to explore the behavioral or mental health effects that obesity can have within the military community. This study explored the following questions: In what ways does obesity impact the career of a service member? How do service members describe the impact that obesity has on their self-confidence and self-efficacy at work and at home? How does obesity impact service members socially within the military community? A literature review of the existing research was performed, participants were interviewed, and observations within the military community were analyzed for emerging themes. This transcendental phenomenological study has helped fill research gaps regarding the mental health impact that obesity has on service members. The study aimed to explore the mental impact obesity has on service members in the United States. Data was collected through literature review, face-to-face interviews, and observations.
