The Effectiveness of a Mental Health Promotion Training Program Based on Eating Disorder on the Positive and Negative Aspects of Mental Health in Overweight Women

Obesity and overweight are important factors in increasing psychological problems such as anxiety, mood, and personality disorders, which are components of mental health, and the occurrence of high-risk behaviors. Therefore, not only overweight can endanger the physical health, but also it can be a significant threat to the mental health of people.

The aim of this study was to evaluate the effectiveness of a mental health training program based on eating disorders on the positive and negative aspects of mental health in overweight women.

The research method was quasi-experimental with pre-test and post-test design with control group. The statistical population included overweight women referred to clubs and health centers in Kangavar, Iran, in 2019. Using the available sampling method, a total of 30 participants were selected and randomly assigned into two equal groups of experimental (n = 15) and control (n = 15). The experimental group received ten 90-minute sessions once a week at an eating disorder-based mental health training program, while the control group received no intervention. The Goldberg General Health Questionnaire (GHQ) and the Lutz Positive Mental Health Questionnaire (PMHQ) were used in the pre-test and post-test stages. Data were analyzed using SPSS software version 21, and descriptive statistics, one-way analysis of covariance (ANCOVA), and multivariate analysis of covariance (MANCOVA).

The results showed that the training program based on eating disorders led to a significant difference between the experimental and control groups in the overall scores of general health and the positive and negative aspects of mental health (P ≤ 0.05).

According to the results of the present study, this educational program can be considered as an effective intervention in increasing the positive mental health of overweight women. So, along with other effective interventions, it should be on the agenda of psychologists, counselors, and behavioral scientists dealing with overweight people.