Comparison of Experiential Avoidance, Explicit and Implicit Attraction Beliefs in Obese and Normal Weight Females

Objective: The aim of this study was to compare the experiential avoidance, explicit and implicit attraction beliefs in obese and normal body mass index (BMI) females. Materials and Methods: This was an analytic cross sectional study. About 400 females (between 20-43 years old) were selected from nutrition and obesity clinics by convenience sampling method. The 40 items avoidance questionnaire (young rai 1994) and 20 items explicit and implicit attraction beliefs questionnaire (mash and labarzh, 1996) were applied. Data analysis was carried out by Statistical package for social sciences version 21 (SPSS-21). Descriptive statistics included indices such as mean and standard deviation and inferential statistics included variance analysis. Results: A significant difference was found between the experiential avoidance, explicit and implicit attraction beliefs in obese and normal females (P<0.05).Results showed an underlying potential mechanism between experiential avoidance, explicit and implicit attraction beliefs in obese females in comparison with their normal counterparts which might cause avoidance behaviors and maladaptive responses due to lack of cognitive control in these people. Discussion: The present findings supported a model of mediating role of experiential avoidance in obesity. Also there was a significant difference in attractiveness beliefs between obese and normal women. &nbsp;