Robert A Carels
Biographic Data
| ID | 798971 |
|---|---|
| NAME | Robert A Carels |
| GIVEN NAMES | Robert A |
| FAMILY NAME | Carels |
| SIGNATURE | CARELS R A |
| AFFILIATIONS | East Carolina University |
| ORCID | 0000-0003-4067-5750 |
| VERIFIED | Yes |
| TOTAL WORKS | 34 |
| TOTAL CITATIONS | 139 |
| AUTHOR COUNT | 34 |
| EDITOR COUNT | 0 |
| FIRST PUBLICATION YEAR | 1997 |
| LATEST PUBLICATION YEAR | 2026 |
| H-INDEX | 6 |
The association between stigma consciousness and weight stigma, psychological well-being, positive body image, and eating behaviors
Stigma consciousness refers to an individual difference in the extent to which members of stereotyped groups believe that their stereotyped status permeates interactions with out-group members. This investigation examined whether stigma consciousness contributed unique variance in predicting mental well-being, and eating and positive body image outcomes (i.e., depression, self-esteem, body appreciation, intuitive eating, emotional eating) after c…
The association between weight stigma and gastrointestinal symptoms and irritable bowel syndrome
Fat microaggressions and psychological well-being
Fat acceptance beliefs and weight stigma related correlates
The role of weight stigma and internalized weight bias in health care avoidance and mistrust
The role of weight stigma in health care avoidance and mistrust among pregnant women
Past research has indicated a multitude of negative outcomes related to experiencing and internalizing weight stigma (Alberga et al., 2016; Hayward et al., 2018; Latner et al., 2014). Weight stigma is sometimes experienced in healthcare contexts, thus negatively impacting relationships between patients and providers (Mensinger et al., 2018). In recent years, the number of pregnant women with overweight and obesity has steadily increased (CDC, Nat…
Weight bias and judgments of sexual assault scenarios
Weight stigma among heterosexual and sexual minority individuals
The relation between weight bias attitudes and judgments of sexual assault scenarios
Exploring the addition of self-compassion skills training to a behavioral weight loss program delivered using video conferencing software
A brief pilot self-compassion intervention for women with overweight/obesity and internalized weight bias
Disparagement humor and anti-obesity attitudes
People with obesity are often the target of disparaging humour. The typical derision of obesity found in everyday life also extends into the realm of the media. Many assumptions have been made about the effects this type of humour may have on the public’s attitudes toward people with obesity, but little empirical research exists. In the present research, two studies sought to uncover whether jokes and humorous media depictions of people with obes…
The associations between wives’ internalized weight bias and other weight-related concerns, perceived husbands’ weight-related comments, perceived mate value, and psychological and relationship outcom…
Using an acceptance-based behavioral approach as a supplement to obesity treatment
An ecological momentary assessment of weight stigma among weight loss participants
This investigation explored experiences of weight stigma using momentary, real-time diary assessments among adults seeking weight loss treatment. In total, 51 participants completed diary assessments of weight stigmatizing events and reported how they felt and coped with each incident. Experiencing stigma was significantly associated with fewer positive and greater negative emotions. There was a significant inverse relationship between using posi…
Changes in perceived mate value and weight bias associated with former obesity status
A randomized trial comparing two approaches to weight loss
Weight loss programs evidence considerable variability in treatment outcomes, and weight regain is common, signaling the need for the refinement of effective treatments. This study compared the recently developed Transforming Your Life program to the Diabetes Prevention Program, considered the "Gold Standard" in behavioral weight loss treatment. A total of 98 participants (Transforming Your Life = 51; Diabetes Prevention Program = 47) were random…
Reducing obesity stigma via a brief documentary film
The stigma of obesity impacts individuals across numerous life domains, and people with obesity are offered little legal protection against discrimination based on their body type. While a number of experiments have shown that stigmatizing attitudes toward obesity are somewhat malleable, fewer studi
Weight stigma and eating behaviors. An introduction to the special issue
Weight-related humor in the media
Weight-related humor in the media
One of the few stigmatized conditions still considered “fair game” for public joking and ridicule is obesity. The standard for TV and film comedies is to show overweight characters in a stereotypical and disparaging manner. The body of research on disparaging humor has not yet sought to determine viewers’ attitudes toward weight-related humor. Of primary interest in the present study was whether reactions to humor vary systematically with viewers…
A randomized trial comparing two approaches to weight loss
This study compared treatment outcomes for a new weight loss program that emphasized reducing unhealthy relationships with food, body image dissatisfaction, and internalized weight bias (New Perspectives) to a weight loss program that emphasizes environmental modification and habit formation and disruption (Transforming Your Life). Fifty-nine overweight and obese adults (body mass index ≥ 27 kg/m2) were randomly assigned to either a 12-week New P…
Food addiction in adults seeking weight loss treatment. Implications for psychosocial health and weight loss
Transforming Your Life
This investigation compared a traditional behavioral weight loss program with a weight loss intervention emphasizing environmental modification and habit formation and disruption. Fifty-four overweight and obese adults (BMI ≥ 27 kg/m2) were randomly assigned to either a 14-week LEARN or TYL intervention. Forty-two participants completed the six-month follow-up assessment. Treatment outcomes between LEARN and TYL participants were equivalent. Duri…
Overt Weight Stigma, Psychological Distress and Weight Loss Treatment Outcomes
Weight stigma is pervasive and is associated with psychosocial distress. Little research has examined the association between weight stigma and weight loss treatment outcomes. The current investigation examined overt weight stigma, depression, binge eating, and weight loss treatment outcomes in a sample of 55 overweight and obese adults. Overt weight stigma was significantly associated with greater depression and binge eating and poorer weight lo…
Overt Weight Stigma, Psychological Distress and Weight Loss Treatment Outcomes
Weight stigma is pervasive and is associated with psychosocial distress. Little research has examined the association between weight stigma and weight loss treatment outcomes. The current investigation examined overt weight stigma, depression, binge eating, and weight loss treatment outcomes in a sample of 55 overweight and obese adults. Overt weight stigma was significantly associated with greater depression and binge eating and poorer weight lo…
Individual differences in food perceptions and calorie estimation
Research
This study applies the construct of sanctification to college students' perceptions of their bodies. Students (N = 289) completed measures on the extent to which they viewed their bodies as being a manifestation of God (e.g., "My body is a temple of God") and as characterized by sacred qualities (e.g., holy, blessed, sacred). Greater levels of both forms of sanctification were related to higher levels of health-protective behaviors, strenuous exe…
Food addiction in adults seeking weight loss treatment. Implications for psychosocial health and weight loss
Qualitative perceptions and caloric estimations of healthy and unhealthy foods by behavioral weight loss participants
Weight-related humor in the media
One of the few stigmatized conditions still considered “fair game” for public joking and ridicule is obesity. The standard for TV and film comedies is to show overweight characters in a stereotypical and disparaging manner. The body of research on disparaging humor has not yet sought to determine viewers’ attitudes toward weight-related humor. Of primary interest in the present study was whether reactions to humor vary systematically with viewers…
Transforming Your Life
This investigation compared a traditional behavioral weight loss program with a weight loss intervention emphasizing environmental modification and habit formation and disruption. Fifty-four overweight and obese adults (BMI ≥ 27 kg/m2) were randomly assigned to either a 14-week LEARN or TYL intervention. Forty-two participants completed the six-month follow-up assessment. Treatment outcomes between LEARN and TYL participants were equivalent. Duri…
The Effect of Racial Dissonance on Academic Self-Esteem and Achievement in Elementary, Junior High School Students
We examined the association of school racial composition to academic achievement and self-esteem in a large sample of Black and White children and adolescents. The effects of racial composition (dissonant, consonant, and balanced) appear to vary for students of different age and racial groups, and to differ for self-esteem and achievement. Results of this study point to the importance of examining contextual dissonance among students at different…
A randomized trial comparing two approaches to weight loss
This study compared treatment outcomes for a new weight loss program that emphasized reducing unhealthy relationships with food, body image dissatisfaction, and internalized weight bias (New Perspectives) to a weight loss program that emphasizes environmental modification and habit formation and disruption (Transforming Your Life). Fifty-nine overweight and obese adults (body mass index ≥ 27 kg/m2) were randomly assigned to either a 12-week New P…
Skipping meals and alcohol consumption
An ecological momentary assessment of weight stigma among weight loss participants
This investigation explored experiences of weight stigma using momentary, real-time diary assessments among adults seeking weight loss treatment. In total, 51 participants completed diary assessments of weight stigmatizing events and reported how they felt and coped with each incident. Experiencing stigma was significantly associated with fewer positive and greater negative emotions. There was a significant inverse relationship between using posi…
Fat acceptance beliefs and weight stigma related correlates
Weight stigma and eating behaviors. An introduction to the special issue
The Effect of Racial Dissonance on Academic Self-Esteem and Achievement in Elementary, Junior High School Students
We examined the association of school racial composition to academic achievement and self-esteem in a large sample of Black and White children and adolescents. The effects of racial composition (dissonant, consonant, and balanced) appear to vary for students of different age and racial groups, and to differ for self-esteem and achievement. Results of this study point to the importance of examining contextual dissonance among students at different…
Blood Pressure Reactivity and Marital Distress in Employed Women
OBJECTIVE: The impact of marital distress on cardiovascular responses to an "ecologically valid" laboratory stressor (a marital conflict recall task) was examined in maritally distressed and non-distressed women. It was hypothesized that the presence of high levels of marital distress would be associated with elevated blood pressure and heart rate responses to a marital conflict task. METHOD: Fifty married, employed women, aged 25-45, were recrui…
Psychosocial factors and psychological symptoms
The association between psychosocial factors (e.g., social support, coping, stress, relationship status, sexual orientation) and psychological symptoms within an HIV-positive sample population that has been underrepresented in prior research was examined in this study. The study's sample reflects many African Americans, injecting drug users, heterosexuals, and women. Structural equation modeling was used to examine the relations among psychosocia…
Ambulatory Blood Pressure and Marital Distress in Employed Women
In this investigation, the relationship between marital distress and blood pressure during daily life in a sample of married employed women was examined. It was hypothesized that greater marital distress would be associated with elevated blood pressure in the home environment, but not in the workplace. Participants were 50 married employed women, aged 25 to 45 years. Participants underwent ambulatory blood pressure monitoring on a typical workday…
The association between disease severity, functional status, depression and daily quality of life in congestive heart failure patients
Research
This study applies the construct of sanctification to college students' perceptions of their bodies. Students (N = 289) completed measures on the extent to which they viewed their bodies as being a manifestation of God (e.g., "My body is a temple of God") and as characterized by sacred qualities (e.g., holy, blessed, sacred). Greater levels of both forms of sanctification were related to higher levels of health-protective behaviors, strenuous exe…
Qualitative perceptions and caloric estimations of healthy and unhealthy foods by behavioral weight loss participants
Individual differences in food perceptions and calorie estimation
Skipping meals and alcohol consumption
Overt Weight Stigma, Psychological Distress and Weight Loss Treatment Outcomes
Weight stigma is pervasive and is associated with psychosocial distress. Little research has examined the association between weight stigma and weight loss treatment outcomes. The current investigation examined overt weight stigma, depression, binge eating, and weight loss treatment outcomes in a sample of 55 overweight and obese adults. Overt weight stigma was significantly associated with greater depression and binge eating and poorer weight lo…
Transforming Your Life
This investigation compared a traditional behavioral weight loss program with a weight loss intervention emphasizing environmental modification and habit formation and disruption. Fifty-four overweight and obese adults (BMI ≥ 27 kg/m2) were randomly assigned to either a 14-week LEARN or TYL intervention. Forty-two participants completed the six-month follow-up assessment. Treatment outcomes between LEARN and TYL participants were equivalent. Duri…
Food addiction in adults seeking weight loss treatment. Implications for psychosocial health and weight loss
Weight-related humor in the media
One of the few stigmatized conditions still considered “fair game” for public joking and ridicule is obesity. The standard for TV and film comedies is to show overweight characters in a stereotypical and disparaging manner. The body of research on disparaging humor has not yet sought to determine viewers’ attitudes toward weight-related humor. Of primary interest in the present study was whether reactions to humor vary systematically with viewers…
A randomized trial comparing two approaches to weight loss
This study compared treatment outcomes for a new weight loss program that emphasized reducing unhealthy relationships with food, body image dissatisfaction, and internalized weight bias (New Perspectives) to a weight loss program that emphasizes environmental modification and habit formation and disruption (Transforming Your Life). Fifty-nine overweight and obese adults (body mass index ≥ 27 kg/m2) were randomly assigned to either a 12-week New P…
Weight-related humor in the media
Reducing obesity stigma via a brief documentary film
The stigma of obesity impacts individuals across numerous life domains, and people with obesity are offered little legal protection against discrimination based on their body type. While a number of experiments have shown that stigmatizing attitudes toward obesity are somewhat malleable, fewer studi
Weight stigma and eating behaviors. An introduction to the special issue
Changes in perceived mate value and weight bias associated with former obesity status
A randomized trial comparing two approaches to weight loss
Weight loss programs evidence considerable variability in treatment outcomes, and weight regain is common, signaling the need for the refinement of effective treatments. This study compared the recently developed Transforming Your Life program to the Diabetes Prevention Program, considered the "Gold Standard" in behavioral weight loss treatment. A total of 98 participants (Transforming Your Life = 51; Diabetes Prevention Program = 47) were random…
The associations between wives’ internalized weight bias and other weight-related concerns, perceived husbands’ weight-related comments, perceived mate value, and psychological and relationship outcom…
Using an acceptance-based behavioral approach as a supplement to obesity treatment
An ecological momentary assessment of weight stigma among weight loss participants
This investigation explored experiences of weight stigma using momentary, real-time diary assessments among adults seeking weight loss treatment. In total, 51 participants completed diary assessments of weight stigmatizing events and reported how they felt and coped with each incident. Experiencing stigma was significantly associated with fewer positive and greater negative emotions. There was a significant inverse relationship between using posi…
Disparagement humor and anti-obesity attitudes
People with obesity are often the target of disparaging humour. The typical derision of obesity found in everyday life also extends into the realm of the media. Many assumptions have been made about the effects this type of humour may have on the public’s attitudes toward people with obesity, but little empirical research exists. In the present research, two studies sought to uncover whether jokes and humorous media depictions of people with obes…
Exploring the addition of self-compassion skills training to a behavioral weight loss program delivered using video conferencing software
A brief pilot self-compassion intervention for women with overweight/obesity and internalized weight bias
Psychology (31 works) · Medicine (25 works) · Obesity and Health Practices (21 works) · Eating Disorders and Behaviors (16 works) · Social Psychology (15 works) · Obesity (14 works) · Psychiatry (14 works) · Social Psychology (14 works) · Internal Medicine (13 works) · Weight loss (10 works)