Effects of a Lifestyle Intervention Based on Type D Personality in Overweight and Obese Middle-Aged Women: A Feasibility Study

Background: Obesity is an important public health problem, particularly among middle-aged women. Type D personality, characterized by negative affectivity and social inhibition, is prevalent among obese and overweight middle-aged women and has been linked to maladaptive health-related behaviors and unhealthy lifestyle. Lifestyle interventions based on type D personality could be a first step in combatting obesity in middle-aged women. Aim: To identify the effects of a lifestyle intervention based on type D personality on health-promoting lifestyle behaviors, psychological distress, type D personality, and body composition in overweight and obese middle-aged women. Methods: A total of 36 overweight and obese middle-aged women participated in a quasi-experimental design using a non-equivalent control group pretest-posttest. The experimental group received a total of eight sessions of a lifestyle intervention program based on type D personality over the course of four weeks. Outcomes were measured health-promoting lifestyle behaviors, psychological distress, type D personality, and body composition (body weight, body mass index, body fat, and abdominal fat). Results: Following the intervention, the experimental group scored significantly higher than the control group for health-promoting lifestyle behaviors, and significantly lower than the control group for psychological distress and type D personality. Body weight and body mass index decreased significantly in the experimental group compared to the control group. Linking Evidence to Action: Further research on various intervention programs for overweight and obese middle-aged women is warranted, including lifestyle interventions based on type D personality.