The Relationship between the Contact Styles and Self-Esteem of the People with Obesity

Objective: This study aimed to examine the relationship between contact styles and self-esteem of people with obesity. Methods: This relational and descriptive study was conducted in 2015 with 322 persons with obesity that were followed in endocrinology clinics of two hospitals at A„°zmir and agreed to participate. The Introductory Information Form, Rosenberg Self-Esteem Scale (RSES) and Revised Form of Gestalt Contact Styles Scale (GCSS-RF) were used. Results: Mean age of the people with obesity was 46.18 ± 11.89. 84.2% were female. Their mean RSES score was 1.48 ± 0.26. Mean GCSS-RF sub-dimension scores were: confluence 2.63 ± 0.45 (min=1, max=3.92); deflection 3.13 ± 0.69 (min=1.38, max=4.69); contact 2.71 ± 0.60 (min=1, max=4.45); emotional desensitization 2.78 ± 0.62 (min=1, max=4.83); retroflection 2.96 ± 0.75 (min=1.22, max=6.67). An inverse relationship was found between the mean scores of retroflection (r=-0.52, p 0.05). Conclusion: Self-esteem of people with obesity is lower than the moderate level. Individuals use confluence, deflection, contact, emotional desensitization, and retroflection respectively. Participants who use these subdimensions, except for emotional desensitization, have negative self-esteem.