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Moya O'Leary, Psy.D., is a 2025 graduate of the Psy.D. Program in Clinical Psychology at Antioch University, New England
Dissertation Committee:
Kathi Borden, PhD, Chairperson
Nancy Ruddy, PhD
Elizabeth Dykhouse, PhD
Dr. Moya O'Leary
Keywords
obesity, preventive medicine, stigma, health behaviors, weight bias, preventive medicine, self-stigma, gender differences, social determinants of health, patient experience, qualitative research
Document Type
Dissertation
Publication Date
2025
Abstract
The impact of personal factors on healthcare utilization is an essential area of research to improve overall health outcomes among the population. This study explored the relationship between perceived stigma and healthcare avoidance among men and evaluated the relationship between self-reported body mass index (BMI) and avoidance of healthcare appointments due to weight-related stigma and other reasons. This study found no significant relationship between BMI and avoidance of preventive medical appointments due to perceived stigma. However, men from all weight categories endorsed avoiding preventive healthcare appointments due to weight-related reasons and for other reasons. This study explored the reported reasons for missing preventive medical appointments, such as time constraints, financial concerns, and perceptions of healthcare advice. Additionally, this study emphasized the need for healthcare providers to address weight bias and stigma, as well as other pragmatic obstacles for all categories of weight to reduce patient avoidance and improve patients’ experiences at preventive medical appointments. While this study had several limitations, multiple areas for further research are proposed to support providers in decreasing the avoidance of healthcare appointments for men. This dissertation is available in open access at AURA (https:aura.antioch.edu) and OhioLINK ETD Center (https:etd.ohiolink.edu)
Recommended Citation
O'Leary, M. A. (2025). Stigma of Obesity and Healthcare Utilization. https://aura.antioch.edu/etds/1112
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ORCID: 0009-0003-3682-7114
Bio:
Moya O'Leary is proud to present her clinical dissertation after years of multitasking clinical and academic work with her personal growth. She earned her bachelor's degree from Rutgers University and a master's degree in clinical practices of psychology from the University of Hartford. She went on to become a licensed professional counselor while pursuing her doctoral education at Antioch. Her passion for perinatal health became apparent as she welcomed her two children, Wyatt and Olive while continuing to work on her doctorate.
With a concentration in Health Psychology and a research focus on the impact of bias in primary care, Moya's shift into working in perinatal mental health has felt like a natural progression. She plans to continue to work clinically with individuals and couples who are trying to conceive or are in the perinatal period to support parents and future generations. Moya has also begun to write for Postpartum Support International by offering perspectives on healers and birth works as they navigate their own perinatal journies. Moya hopes to become more involved in advocacy work through the Maternal Mental Health Leadership Alliance (MMHLA) and the Policy Center for Maternal Mental Health.