Date of Award

2026

Document Type

Dissertation

Degree Name

Doctor of Psychology (PsyD)

Department

Psychology

First Advisor

Mark Sirkin, Ph.D.

Second Advisor

Marc Diener, Ph.D.

Third Advisor

Lora Kasselman, Ph.D.

Abstract

Evidence has demonstrated that psychological processes can influence metabolic functions, which are essential to overall health, as impaired energy metabolism can compromise physiological systems (Bobba-Alves N et al., 2022). Metabolic health is defined as a state of well-being characterized by optimal levels of blood glucose, lipids, cholesterol, blood pressure, and adiposity and is the absence of metabolic dysfunction, which encompasses but is not limited to cardiovascular diseases, type 2 diabetes mellitus, obesity, and metabolic syndrome. A powerful psychological construct that has demonstrated its influence on health is a mindset. Defined as core beliefs or assumptions about oneself and the world, mindsets orient individuals toward particular sets of expectations, explanations, and goals (Crum et al., 2011). Mindset theory posits that our implicit assumptions, and or beliefs about our abilities, intelligence, and talents affect our perceptions of challenges and shape our goals (Dweck, 2016). Specifically, growth mindsets have been shown to predict resilience, challenge-seeking, and improved outcomes in several areas, of life (Crum et al., 2011; Dweck, 2016). However, the role of mindsets in the context of metabolic health remains largely unexplored. The critical review will analyze literature discussing how mindset influences metabolic health and examine emerging trends in this evolving landscape. Insights gained in this critical review will highlight principles of mindset theory, and future implications for clinical practice and implementation. It will provide clinicians and individuals with evidence-based recommendations for fostering adaptive mindsets that support metabolic health.

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