حسین زارع

Objective : The present study aimed to present and investigate the structural model of the effectiveness of the cognitive-based intervention on cortisol and lipid profiles, with the mediating effect of cognitive flexibility and behavioral brain systems in overweight people with high stress. Method : The research design was experimental with a control group, pre-test-post-test, and follow-up design. Multivariate analysis of covariance was used to analyze the data. The statistical population of this research was all 190 people referred to the cosmetic surgery clinic in 2023. The research sample consisted of 30 people (15 for the experimental group and 15 for the control group) selected through the purposeful sampling method and according to the research inclusion and exclusion criteria. The respondents answered the Behavioral Activation / Inhibition Systems Scale (Carver & White, 1994) and Connor and Davidson’s Flexibility Questionnaire (2003). A semi-structured interview was used to measure stress. Results : The results of univariate covariance analysis showed a significant difference between the two experimental and control groups in the variables of brain-behavioral systems (F = 3.824, P = 0.035) and cognitive flexibility (F = 4.958, P = 0.032). Also, the effectiveness of the cognitive intervention on cortisol was 0.70. It means that 79% of the changes obtained in the post-test scores of the experimental group were due to the intervention. Conclusion : We can conclude that stress leads to an increase in overweight and a reduction in an individual's flexibility and positive attitude toward body image. Therefore, using Yoga, breathing exercises, cognitive therapy, and treating overweight people to manage their stress correctly is necessary.