Robert A. Carels, PhD, MBA, ABPP

Professor
Director of Clinical Training
Treatment of obesity; stepped-care approaches to weight loss treatment; weight stigma
252-737-5070
Fax: 252-328-6283
Rawl 344B
carelsr14@ecu.edu

Mailing Address
104 Rawl Building
Department of Psychology
East Carolina University
Greenville, NC 27858-4353

Willing to consider taking a doctoral student in 2025-26

Education/Certification/Fellowship

FSBM, Fellow of Society of Behavioral Medicine
ABPP, Board Certified in Clinical Health Psychology
Post Doc, Cardiovascular Behavioral Medicine, Duke University Medical School
PhD, Clinical Psychology, University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill
MBA, Business, Bentley College
BA, Business, Michigan State University

Research and Clinical Interests

I am a board certified clinical health psychologist who is committed to developing more effective behavioral weight loss treatments through the application of theory-driven innovation. I am also committed to better understanding and combating weight stigma in its many forms. The focus of my programmatic line of weight loss research is in developing alternatives to standard clinical treatments for obesity. My research examines theoretically based alternative treatment approaches, such stepped-care models, as well as examining alternative modes of treatment delivery, such as self help. Additionally, I have published extensively on weight bias and the following areas represent some of the areas in which I have published: 1) weight bias in treatment seeking adults, 2) implicit attitudes and weight bias, 3) stereotype threat, 4) attitudes and weight bias, and 5) weight based discrimination. Check out some of my publications below.

Current Graduate Students

Rhonda Byrd is a fifth- year graduate student who earned a BA in Psychology and a Master of Social Work at NC State University. Research interests are weight stigma and weight management. Her ongoing dissertation is centered on Fat Acceptance, body image, and related behaviors.

Emi Jansen is a fourth-year graduate student pursuing a PhD in Clinical Health Psychology at East Carolina University. Prior to attending ECU, she earned a BS in Health Information Management at the College of St. Scholastica and an MA in Clinical Counseling Psychology at the University of Minnesota Duluth. Her broad research interests include evaluating the roles of experienced bias, established belief systems, and social determinants of health on health behavior change tactics. Clinically, she is interested in the usefulness and generalizability of mindfulness and acceptance-based therapeutic approaches for addressing internalized weight bias and healthcare avoidance. For fun, she spends her time rollerblading, chatting with friends/family, watching stand-up-comedy, and playing with her favorite goldendoodle, Willow.

Lydia Mansour (she/her) is a third-year graduate student at East Carolina University. Prior to enrollment at ECU, Lydia went to the University of Florida and received a Bachelor’s in both Biology and Psychology. After completing her undergraduate studies, she continued working in research at UF with the Department of Endocrinology, Diabetes, and Metabolism and later at the Institute on Aging. Her research interests include weight management, weight bias, and chronic illnesses specifically among the older adult population. In her spare time, Lydia likes to attend group fitness classes, spend time with her cat Latte, and watch the latest movies at the movie theater.

Abigail (Abbie) Metzler is a second-year graduate student pursuing a PhD in Clinical Health Psychology at East Carolina University. Prior to attending ECU, she earned a BA in Psychology with a minor in Nutrition from the University of Pennsylvania. After completing her undergraduate studies, she worked as a research coordinator at Yale University with the Yale Program for Obesity, Weight, and Eating Research (POWER). Her research interests include weight management, the food environment, disordered eating, and weight bias. In her spare time, Abbie enjoys going out for a good meal with friends, practicing yoga or lifting weights, and cooking new recipes.

Kaitlyn (Katie) DeRouen (she/her) is a first-year graduate student pursuing a PhD in Clinical Health Psychology at East Carolina University. Prior to enrolling at ECU, she earned a Bachelor of Science in Education in Kinesiology and Psychology from the University of Virginia. After completing her undergraduate studies, Katie worked as a clinical research coordinator at the University of Pennsylvania’s Center for Weight and Eating Disorders. Her research interests include weight management, weight bias, and the development of effective behavioral strategies for weight loss. During her free time, Katie enjoys running, playing chess, and exploring coffee shops in Greenville.

Recent Graduates

Kayla Sall (she/her) is a recent graduate (2023) of East Carolina University (ECU) who completed her psychology residency (pre-doctoral internship) at the Warren Alpert Medical School of Brown University. Prior to her time at ECU, she earned her BA in Psychology and BS in Biological Sciences at the University of Michigan – Dearborn, and subsequently earned her MA in Clinical Health Psychology at ECU. Her research interests include identifying and evaluating the role of social determinants of health among individuals coping with chronic conditions in the following areas: sexual and reproductive health, weight management and metabolic diseases, cardiovascular diseases. Clinically, she is interested in evidence-based prevention and intervention methods to address health disparities using an intersectional feminist and minority stress framework. She is currently working on her dissertation, which is using structural equation modeling to evaluate the effect of internalized weight bias and body dissatisfaction on sexual health outcomes among pregnant women. She is also completing her internship research placement at the Weight Control and Diabetes Research Center in Providence, RI. In her free time, Kayla enjoys spending time with her pug/lab, Marley, cooking Lebanese food, practicing yoga, watching Michigan football, and appreciating the arts via visiting museums and the theater. Go Blue! Go Purple! Go Gold!

J. Caroline Force (formerly J. Caroline Miller) is a recent graduate (2024) of East Carolina University who earned her BA in Psychology at Northern Arizona University (NAU) with a minor in Spanish and Fine Arts, and her MA in Clinical Health Psychology at NAU. Her MA Thesis was entitled “Cultural Adaptation of the Small Changes Intervention for United States Associated Pacific Islands,” which involved developing a culturally tailored weight loss intervention. Upon completion of her MA, Caroline worked in community mental health for two years, which included creating behavioral plans for children and adults with disabilities in rural Arizona. Caroline’s interests include developing or researching evidence-based weight loss programs and strategies, as well as combating societal weight bias and helping individuals cope with and reduce internalized weight bias. Caroline is also interested in assisting underserved populations, general health promotion/preventative approaches to health, and the integration of psychological sciences/services and the medical field. For fun, Caroline’s enjoys artistic endeavors (painting, drawing, scrapbooking, animating), camping/hiking, traveling, playing video games, and spending time with friends and family.

Abi Shonrock is a recent graduate (2024) of East Carolina University who earned her BA in Psychology at George Washington University before earning her MA in Clinical Psychology. Her research interests include the relationship between mental and physical health, specifically the intersection of weight and eating behaviors with larger societal systems and pressures. She recently completed her Master’s thesis project investigating the relationship between weight stigma and eating behaviors within the LGBTQ+ community. She is currently working on her dissertation project, which focuses on exploring the relationship between identity as a lesbian/bisexual woman and how that identity contributes to disparities in weight and weight management behaviors. In her free time, she enjoys reading and spending time with her dog.

Publications

Selected publications in peer refereed journals

Carels, RA, etc… (2022) Weight stigma among heterosexual and sexual minority individuals: Dating and hiring preferences, Stigma and Health

Haley, E., Dolbier, CL, Carels, RA, Whited, M. (2021) A Brief Pilot Self-Compassion Intervention for Women with Overweight/Obesity and Internalized Weight Bias: Feasibility, Acceptability, and Future Directions, Journal of Contextual Behavioral Science, in press

Carels, RA, Miller, JC, Hlavka, R, Shonrock, A, Ellis, JM (2021). The Interaction between Wife’s BMI, Perceived Weight Criticism from her Husband, and Husband’s Weight Bias and Husbands’ and Wives’ Psychological and Relational Outcomes, Eating and Weight Disorders, in press.

Carels, R. A., Miller, J. C., Shonrock, A. T., Byrd, R., & Haley, E. (2021). Exploring the addition of self-compassion skills training to a behavioral weight loss program delivered using video conferencing software. Journal of Contextual Behavioral Science, 21, 196-202.

Selensky, J & Carels, RA. (2021) Weight stigma and media: An examination of the effect of advertising campaigns on weight bias, internalized weight bias, body image, self-esteem, and affect, Body Image, 36, 95-106.

Carels, RA, Miller, JC, Hlavka, R, Selensky, J, Shonrock, AMT, Ellis, JM (2020). The association between husbands’ weight bias and related concerns and husbands’ and wives’ psychological and relationship outcomes. Body Image, 35, 11-21.

Burmeister, J, Carels, RA, Derogatory (2020) Humor and anti-obesity attitudes. European Journal of Humor, 8(1), 68-81.

Carels, R. A., Hlavka, R., Selensky, J. C., Solar, C., Rossi, J., Miller, J. C., & Ellis, J. (2019). The associations between wives’ internalized weight bias and other weight-related concerns, perceived husbands’ weight-related comments, perceived mate value, and psychological and relationship outcomes. Stigma and Health

Berger, B, Darby, L, Owen, D, & Carels, RA, (2019) Influence of a 16-Week Weight Loss Program and Social Physique Anxiety on Program Success and Subjective Well-Being in Obese, Sedentary Women. International Journal of Sport and Exercise Psychology, in press

Bailey, EJ, Duffrin, M, Carels, R, & O’Brien, K (2019) The ‘Freshman 15’: Exploring Weight Issues, Eating Patterns, Psychological, Mental Health, Stress, and Weight Loss Prevention Programs among College Students at East Carolina University Journal of Community Medicine and Public Health Care, 6: 043, DOI: 10.24966/CMPH-1978/100043

Carels, R. A., Hlavka, R., Solar, C., Selensky, J., Rossi, J., & Miller, C. (2018). A Daily Diary Study of Internalized Weight Bias and its Psychological, Eating and Exercise Correlates. Psychology and Health, in press.

Perdue, TO, Schreier, A, Swanson, M, Neil, J, Carels, RA. (2018) A Concept Analysis of Disturbed Body Image in Bariatric Surgery Patients. International Journal of Nursing Knowledge, in press

Perdue, TO, Schreier, A, Swanson, M, Neil, J, Carels, RA. (2018) Majority of Female Bariatric Patients Retain an Obese Identity 18-30 Months After Surgery. Eating and Weight Disorders, in press

Perdue, TO, Schreier, A, Swanson, M, Neil, J, Carels, RA. (2018) Evolving self view and body image concerns in female post-operative bariatric surgery patients. Journal of Clinical Nursing, in press.

Loveless, J., Nicoletta, A. Winters, A., Carels, RA. Wuensch,K, Whited, M, McCubbin, J., (2017) Everhart, E. Exploring the Relationship between Frontal Asymmetry and Emotional Dampening, International Journal of Psychophysiology, in press.

Carels, R., Selensky, J. Rossi, J., Solar, C. & Hlavka, R. (2017). A novel stepped-care approach to weight loss: The role of self-monitoring and health literacy in treatment outcomes, Eating Behaviors, in press.

Carels, R., Rossi, J., Solar, C. & Selensky, J. (2017). An ecological momentary assessment of weight stigma among weight loss participants. Journal of Health Psychology, 24(9) 1155–1166

Carels, R.A. , Rossi, J., Solar, C. & Selensky, J. (2016) Changes in perceived mate value and weight bias associated with former obesity status. Stigma and Health, in press.

Cross, N., Kiefner-Burmeister, A., Rossi, J., Borushok, J., & Carels, R. A. (2016). Facial Attractiveness, Weight Status, and Personality Trait Attribution: The Role of attractiveness in weight stigma, Obesity Research and Clinical Practice, in press.

Burmeister, J., Rossi, J, Taylor, M., Kiefner-Burmeister, A., Borushok, J., & Carels, R. A. (2017). Reducing obesity stigma via a brief documentary film–a randomized trial, Stigma and Health, 2(1), 43.

Carels, RA, Borushok, J, Taylor, M, Rossi, J, Hoffmann, D, Burmeister, J, Hinman, N, Marx, J. A (2015) Randomized Trial Comparing Two Approaches to Weight Loss. Journal of Health Psychology, 22(7), 943-950

Carels, RA, Rossi, J, Taylor, MB, Borushok, J, Kiefner-Burmeister, A, Cross, N, Hinman, N, Burmeister, JM. (2015) Influencing weight bias: The impact of biased questionnaire anchors on stereotype beliefs and judgments. Obesity Research and Clinical Practice, 9(5) 448-457

Koball, A, Carels, RA (2015) Intergroup contact and weight bias reduction. Translational Issues in Psychological Science, 1(3), 298-306.

Carels, RA, Rossi, J, Borushok, J, Taylor, MB, Kiefner-Burmeister, A, Cross, N, Hinman, N, Burmeister, JM. (2015) Changes in weight bias and perceived employability following weight loss and gain, Obesity Surgery, 12, 32-35

Hinman, N., Burmeister, J., Kiefner, A., Borushok, J., & Carels, RA (2015). Stereotypical portrayals of obesity and the expression of implicit weight bias. Body Image, 12, 32-35.

Carels, RA, Hinman, N., Hoffmann, D., Burmeister, J., Borushok, J., Marx, JM, Ashrafioun, L. (2014). 648-653.

Carels, RA,Burmeister, JM,Koball, AM, Oehlhof, M A Hinman, N, Leroy, M, Bannon, E,Ashrafioun, L, Storfer-Isser, A, Darby, L, Gumble, A. (2014). Randomized trial comparing two approaches to weight loss: Differences in weight loss maintenance. Journal of Health Psychology.

Burmeister, J. & Carels, RA (2014). Weight-related humor in the media: Appreciation, distaste, and anti-fat attitudes.Psychology of Popular Media Culture,3:4, 223-238.

Ashrafioun, L,Carels, RA(2014).Prescription opioid use among university students: Assessment of post-cue exposure craving. Addictive Behaviors,, 586-592.

Burmeister, J. &Carels, RA.(2014). Television viewing predicts binge eating behavior. Eating Behaviors,White II, DE, Wott, C, & Carels, RA. (2013). The influence of plaintiff’s body weight on judgments of responsibility: The role of weight bias. Obesity Research and Clinical Practice.

Harper, J. &Carels, RA(2013). Impact of social pressure on stereotypes about obese people. Eating and Weight Disorders, 1-7. Carels, RA, Hinman, N., Burmeister, J., Hoffmann, D. A., Ashrafioun,

L., & Koball, A. (2013). Stereotypical Images and Implicit Weight Bias in Overweight/Obese People, Eating and Weight Disorders, 18.

Carels, RA,Hoffmann, DA, Hinman, N, Burmeister, JM, Koball, AF, Ashrafioun, L, Darby, LA (2013).Step-down approach to behavioral weight loss treatment: A pilot of a randomized clinical trial. Psychology and Health.

Carels, RA, Domoff, SE, Burmeister, JM, Koball, AM, Hinman, N, Davis, AK, Wagner Oehlhof, M, Leroy, M, Bannon, E, Hoffmann, DA (2013) Examining perceived stereotype threat among overweight/obese adults using a Multi-Threat Framework. Obesity Facts.

Burmeister, J., Kiefner, A.,Carels, R. A., & Musher-Eizenman, D. (2013) Weight Bias in Graduate School Admissions. Obesity,21 (5), 918-920.

Burmeister, J.M., Hinman, N., Koball, A., Hoffmann, D.A., & Carels, R.A. (2013). Food addiction in adults seeking weight loss treatment: Implications for psychosocial health and weight loss. Appetite, 60, 103-110.

Carels, RA,Burmeister, J, Oehlhof, MW, Hinman, N, LeRoy, M, Bannon, E, Koball, A, Ashrafloun, L. (2013). Internalized Weight Bias: Ratings of the self, normal weight, and obese individuals and psychological maladjustment. Journal of Behavioral Medicine,13, 112-8.

Carels, RA,Young, KM, Hinman, N, Gumble, A, Koball, A, Wagner Oehlhof, M, DarbyL. (2012) Stepped-Care in Obesity Treatment: Matching Treatment Intensity to Participant Performance, Eating Behaviors, 38, 86-94.

Domoff, S. E., Hinman, N., Koball, A., Storfer-Isser, A., Carhart, V. L., Baik, K. D.Carels, RA.(2012). Reality television and weight bias: An examination of The Biggest Loser? Obesity, 20(5), 993-998.

Gumble, A &Carels, RA. (2012).The harmful and beneficial impacts of weight bias on well-being: The moderating influence of weight status. Body Image, 9:1, 101-107.

Carels, RA,Hinman, N. Koball, A, Oehlhof, MW, Gumble, A, Young, KM. (2011).The self protective nature of implicit identity and its relationship to weight bias and short-term weight loss, Obesity Facts, 4:4, 278-283.

Coy, B, O’Brien, WH, Tabaczynski, T, Northern, J, & Carels, RA (2011). Associations between evaluation anxiety, cognitive interference and performance on working memory tasks. Applied Cognitive Psychology, 25, 823-832.

Koball, A &Carels, RA(2011) Coping as a Mediator in the Relationship between Weight Stigma and Depression, Eating and Weight Disorders, 16:1, 17-23.

Carels, RA,Young, KM, Koball, A, Gumble, A, Darby, LA Wagner Oehlhof, M, Wott, C, Hinman, N(2010) Transforming your Life: An environmental modification approach to weight loss. Journal of Health Psychology, 16(3) 430-438.

Carels, RA,Wott, CB, Young, KM, Gumble, A, Koball, A, Oehlhof, MW. (2010) Implicit, explicit, and internalized weight bias and psychosocial maladjustment among treatment-seeking adults. Eating Behaviors, 11, 180-185.

Carels, RA,Musher-Eizenman, D. (2010) Individual Differences and Weight Bias: Do People with an Anti-Fat Bias have a Pro-Thin Bias? Binge Eating, 7, 143-148.

Wott, CB,Carels, RA,Overt Weight Stigma, (2009) Psychological distress and weight loss treatment outcomes. Journal of Health Psychology, 15, 608-614.

Musher-Eizenman,D.Carels RA.(2009) The impact of target weight and gender on perceptions of likeability, personality attributes, and functional impairment. Obesity Facts, 2, 311-317.

Berger, BG, Darby, LA, Owen, DR,Carels, RA.(2010) Implications of a behavioral weight loss program for obese, sedentary women: A focus on mood enhancement and exercise enjoyment. International Journal of Sport and Exercise Psychology, 8, 10-23.

Carels, RA,Young, K, Wott, CB, Harper, J, Gumble, A, Oehlof, MW, Clayton, AM (2009)Successful weight loss with self-help: A stepped care approach. Journal of Behavioral Medicine, 32, 503-509.

Carels RA, Young KM, Wott, C, Harper, J, Gumble, A, Wagner Hobbs, M, Clayton, A. (2009) Internalized Weight Stigma and its Ideological Correlates among Weight Loss Treatment Seeking Adults.Eating and Weight Disorders,14, 92-97.

Carels, RA,Young, K, Wott, CB, Harper, J, Gumble, A, Oehlof, MW, Clayton, AM (2009). Weight bias and weight loss treatment outcomes in treatment-seeking adults. Annals of Behavioral Medicine,37, 350-355.

Carels RA,Young KM, Coit C, Clayton AM Spencer, A, Hobbs, M.W. (2008) Skipping meals and alcohol consumption: The regulation of energy intake and expenditure among weight loss participants. Appetite, 51, 538-545.

Carels RA,Young KM, Coit C, Clayton AM Spencer, A, Hobbs, M.W. (2008) Can following the caloric restriction recommendations from the Dietary Guidelines for Americans help individuals lose weight Eating Behaviors, 9,328-335.

Carels RA,Young KM, Coit C, Darby LA, Clayton AM, Spencer A et al. (2008) The failure of therapist assistance and stepped-care to improve weight loss outcomes.Obesity.16,1460-1462.

Carels RA,Konrad KK, Young KM, Darby LA, Coit C, Clayton AM et al. (2008) Taking control of your personal eating and exercise environment: A weight maintenance program.Eating Behaviors,9, 228-237.

Carels, RA,Coit, C, Young, KM, Berger, B. (2007) Exercise Makes You Feel Good, but Does Feeling Good Make You Exercise? An Examination of Obese Dieters. Journal of Sport and Exercise Psychology, 29, 706-722.

Carels, RA,Harper, J, Konrad, KK. (2007) Individual Differences in Food Perceptions and Calorie Estimation: An Examination of Dieting Status, Weight, and Gender.Appetite, 49, 450-58.

Perez Benitez, C., O’Brien, WH,Carels, RA, Gordon, AK, Chiros, CE. (2007) Cardiovascular correlates of disclosing homosexual orientation. Stress and Health, 23, 141-152.

Konrad, KK,Carels, RA,Gardner, D. (2007) Metabolic and psychological changes during refeeding in anorexia nervosa.Eating and Weight Disorders, 12, 20-27.

Carels RA,Darby LA, Cacciapaglia HM, Konrad KK, Coit C, Harper J, Kaplar, ME, Young, K, Baylen, CA, & Versland, A (2007) Using motivational interviewing as a supplement to obesity treatment: A stepped-care approach. Health Psychology, 26, 369-374.

Carels, RA,Harper, J, Konrad, KK (2006). Qualitative perceptions and caloric estimations of healthy and unhealthy foods by behavioral weight loss participants, Appetite, 46, 199-206.

Carels, RA,Darby, L, Berger, B. (2006). The association between mood states and physical activity in postmenopausal women. Journal of Aging and Physical Activity, 14, 12-28.

Carels, RA,Douglass, O Cacciapaglia, H, Rydin, S, Harper, J. (2006). Can social desirability interfere with success in a behavioral weight loss program? Psychology and Health, 21(1):65-78.

Carels, RA,Darby, L, Rydin, S, Douglass, O, Cacciapaglia, H. (2005) The relationship between self-monitoring, outcome expectancies, difficulties with eating and exercise, physical activity and weight loss in a behavioral weight loss program: Within and between participant relationships.Annals of Behavioral Medicine, 30, 182-190.

Carels, RA,Darby, L, Cacciapaglia, H, Douglass, O, Kaplar, M, Rydin, S, Tonkin, K, Konrad, K, Harper, J (2005). Applying a stepped-care approach to the treatment of obesity, Journal of Psychosomatic Research, 59, 375-383.

Carels,RA,Darby, L, Douglass, O, Cacciapaglia, H, Rydin, S. (2005). Education on the glycemic index of foods fails to improve treatment outcomes in a behavioral weight loss program. Eating Behaviors, 6,145-150.

Carels, RA,Darby, L, Cacciapaglia, H, Douglass, O. (2004). Reducing cardiovascular risk factors in postmenopausal women through a lifestyle change intervention. Journal of Women’s Health,13:4, 412-426.

Carels, RA,Cacciapaglia, H, Douglass, O, Cacciapaglia, H, O’Brien, WH (2004). An ecological momentary assessment of relapse crisis in dieting. Journal of Consulting and Clinical, 72:2, 341-348.