Obesity is recognised as a multidetermined issue. However, research aimed at addressing diet failure has typically examined factors in isolation. Furthermore, previous research has included limited input from dieters themselves. A qualitative study identified a number of themes contributing to diet failure. This study aimed to test these themes with a larger sample ( n = 426) while also determining their fit within a multifactorial model. The results of this study supported the conceptualisation of diet failure using a multifactorial model while also illustrating correlational pathways to be more complex than currently understood in the literature.

Objectives: To examine factors contributing to psychological well-being and ill-being in older Australian women. Methods: A multi-variable model examining personality traits, life events, medical diagnoses, and cognitive appraisal was tested on 296 women (mean age = 69.13, standard deviation = 10.20) from the Longitudinal Assessment of Women Study using a cross-sectional design. Results: Neuroticism, optimism, and extraversion were associated with both well-being and ill-being, but these relationships were partially mediated by cognitive appraisal. The relationship between number of life events and ill-being was fully mediated by cognitive appraisal, while the relationship between number of life events and well-being was partially mediated by cognitive appraisal. The number of medical diagnoses directly predicted well-being.Conclusions: The supported model suggests that individual and public-health interventions targeting personality traits, cognitive appraisal, and life events might have potential to improve well-being and reduce ill-being as individuals age.