The role of social norms, intergroup contact, and ingroup favoritism in weight stigma
Go to source). Despite the growing average body size in the U.S., the stigma against higher-weight individuals remains strong. This study examined the link between perceived social norms about higher weight and reported weight bias among U.S. adults.
Self-reported BMI Bias Estimates Increasing Due to Weight Bias
The gap between obesity recorded by measured height and weight and obesity levels measured by self-reported height and weight is increasing.
The gap between obesity recorded by measured height and weight and obesity levels measured by self-reported height and weight is increasing.
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Research shows that children as young as three years old exhibit weight-based biases, with many preferring thinner peers over those with obesity. #weightbias #stigma #psychology ’
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Utilizing intergroup contact and ingroup favoritism theories, the study hypothesized that positive social norms and quality interactions with higher-weight individuals would correlate with lower weight bias. Research shows that children as young as three years old exhibit weight-based biases, with many preferring thinner peers over those with obesity. #weightbias #stigma #psychology ’
A sample of 272 U.S. adults, predominantly white (74.91%) and female (69.37%), was recruited via Prolific for the study. Participants, aged 18 to 69, completed online questionnaires measuring their perceived social norms, social contact with higher-weight individuals, and explicit weight bias.
The findings supported the hypotheses, showing that both descriptive and injunctive norms related to higher weight are linked to lower weight bias.
Weight Stigma in Men Linked to Harmful Health Consequences
For Men, weight stigma, also known as weight-based discrimination or weight bias, comes along with a wide range of harmful physical and emotional health problems.
For Men, weight stigma, also known as weight-based discrimination or weight bias, comes along with a wide range of harmful physical and emotional health problems.
Role of Social Norms in Shaping Weight Bias
The study revealed that the quality of social contact with higher-weight individuals is a crucial factor in reducing weight bias, while the quantity of contact is not. This underscores the significance of meaningful social interactions in combating weight stigma.This study is pioneering in integrating the concepts of descriptive and injunctive norms with intergroup contact and ingroup favoritism in the context of weight stigma. Social psychologists are well-placed to investigate the complexities of weight bias and social norms.
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Weight Shaming Declining More in the USA Than in the UK
American people are less likely to blame people with obesity for their condition and are more likely to accept that obesity is a medical problem now than three years ago, finds a new study.
American people are less likely to blame people with obesity for their condition and are more likely to accept that obesity is a medical problem now than three years ago, finds a new study.
This research aims to inspire further exploration of the widespread negative attitudes toward higher-weight individuals and develop strategies to reduce weight stigma. By deepening the understanding of the social psychology behind weight bias, this study sets the stage for future initiatives to address and diminish weight-related discrimination.
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Addressing Root Causes can Help Manage Obesity
Obesity management should focus on patient outcomes, not weight loss alone, and include a holistic strategy that addresses the root causes of obesity, reports a new study.
Obesity management should focus on patient outcomes, not weight loss alone, and include a holistic strategy that addresses the root causes of obesity, reports a new study.
Reference:
- The role of social norms, intergroup contact, and ingroup favoritism in weight stigma - (https://journals.plos.org/plosone/article?id=10.1371/journal.pone.0305080)
Source-Eurekalert
