Weight stigmatization experiences and psychological adjustment: the role of dysfunctional cognitions

Weight-based stigmatization experiences include negative social consequences that overweight and obese individuals endure. Although there is evidence that weight-based stigmatization places one at risk for developing internalizing symptoms and disordered eating symptoms, further research is needed to establish causality and determine what underlying processes are involved in these pathways. This dissertation research investigates the hypothesis that dysfunctional cognitions mediate the relation between weight-based stigmatization experiences and undergraduates’ psychopathology and weight-biased behavior. Results indicate that weight-based stigmatization experienced through exposure to weight-biased media is associated with dysfunctional eating-related cognitions and that exposure to weight-biased media is associated with weight-biased behavior. Evidence did not support the hypothesis that dysfunctional eating-related cognitions would account for the relation between weight stigmatization experiences and disordered eating symptoms. Instead, weight-related stereotypes emerged as a moderator of this relation. This research has implications for prevention of disordered eating and weight-biased behavior and interventions with individuals who suffer weight-based stigmatization.Ph.D.Includes bibliographical referencesIncludes vitaSarah Savo