Skip to Main Content
 

Global Search Box

 
 
 
 

Files

File List


bgsu1251927355.pdf (898.96 KB)

ETD Abstract Container

Abstract Header

Do Psychological Distress and Maladaptive Eating Patterns Mediate the Relationship Between Overt Weight Stigma and Weight Loss Treatment Outcomes?

Wott, Carissa B.
http://rave.ohiolink.edu/etdc/view?acc_num=bgsu1251927355

Abstract Details

2009, Doctor of Philosophy (Ph.D.), Bowling Green State University, Psychology/Clinical.
Prevalence rates of overweight and obesity continue to rise and the majority of Americans are considered either overweight or obese (Flegal, Carroll, Ogden & Johnson, 2002). Although overweight and obesity are common phenomena, anti-fat bias is pervasive and results in overt discrimination and stigma towards overweight and obese individuals (Puhl & Brownell, 2001). Evidence suggests that experiencing overt weight-based stigma is associated with greater depression, binge eating behaviors and body image dissatisfaction (e.g., Ashmore, Friedman, Reichmann & Musante, 2008; Jackson, Grilo & Masheb, 2000; Matz, Foster, Faith & Wadden, 2002). Additionally, a small body of research indicates that overt stigma (i.e., stigmatizing situations) may negatively influence health behaviors that are consistent with weight loss (e.g., Vartanian & Shaprow, 2008). The current investigation assessed whether the relationship between encountering stigmatizing situations in the past and weight loss outcomes in a behavioral weight loss program were mediated by psychological distress (i.e., depression, negative affectivity and body image dissatisfaction) and maladaptive eating patterns (i.e., binge eating). Their was no evidence for the hypothesized mediation, however, stigmatizing experiences were significantly associated with weight loss treatment outcomes such as percent weight loss during the intervention, average caloric intake and caloric expenditure through physical activity. Additionally, stigmatizing experiences were significantly associated with increased reports of depression, binge eating, negative affectivity, and poorer body image. These findings support the need for interventions designed to reduce the harmful impact of overt weight stigma on the psychological well-being and health of overweight/obese adults.
Robert Carels, PhD (Committee Chair)
William O'Brien, PhD (Committee Member)
Steve Jex, PhD (Committee Member)
Amy Morgan, PhD (Committee Member)
1997 p.
Psychology
Weight stigma; obesity; weight loss

Recommended Citations

Citations

  • Wott, C. B. (2009). Do Psychological Distress and Maladaptive Eating Patterns Mediate the Relationship Between Overt Weight Stigma and Weight Loss Treatment Outcomes? [Doctoral dissertation, Bowling Green State University]. OhioLINK Electronic Theses and Dissertations Center. http://rave.ohiolink.edu/etdc/view?acc_num=bgsu1251927355

    APA Style (7th edition)

  • Wott, Carissa. Do Psychological Distress and Maladaptive Eating Patterns Mediate the Relationship Between Overt Weight Stigma and Weight Loss Treatment Outcomes? 2009. Bowling Green State University, Doctoral dissertation. OhioLINK Electronic Theses and Dissertations Center, http://rave.ohiolink.edu/etdc/view?acc_num=bgsu1251927355.

    MLA Style (8th edition)

  • Wott, Carissa. "Do Psychological Distress and Maladaptive Eating Patterns Mediate the Relationship Between Overt Weight Stigma and Weight Loss Treatment Outcomes?" Doctoral dissertation, Bowling Green State University, 2009. http://rave.ohiolink.edu/etdc/view?acc_num=bgsu1251927355

    Chicago Manual of Style (17th edition)

bgsu1251927355
961
© 2009, all rights reserved.
This open access ETD is published by Bowling Green State University and OhioLINK.