Challenging oppression: A social identity model of stigma resistance in higher-weight individuals. (September 2022)

• Record Type: Journal Article
• Authors: Meadows, Angela; Higgs, Suzanne
• Is Part Of: Body image. Volume 42(2022)
• Page Start: 237
• Page End: 245
• Publication Date: 2022-09
• Subjects: Weight stigma -- Stigma resistance -- Social identity -- Internalized stigma -- Psychological wellbeing; Body image -- Periodicals; Body image -- Research -- Periodicals; Body Image -- Periodicals; 306.4613
• DOI: 10.1016/j.bodyim.2022.06.004
• Languages: English
• ISSNs: 1740-1445

Abstract

Abstract: Many higher-weight individuals have internalised societal weight stigma, devaluing themselves because of their weight. Rejecting and challenging societal devaluation is generally associated with superior outcomes compared with stigma internalisation or inaction; however, stigma resistance has not been studied in higher-weight individuals, despite ubiquitous weight stigma in daily life. Applying a social identity framework, we utilised decision tree analysis to explore predictors of responses to weight stigma in 931 self-classified higher-weight individuals. While ingroup identification with the group 'Fat' was the major predictor of stigma resistance (versus internalisation), perceived illegitimacy of societal weight stigma defined a subgroup of resisters even in the absence of group identity. Interventions focusing on the illegitimacy of unequal social status and treatment may be effective at reducing internalisation and fostering resistance in a population with characteristically low ingroup identity. Highlights: Many higher-weight individuals internalise weight stigma (WS). Resisting stigma is associated with better outcomes than internalisation. Stigma resistance has not previously been studied in higher-weight individuals. Major predictor of WS resistance was identification with the ingroup Fat. Perceived WS illegitimacy associated with resistance in absence of group identity.