Exploring weight bias internalization in young women: a multi-methods approach

Abstract

<p> Weight bias internalization occurs when individuals accept negative societal weight- and shapebased attitudes and direct them towards themselves. Although this construct is typically explored among individuals with a higher body weight, there is a growing amount of evidence suggesting that weight-based stigma experiences and subsequent internalization occur across the weight spectrum. The overall aim of this dissertation was to better understand the construct of weight bias internalization in a group of individuals not typically conceptualized as being negatively impacted by weight-based stigma: young women predominantly in the normal-weight range. Study 1 (N = 196) examined correlates of weight bias internalization and other related internalization constructs (self-objectification, thin ideal internalization). Using a hierarchical multiple regression approach, weight bias internalization was found to predict measures of disordered eating (binge eating, emotional eating, and dietary restraint), body shape concerns, and psychological distress over and above the influences of the other internalization measures. These results potentially underscore the importance of assessing and treating weight bias internalization among young women; however, the high correlation between weight bias internalization and body shape concerns suggest that these variables may instead represent similar constructs. Study 2 built upon these findings by exploring the comparative effects of two strategies aimed at reducing weight bias internalization (teaching participants self- providing psychoeducation about weight regulation) and a control condition using a pre-post, single session study design. Participants (N = 123) demonstrating at least moderate levels of weight bias internalization on a pre-screen measure were randomly assigned to one of three conditions: Self-Compassion, Psychoeducation, or a Control condition. Relative to the Control group, participants in both active treatment conditions demonstrated significant reductions in weight bias internalization and improvements in appearance state self-esteem. Participants in the Psychoeducation condition also reported significantly lower endorsement of weight control beliefs (relative to both comparison groups) and significantly greater endorsement of healthy lifestyle beliefs (relative to the control group). Between-group differences in affect, body shape concerns, self-compassion, and fear of self-compassion were non-significant. These findings suggest that both enhancing self-compassion and providing accurate psychoeducation about weight regulation may help to reduce weight bias internalization among young women. </p>