Abstract
Eating disorders are among the most stigmatized psychological disorders. Individuals with eating disorders are often blamed for their disorder. Stigma acts as a significant barrier to treatment. Health promotion outreach programs can successfully change knowledge, attitudes, and behaviors associated with disordered eating. The current study examined eating disorder stigma scores among attendees of Disordered Eating Awareness and Prevention week events at a public US university and compared their stigma scores to college students who did not attend the events. The study recruited 332 participants (n = 159 attendees, n = 173 non-attendees). Attendees completed a paper-and-pencil survey after each event and non-attendees participated in an online survey. The study found that participants who attended disordered eating outreach events reported lower stigma scores than those who did not attend. Furthermore, female gender and having a family member with an eating disorder was associated with lower stigma scores; however, having an eating disorder was not. The findings emphasize the importance of integrating stigma assessment in outreach programs and reducing stigma associated with eating disorders. 
Highlights
Stigma towards individuals diagnosed with psychological disorders is widespread and there is ample research on the topic of conceptualizing and measuring it (Fox, Earnshaw, Taverna, & Vogt, 2018)
Stigma against individuals with psychological disorders is widespread and eating disorders are more stigmatized than other psychological disorders, such as depression (Roehrig & McLean, 2010)
Misinformation continuously perpetuates the stigma against people with an eating disorder as they are blamed for their disorder and perceived as vain and selfish attention-seekers (Roehrig & McLean, 2010)
Summary
Stigma towards individuals diagnosed with psychological disorders is widespread and there is ample research on the topic of conceptualizing and measuring it (Fox, Earnshaw, Taverna, & Vogt, 2018). Individuals with eating disorders may experience self-stigma as they internalize public stigma about eating disorders (O’Connor et al, 2019). Mental health promotion outreach events attempt to raise awareness and combat stigma associated with psychological disorders. This study sought to examine how stigma toward eating disorders may vary among people who attended disordered eating outreach events and those who did not. Disordered eating behaviors may be positively reinforced with praises of losing weight and restricting one’s eating These stereotypes may not appear negative, these views are problematic, as they undermine the severity of eating disorders and may delay seeking help. Health promotion outreach programs may reduce stigma and encourage help-seeking behavior (National Eating Disorders Association, 2013). The study explored the association of other factors with ED stigma (i.e., gender, having a diagnosis of ED, having a family member with ED, taking an abnormal psychology class, and age)
Sign-in/Register to view highlights & summary Sign-in/Register to access full text options 
Talk to us
Join us for a 30 min session where you can share your feedback and ask us any queries you have
Schedule a callDisclaimer: All third-party content on this website/platform is and will remain the property of their respective owners and is provided on "as is" basis without any warranties, express or implied. Use of third-party content does not indicate any affiliation, sponsorship with or endorsement by them. Any references to third-party content is to identify the corresponding services and shall be considered fair use under The CopyrightLaw.
