Abstract
Weight stigma internalization among adolescents across weight categories leads to adverse psychological consequences. This study aims to adapt and validate a Chinese version of the Weight Bias Internalization Scale for Mainland Chinese children and adolescents(C-WBIS). A total of 464 individuals aged 9 to 15 years participated in the present study. Based on item response theory (IRT) and classical test theory (CTT), we selected the items for the C-WBIS and evaluated its reliability and validity. The item response theory yields support for the one-dimensional factor mode. All item parameters fit the IRT model (albeit within an adequate range), eight items were adopted. No evidence of significant differential item functioning (DIF) was found for gender and age groups. The C-WBIS was correlated with the Core Self-Evaluation Scale (CSES) and two subscales of the Social Anxiety Scale for Children (SAS), which indicated an acceptable criterion-related validity. The C-WBIS is a reliable and valid measure that can be used as a psychometrically sound and informative tool to assess weight bias internalization among children and adolescents.
Highlights
There has been a considerable increase in research on the stigma toward individuals of varying weight statuses since Goffman’s pioneering work (Goffman, 1968)
There is still insufficient evidence regarding the applicability of the Weight Bias Internalization Scale (WBIS) to Mainland Chinese children and adolescents. This study addressed these aspects for the Chinese version of the WBIS among Mainland Chinese children and adolescents (C-WBIS)
A combination of the results led to the removal of three items from the C-WBIS
Summary
There has been a considerable increase in research on the stigma toward individuals of varying weight statuses since Goffman’s pioneering work (Goffman, 1968). It occurs when individuals apply negative weight stereotypes (e.g., slothfulness) to themselves (Pearl, 2018) It is operationalized as self-devaluation or self-directed stigma (Tomiyama, 2014), and correlational evidence suggests that it affects individuals of varying weight statuses (i.e., underweight, normal, and overweight individuals) (Schvey and White, 2015), which is not limited to overweight and obese individuals. Those with a normal weight internalize these negative stereotypes (Kurth and Ellert, 2008). It substantially influences psychological outcomes as an experience of weight-based stigmatization enacted by others, and leads to greater negative affect as well as lower self-esteem (Pearl and Puhl, 2016; Pearl et al, 2018)
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