Abstract
Internalized weight stigma (IWS) has been linked with disordered eating behavior, both directly, and as a mediator of the relationship between experienced weight stigma and maladaptive coping. However, the construct of IWS is highly correlated with the related constructs of body image and global self-esteem, and the three constructs may better be represented by underlying trait self-judgment. This overlap is not generally accounted for in existing studies. The present study investigated the shared variance between self-esteem, body image, and IWS in an international sample of higher-weight individuals. Bifactor analysis confirmed that the intermediary role of IWS in the relationship between experienced stigma and self-reported eating behavior was largely accounted for by aspects of body image and global self-esteem. Greater conceptual clarity in the study of IWS is needed to understand the mechanisms via which societal weight stigma impacts on individuals' self-directed judgments and downstream health-related behaviors.
Original language | English |
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Pages (from-to) | 137-151 |
Number of pages | 15 |
Journal | Body Image |
Volume | 33 |
Early online date | 7 Mar 2020 |
DOIs | |
Publication status | Published - Jun 2020 |
Bibliographical note
Copyright © 2020 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.Keywords
- Bifactor analysis
- Body image
- Disordered eating
- Internalized weight stigma
- Self-esteem
- Self-judgment
ASJC Scopus subject areas
- Social Psychology
- Applied Psychology
- General Psychology