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Attitudes toward obese individuals among exercise science students
Heather O Chambliss1, Carrie E Finley, Steven N Blair
1Centers for Integrated Health Research, The Cooper Institute, Dallas, TX 75230, USA. hvchambliss@cooperinst.org
Medicine and Science in Sports and Exercise
|April 13, 2004
Summary
Exercise science students show significant antifat bias, with negative attitudes toward obese individuals. This bias can negatively impact health promotion efforts and the quality of life for obese patients.
Area of Science:
- Exercise Science
- Psychology
- Public Health
Background:
- Attitudes toward obese individuals are crucial in health promotion.
- Understanding antifat bias is essential for exercise professionals.
- Weight discrimination can negatively affect patient outcomes.
Purpose of the Study:
- To evaluate attitudes toward obese individuals among exercise science students.
- To identify personal characteristics linked to antifat bias in this population.
Main Methods:
- Utilized the Implicit Association Test (IAT) and Antifat Attitudes Test (AFAT).
- Assessed automatic attitudes and self-reported beliefs regarding obesity.
- Collected demographic data from 246 undergraduate and graduate students.
Main Results:
- Strong implicit bias was observed in attitudes (good vs. bad) and stereotypes (motivated vs. lazy).
- Female, Caucasian students from less populated areas exhibited greater bias.
- Beliefs about personal responsibility for obesity correlated with specific biases.
Conclusions:
- Exercise science students demonstrate significant negative associations and bias toward obese individuals.
- Antifat bias among exercise professionals may hinder health promotion and reduce obese individuals' quality of life.
- Addressing antifat bias is critical for improving health outcomes and patient care.