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Understanding self-directed stigma: development of the weight bias internalization scale
Laura E Durso1, Janet D Latner
1Department of Psychology, University of Hawai'i at Mānoa, Honolulu, Hawaii. ldurso@hawaii.edu
Obesity (Silver Spring, Md.)
|December 17, 2008
Summary
This study introduces the Weight Bias Internalization Scale (WBIS) to measure internalized weight bias in overweight and obese individuals. The WBIS demonstrates strong validity and is linked to psychopathology, distinguishing it from general anti-fat attitudes.
Area of Science:
- Psychological Measurement
- Obesity Research
- Social Psychology
Background:
- Weight bias and stigma are significant concerns for individuals with overweight and obesity.
- Existing measures may not adequately capture the internalization of weight bias.
- Understanding internalized weight bias is crucial for addressing its psychological impact.
Purpose of the Study:
- To develop and validate the Weight Bias Internalization Scale (WBIS).
- To assess the psychometric properties and construct validity of the WBIS.
- To differentiate internalized weight bias from general anti-fat attitudes.
Main Methods:
- Recruited an online sample (N=198) of overweight and obese adults.
- Administered the WBIS alongside measures of anti-fat attitudes, self-esteem, body image, mood, and eating behaviors.
- Utilized statistical analyses including internal consistency, correlations, and multiple regression.
Main Results:
- The WBIS demonstrated high internal consistency (Cronbach's alpha = 0.90).
- WBIS scores significantly correlated with anti-fat attitudes, self-esteem, body image, drive for thinness, mood, and eating disturbance.
- WBIS scores were significant predictors of body image, mood, self-esteem, and binge eating.
Conclusions:
- The WBIS is a psychometrically sound measure for assessing internalized weight bias.
- Internalized weight bias is a distinct construct from anti-fat attitudes.
- Internalized weight bias shows a significant association with psychopathology.
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