Weight bias internalization scale: psychometric properties and population norms
Anja Hilbert1, Sabrina Baldofski1, Markus Zenger2
1Integrated Research and Treatment Center AdiposityDiseases, University of Leipzig Medical Center, Leipzig, Germany ; Department of Medical Psychology and Medical Sociology, University of Leipzig Medical Center, Leipzig, Germany.
Plos One
|February 4, 2014
Summary
Internalizing weight bias is linked to poor mental health. The Weight Bias Internalization Scale (WBIS) shows good reliability and validity in a German population sample, aiding research on weight stigma.
Area of Science:
- Psychology
- Public Health
- Sociology
Background:
- Internalizing weight bias is common among individuals with overweight and obesity.
- This internalized bias is associated with increased psychopathology and reduced quality of life.
Purpose of the Study:
- To establish population norms for the Weight Bias Internalization Scale (WBIS).
- To assess the psychometric properties of the WBIS in a representative German community sample of individuals with overweight and obesity.
Main Methods:
- A survey of 1158 individuals with overweight and obesity in Germany.
- Assessment using the WBIS and self-report measures for convergent validation.
Main Results:
- The WBIS demonstrated excellent item homogeneity and internal consistency after removing one item.
- Confirmatory factor analysis confirmed a one-factor structure.
- Significant associations with depressive and somatoform symptoms supported convergent validity.
- Higher WBIS scores were observed in women, individuals with obesity, and those with lower socioeconomic status.
- Sex-specific norms were established.
Conclusions:
- The WBIS exhibits good psychometric properties in the German population after item refinement.
- Further research should explore retest reliability, sensitivity to change, and prognostic validity.
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