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Identifying as fat: Examining weight discrimination and the rejection-identification model
Joseph D Wellman1, Ashley M Araiza2, Tuong-Vy C Nguyen1
1University of Mississippi, USA.
Body Image
|February 27, 2022
Summary
Identifying as fat did not improve well-being despite perceived discrimination. Body affirmation, however, positively impacted well-being and support for social change, suggesting a path to mitigate weight discrimination effects.
Area of Science:
- Psychology
- Sociology
- Public Health
Background:
- Weight discrimination is widespread in the US, negatively impacting physical and mental health.
- The rejection-identification model suggests group-based discrimination can foster group identification, potentially improving well-being.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate if identifying as fat mediates the link between perceived weight discrimination and well-being.
- To explore the roles of fat-group identification, ingroup affiliation, and body affirmation as mediators.
- To examine support for weight-related social change.
Main Methods:
- Two studies with a total of 739 participants were conducted.
- Statistical mediation analyses were used to test the proposed model.
- Perceived weight discrimination, fat-group identification, ingroup affiliation, body affirmation, well-being, and social change support were measured.
Main Results:
- Fat identification mediated the relationship between discrimination and well-being, but negatively.
- Fat identification was positively associated with discrimination and support for social change.
- Body affirmation significantly mediated well-being and support for weight-related social change.
Conclusions:
- Identifying as fat does not appear to buffer well-being from discrimination as seen with other identities.
- Positive body affirmation may be a crucial factor in reducing the adverse effects of weight discrimination.
- Findings offer insights into identity, well-being, and the rejection-identification model in the context of weight stigma.
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