The Effect of Person-First Language on Obesity Stigma

To test the assumption that person-first language (PFL) reduces obesity stigma, mediated by perceived personal responsibility for obesity.

Cross-sectional, experimental.

Online, United States.

299 young adults.

Participants read a vignette using PFL or identity-first language (IFL) or about someone without obesity. Participants reported perceived personal responsibility for obesity, and 3 operationalizations of obesity stigma: prejudice, stereotypes, and support for punitive policies. Mediation analyses were used to test if the manipulation affected obesity stigma, through perceived personal responsibility.

There was no indirect effect of PFL vs IFL on the 3 outcomes (95% CIs contained zero). However, the indirect effects of PFL vs no-obesity condition were significant (prejudice: β = -0.10, SE = 0.05, 95% CI [-0.22, -0.01]; stereotypes: (β = 0.07, SE = 0.03, 95% CI [0.01, 0.14]); punitive punishment: (β = -0.06, SE = 0.04, 95% CI [-0.15, -0.01]). Also, the indirect effects of IFL vs no-obesity condition on stereotypes (β = 0.07, SE = 0.04, 95% CI [0.0003, 0.15]) and punitive punishment (β = -0.06, SE = 0.04, 95% CI [-0.15, -0.0002]) were significant.

PFL may not affect obesity stigma as it does in the context of other marginalized groups. The effect of PFL and IFL, compared to the no-obesity condition, suggests future routes for intervention.