'Fat', Female and Unprivileged: Exploring Intersectionality, Perceiver Characteristics, and Eye Movements

Area of Science:

• Psychology
• Social Psychology
• Body Image Research

Background:

• Anti-fat stereotypes and prejudice are significant social issues.
• Understanding the predictors and moderators of these biases is crucial for developing effective interventions.
• Previous research has explored factors like body image and social desirability, but a comprehensive analysis including objective body composition and eye-tracking is lacking.

Purpose of the Study:

• To investigate the role of body self-esteem, Body Mass Index (BMI), and social desirability in predicting anti-fat stereotypes and prejudice.
• To examine gender, 'fat' status, and social status as moderators of these relationships.
• To analyze eye movement patterns when observing individuals of varying body types.

Main Methods:

• Three studies were conducted involving between 191 and 311 participants.
• Methods included self-report questionnaires for body self-esteem, BMI, social desirability, and prejudice.
• Objective body composition measurements (visceral fat, muscle percentage) and eye-tracking technology were utilized in the third study.

Main Results:

• Body self-esteem, BMI, and social desirability significantly predicted anti-fat stereotypes and prejudice.
• 'Fat' women, particularly those of low social status, were evaluated most negatively.
• Eye movement patterns were influenced by body self-esteem and body composition, with gender and 'fat' status acting as moderators.

Conclusions:

• Body self-esteem and objective body composition measures are key factors in anti-fat bias.
• Gender and social status significantly moderate perceptions of 'fat' individuals.
• Eye movement differences highlight the complex interplay of stereotypes and visual attention in social perception.