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From Attribution to Emancipation: A Theoretical Framework for Understanding Weight Stigma in Nursing
Karyne Duval1,2, Vincent Couture3, Marie-Pierre Gagnon4,5,6
1Department of Health Sciences, Université du Québec à Rimouski (UQAR), Lévis (Duval).
ANS. Advances in Nursing Science
|May 19, 2026
Summary
Nurses' beliefs about body weight controllability influence patient judgments. Understanding Attribution Theory and Emancipatory Theory of Compassion can reduce weight stigma in nursing care.
Area of Science:
- Nursing
- Social Psychology
- Critical Theory
Background:
- Attribution Theory explains how nurses form judgments about patients based on beliefs about controllability.
- Emancipatory Theory of Compassion introduces concepts like biopower and the unspeakable in healthcare settings.
- Weight stigma is a significant issue in nursing practice, impacting patient care and outcomes.
Purpose of the Study:
- To examine how nurses' attributional beliefs about body weight controllability are enacted in nursing practice.
- To integrate Attribution Theory and Emancipatory Theory of Compassion to analyze weight stigma in nursing.
- To provide a critical framework for nurses to identify and address weight stigma.
Main Methods:
- Theoretical analysis integrating Attribution Theory and Emancipatory Theory of Compassion.
- Examination of cognitive attributions within biopolitical care spaces.
- Literature review on weight stigma and nursing practice.
Main Results:
- Attributional beliefs shape nurses' judgments toward individuals in larger bodies.
- Biopower and other elements of Emancipatory Theory of Compassion influence these judgments within care environments.
- The integration of theories reveals how weight stigma is perpetuated in nursing.
Conclusions:
- A critical lens linking cognitive attributions to biopolitical care spaces is essential for nurses.
- Emancipatory compassion offers a pathway to advocate for and provide more equitable nursing care.
- Addressing nurses' attributional beliefs is crucial for combating weight stigma and improving patient care.
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