The weight of weight self-stigma in unhealthy eating behaviours: the mediator role of weight-related experiential avoidance

• DOI: 10.1007/s40519-018-0540-z
• Publication Date: 2018-07-17T10:21:41Z
• Authors: Lara Palmeira; Marina Cunha; José Pinto-Gouveia
• Keywords: Adult; 0301 basic medicine; 2. Zero hunger; Psychometrics; Body Weight; Social Stigma; Feeding Behavior; Middle Aged; Overweight; Shame; Self Concept; Body Mass Index; 3. Good health; 03 medical and health sciences; Surveys and Questionnaires; Humans; Female; 10. No inequality

Weight stigma plays a damaging role in the life of the individuals with overweight and obesity who may internalise the widespread stigmatisation messages. Weight self-stigma is defined as personal experiences of shame, negative self-evaluations as well as perceived discrimination. It has been found to be related to experiential avoidance patterns and poorer outcomes. The current study aims to conduct a confirmatory factor analysis (CFA) on the Weight Self-Stigma Questionnaire (WSSQ) and explore its psychometric properties. Furthermore, the mediator role of weight-related experiential avoidance on the relationship between weight self-stigma and unhealthy eating behaviour was analysed. Concerning the CFA, the sample comprised 331 women with overweight and obesity seeking nutritional treatment. A second independent sample of 58 overweight and obese women was used to assess WSSQ's temporal validity and internal responsiveness. Results supported the WSSQ two-factor structure and good psychometric properties and responsiveness to change. Also, evidence was found for the mediator role of weight-related experiential avoidance on the relationship between BMI, weight self-stigma and unhealthy eating patterns in women with overweight and obesity. Overall, the current study showed that WSSQ is a reliable measure and highlights the important role of weight self-stigma and weight-related experiential avoidance in women with overweight and obesity. Level of evidence: Level V, descriptive studies.