Document Type
Article
Journal/Book Title/Conference
The Bulletin of the Menninger Clinic
Publisher
Guilford Publications, Inc.
Publication Date
2021
First Page
1
Last Page
22
Abstract
Weight self-stigma, the internalization of negative societal stereotypes, is a problem amongst populations with high weight. Weight self-stigma is associated with psychological inflexibility and maladaptive health-related behaviors. In this study, we explore how weight-related psychological inflexibility may influence weight self-stigma and health-related outcomes in 79 adults with high weight. Participants were primarily white (92.4%) and female (82.3%), with an average age of 39.56 and average body mass index of 33.78. The present study uses baseline, self-report data from a larger trial. Results indicate that weight self-stigma was negatively correlated with maladaptive eating behaviors, weight, and mental health. Weight-related psychological inflexibility was found as a significant mediator for the relationship between weight self-stigma and emotional eating, sedentary behavior, and mental health. Weight-related psychological inflexibility did not mediate the relationships between weight self-stigma and other eating measures and physical activity. These results support targeting weight-related psychological inflexibility and weight self-stigma in interventions.
Recommended Citation
Petersen, J.*, Durward, C., Levin, M.E. (In Press). Psychological inflexibility as a mediator between weight self-stigma and health-related outcomes. The Bulletin of the Menninger Clinic.
