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

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Abstract

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.

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Acknowledgements

The authors would like to acknowledge the nutritionists from Figueira da Foz District Hospital (HDFF), Eiras and Figueira da Foz primary care units and Nutribalance for their valuable collaboration with the data collection. The authors would also like acknowledge Professor Bruno de Sousa from FPCE-UC for the statistical support.

Funding

This research was supported by the first author’s Ph.D. Grant (SFRH/BD/84452/2012), sponsored by FCT (Portuguese Foundation for Science and Technology).

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Authors and Affiliations

  1. Center for Research in Neuropsychology and Cognitive and Behavioral Intervention (CINEICC), University of Coimbra, Coimbra, Portugal

    Lara Palmeira, Marina Cunha & José Pinto-Gouveia

  2. Miguel Torga Superior Institute (ISMT), Coimbra, Portugal

    Marina Cunha

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  1. Lara Palmeira
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  2. Marina Cunha
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Correspondence to Lara Palmeira.

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Palmeira, L., Cunha, M. & Pinto-Gouveia, J. The weight of weight self-stigma in unhealthy eating behaviours: the mediator role of weight-related experiential avoidance. Eat Weight Disord 23, 785–796 (2018). https://doi.org/10.1007/s40519-018-0540-z

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