An analysis of the relationship between stigmatization of overweight people and pathological eating patterns

Erdész, Anett and Harsányi, Szabolcs Gergő (2019) An analysis of the relationship between stigmatization of overweight people and pathological eating patterns. Psychologia Hungarica Caroliensis, 7 (3). pp. 113-129. ISSN 2064-2504

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Abstract

This study was aimed at revealing the relationship between pathological eating patterns and the expression of negative explicit attitudes towards overweight people. Further aim was to examine the importance of other factors possibly influencing stigmatization such as body weight, body image satisfaction, attribution (as influenced by external sources of information), and gender differences frequently addressed in related studies. Eating disorders were assessed with the validated Hungarian adaptation of the EDE-Q, while explicit attitudes were measured with the ATOP and BAOP scales. Participants were presented with one of two texts relating overweight to different causes, which were designed to manipulate their explicit attitudes towards overweight people. Body image satisfaction was assessed with one specifically designed item. Data were collected from 500 participants (436 females, 64 males) by convenience sampling. The results showed that women but not men with pathological eating behaviours were more likely to express negative explicit attitudes towards overweight people and to believe that overweight is controllable. Body image dissatisfaction proved an important factor contributing to pathological eating patterns, while BMI was a less important moderating factor. The results confirmed that participants with severer eating pathology were more susceptible to manipulation of their views on overweight, and that having high body weight did not exclude the expression of negative explicit prejudice against overweight. The results revealed important gender differences.

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