A randomized controlled trial of a reading-based weight bias intervention

1Citations
Citations of this article
33Readers
Mendeley users who have this article in their library.

This article is free to access.

Abstract

Objective: Weight bias, or negative attitudes about larger bodies, is a prevalent issue associated with problems in psychological and physical health, as well as discriminatory behaviors and weight stigma. Literature is mixed regarding the efficacy of weight bias reduction efforts. This study sought to combine three elements that yielded promising results from previous studies (i.e., reductions in beliefs about controllability of weight, reductions in stereotypical beliefs, and promotion of empathy) in a reading-based intervention to reduce weight bias. Methods: Participants (N = 319) were randomized to read a third-person fictional narrative passage about a peer with obesity (intervention) or information on overweight and obesity (control). Results: Linear mixed models controlling for body mass index and gender indicated the intervention was effective in producing reductions in overall weight bias and beliefs about controllability of weight from baseline to 1-month follow-up, but significant differences were not found in the domains of bias related to character disparagement or physical unattractiveness. Discussion: This combination-approach reading intervention is a promising strategy to reduce weight bias; however, future work is needed to more effectively target negative weight-related attitudes pertaining to character and attractiveness. Public Significance Statement: A reading-based intervention targeting controllability of weight, stereotypes, and empathy can produce reductions in overall weight bias compared with a control condition. Reductions in beliefs about controllability of weight were shown from the reading-based intervention. These findings may inform the development of programs to reduce negative attitudes about weight, which could help enhance quality of life and reduce risk for several mental health issues.

References Powered by Scopus

Two-component models of socially desirable responding

2050Citations
N/AReaders
Get full text

Long-term reduction in implicit race bias: A prejudice habit-breaking intervention

848Citations
N/AReaders
Get full text

Confronting and coping with weight stigma: An investigation of overweight and obese adults

739Citations
N/AReaders
Get full text

Cited by Powered by Scopus

Longitudinal relationships between negative attitudes towards obesity and muscle dysmorphia symptoms

0Citations
N/AReaders
Get full text

Register to see more suggestions

Mendeley helps you to discover research relevant for your work.

Already have an account?

Cite

CITATION STYLE

APA

Rosenbaum, D. L. (2024). A randomized controlled trial of a reading-based weight bias intervention. International Journal of Eating Disorders, 57(8), 1725–1734. https://doi.org/10.1002/eat.24228

Readers over time

‘24‘2505101520

Readers' Seniority

Tooltip

PhD / Post grad / Masters / Doc 4

57%

Professor / Associate Prof. 1

14%

Lecturer / Post doc 1

14%

Researcher 1

14%

Readers' Discipline

Tooltip

Psychology 4

50%

Nursing and Health Professions 2

25%

Medicine and Dentistry 1

13%

Business, Management and Accounting 1

13%

Save time finding and organizing research with Mendeley

Sign up for free
0