Weight-related stigma as a predictor of self-disclosure patterns in women

Abstract

Research suggests that overweight/obese people face stigma. A measure of weight-related stigma was developed, adapted from the HIV stigma measure (Berger, Ferrans, & Lashley, 2001). A CFA confirmed the measure’s internal consistency. Using privacy management theory as a framework, participants (N = 199) completed a self-report survey that included a hypothetical conversational partner profile. Regression analysis and independent sample t-tests helped answer hypotheses about the ways weight-related stigma affect disclosure as well as how weight affects selfdisclosure and attraction. Attraction to partner and weight-related stigma significantly predicted overall self-disclosure ratings. Implications for obesity research, privacy management, and stigma are discussed.