Tracing weight stigma in mental health professionals: A critical discursive psychology analysis of conversations among UK trainee clinical psychologists

Abstract

Weight stigma, defined as negative beliefs and attitudes targeted at individuals deemed to have ‘excess’ weight, is widespread in society and is associated with adverse health outcomes. Weight stigma held by mental health professionals may have particular impact, given their professional remit in both physical and psychological health care with vulnerable populations across the lifespan. Although weight stigma among mental health professionals has recently been studied in the United States, the topic has received little attention in the United Kingdom. The current study applied critical discursive psychology to explore how 12 UK trainee clinical psychologists constructed weight, bodies, and fatness within three online focus groups. Analysis highlighted a disjuncture between trainees’ reflections on “fat-talk” in their personal lives compared with their professional settings. While showing some awareness of the impact of negative stereotypes associated with fatness and some understanding of weight stigma as an ethical issue, they were not immune to perpetuating powerful negative societal positionings of fatness. The findings invite consideration of how trainee mental health professionals might be better supported to acknowledge and challenge weight stigma through training programs and in supervision, in line with professional practice on other forms of discrimination.