"I am fatigued of being stigmatized": On the need to investigate stigma-related barriers to physical activity

Abstract

Understanding what predicts behavior change is a hot topic in health psychology, especially with regard to physical activity. While existing research has revealed key factors of physical activity (e.g., reasoned cognitions, automatic processes), it fails to accurately identify those that are specific to the most inactive populations (e.g., older adults, obese individuals, women, people living with chronic disease). In this commentary, we propose to articulate current approaches of health behavior change with the social psychology of stereotypes, based on the observation that inactive groups are often targeted by negative stereotypes. This articulation may allow to better identify the barriers to physical activity that are specific to individuals from the most inactive groups. More particularly, we propose that low self-control resources and self-perceptions may be key factors of physical inactivity in these individuals. This proposition could in turn help to explain why some behavioral change techniques that are efficient in healthy or young adults are inefficient in other individuals.

Fan responses to ownership change in the English Premier League: Motivated ignorance, social creativity and social competition at Newcastle United F.C.

“…Fans posting on the forum seemed, unsurprisingly, to be highly identified with the club, and as such more likely to be affected by threats to their social identity than less identified fans (Chalabaev et al, 2022;Doyle et al, 2017). Following the approach of Wegner et al, (2020) this was ascertained by exploring qualitative aspects related to both cognitive elements of identification, such as fans using 'we', usernames (many of which were club related), the use of club related images and avatars, and evaluative elements such as the emotional responses evident in many posts.…”

Sociodemographic precursors of explicit and implicit attitudes towards physical activity

“…Although hypothetical, several explanations can account for this social patterning of implicit attitudes towards PA. For example, drawing on social threat and stereotype internalisation theories, Chalabaev et al, (2023) have recently argued that stigmatised individuals (e.g. lower SES) may develop more negative experiences due to the stereotype-related anxiety they are likely to experience during exercise.…”

Beyond individual cognitions: Time for intervention science to focus on health context and audience

“…Although interesting, such assertion deserves further empirical support, as the effectiveness of nudge interventions (Marteau et al, 2011). Similarly, research from the social psychology of stereotypes suggests that interventions requiring self-control resources (i.e., energy to self-regulate) could be less effective in populations in situation of vulnerability, because their self-control resources are likely to be low (Chalabaev et al, 2022). Indeed, these populations have to cope with the detrimental effects (e.g., stress) induced by everyday stigmatisation (e.g., related to age, weight, health, socioeconomic status).…”