Measuring Weight Self‐stigma: The Weight Self‐stigma Questionnaire

Abstract

Stigma associated with being overweight or obese is widespread. Given that weight loss is difficult to achieve and maintain, researchers have been calling for interventions that reduce the impact of weight stigma on life functioning. Sound measures that are sensitive to change are needed to help guide and inform intervention studies. This study presents the weight self‐stigma questionnaire (WSSQ). The WSSQ has 12 items and is designed for use only with populations of overweight or obese persons. Two samples of participants—one treatment seeking, one nontreatment seeking—were used for validation (N = 169). Results indicate that the WSSQ has good reliability and validity, and contains two distinct subscales—self‐devaluation and fear of enacted stigma. The WSSQ could be useful for identifying individuals who may benefit from a stigma reduction intervention and may also help evaluate programs designed to reduce stigma.

The role of weight self-stigma on the quality of life of women with overweight and obesity: A multi-group comparison between binge eaters and non-binge eaters

“…perception of being discriminated against and that one belongs to a stigmatized group; Lillis et al, 2010;Link & Phelan, 2001;Bos, Pryor, & Reeder, 2013). In fact, some evidence suggests that the selfdevaluation dimension is more associated with psychopathology and unhealthy eating behaviors, while fear of enacted stigma is closely linked to diminished quality-of-life.…”

“…In fact, some evidence suggests that the selfdevaluation dimension is more associated with psychopathology and unhealthy eating behaviors, while fear of enacted stigma is closely linked to diminished quality-of-life. Overall, internalized weight stigma was found to be closely related to the unwillingness to stay in contact with, and attempts to control unwanted weight-related internal experiences (Lillis et al, 2010;. In turn, research has been unveiling the pervasive role of experiential avoidance patterns in dealing with eating and weight difficulties (Forman et al, 2007;Lillis & Hayes, 2008;Lillis, Hayes, & Levin, 2011;Weineland, Lillis, & Dahl, 2012).…”

“…Overall, research has been highlighting internalized weight stigma as a major predictor of poorer outcomes such as: binge eating symptoms, body image dissatisfaction and diminished quality-of-life (Durso & Latner, 2008;Durso, Latner, & Hayashi, 2012;Hilbert, Braehler, Haeuser, & Zenger, 2013;Latner, Durso, & Mond, 2013;Lillis et al, 2010;Pearl, White, & Grilo, 2014). More specifically, weight self-stigma has been found to play an important role on the relationship between BMI quality-of-life of individuals with overweight or obesity (Latner, Barile, Durso, & O'Brien, 2014;Lillis, et al, 2011).…”

“…Additionally, these negative weight stigmatization messages can become internalized, reflecting weight self-stigma (Durso & Latner, 2008;Lillis, Luoma, Levin, & Hayes, 2010).…”

“…Thus, recently researchers have been highlighting the importance of shifting the way individuals cope with their weight and weight-related experiences (including weight stigma) in order to increase their health-related quality-of-life (e.g., Blaine, Rodman, & Newman, 2007;Durso, Latner, White, et al, 2012;Hilbert, et al, 2013;Latner, et al, 2014;Lillis et al, 2010;Puhl & Bronwell, 2001;Puhl & Heuer, 2009;Tylka et al, 2014).…”