Date of Conferral

2018

Degree

Ph.D.

School

Psychology

Advisor

Jonathan Cabiria

Abstract

Weight stigma has negative psychological and physical consequences including anxiety, depression, suicidal ideation, eating disorders, and lower quality of life. The purpose of this cross-sectional study was to explore the relationships between weight stigma, ethnic identity, and acculturation in Latinas. The intersectional theory provided the framework for this study. A sample of 154 Latinas over the age of 18 living in the United States or 1 of its territories was gathered through social media, a fat acceptance organization, and a research participant pool. The online survey consisted of 3 psychometric tools-Modified Weight Bias Internalization Scale, Multi-Group Ethnic Identity Measure-Revised, and the Abbreviated Multidimensional Acculturation Scale. Descriptive, correlational, and regression analyses were conducted. Results from this study indicated that ethnic identity was not significantly related to weight stigma and that acculturation to either the U.S. or culture of origin did not significantly interact with ethnic identity to predict weight stigma. This study was focused on a vulnerable population experiencing weight stigma, and provides the professional community with culturally relevant data on weight stigma in Latinas, information on weight stigma reduction interventions, and contributions to policy and paradigm changes about body diversity.

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