Presentation Type

Poster

Start Date

5-8-2024 11:00 AM

End Date

5-8-2024 1:00 PM

Subjects

Weight loss--Psychological aspects, Communication and behavior

Student Level

Masters

Abstract

Guided by the Risk Information Seeking and Processing (RISP) model, this study explores the relationship between fear of discussing weight-related topics, or weight-related communication apprehension and weight bias internalization and tests the inconsistent RISP relationship between risk perception and information insufficiency. It investigates differences in weight-related communication apprehension in those who previously sought weight-related information from interpersonal or mediated sources. Using a survey of 64 undergraduate communication students, the study found that high levels of weight bias internalization correlated with high levels of weight-related communication apprehension. The study did not find a significant difference in weight-related communication apprehension based on the source used in the most recent search of weight-related information, nor a correlation between weight bias internalization (as risk perception) and information insufficiency about weight information. It provides an impetus for further exploration of weight-related communication apprehension and insights for the RISP model and the concept of weight stigma.

Persistent Identifier

https://archives.pdx.edu/ds/psu/41889

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May 8th, 11:00 AM May 8th, 1:00 PM

Talking about Weight: Weight Stigma and Information Seeking

Guided by the Risk Information Seeking and Processing (RISP) model, this study explores the relationship between fear of discussing weight-related topics, or weight-related communication apprehension and weight bias internalization and tests the inconsistent RISP relationship between risk perception and information insufficiency. It investigates differences in weight-related communication apprehension in those who previously sought weight-related information from interpersonal or mediated sources. Using a survey of 64 undergraduate communication students, the study found that high levels of weight bias internalization correlated with high levels of weight-related communication apprehension. The study did not find a significant difference in weight-related communication apprehension based on the source used in the most recent search of weight-related information, nor a correlation between weight bias internalization (as risk perception) and information insufficiency about weight information. It provides an impetus for further exploration of weight-related communication apprehension and insights for the RISP model and the concept of weight stigma.