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Article
Creatively Re-Defining Fat: Identification Predicts Strategic Responses to Stigma, Ingroup Attitudes, and Well-Being
Fat Studies (2014)
  • Jeffrey Noel, University of Missouri-St. Louis
  • Olivia J Lindly
  • Michelle R Nario-Redmond
Abstract
Antifat stigma is pervasive, often incurring deleterious effects on well-being among fat women. Based on predictions from Social Identity Theory, we examined the relationship between fat group identification, individual and collective responses to stigma, body satisfaction and self-esteem among a community-based sample of fat women. Fat group identification was found to predict collective social change and body affirmation endorsement along with reduced support for individual change through weight loss. Fat identification also predicted a preference for affiliation with other fat people, stronger perceptions of size discrimination, and less antifat prejudice. Implications of creatively redefining fat to affirm self-worth are discussed.
Keywords
  • antifat attitudes,
  • collective coping strategies,
  • fat stigma,
  • individual coping strategies,
  • social identity,
  • well-being
Disciplines
Publication Date
May, 2014
DOI
10.1080/21604851.2014.865968
Citation Information
Jeffrey Noel, Olivia J Lindly and Michelle R Nario-Redmond. "Creatively Re-Defining Fat: Identification Predicts Strategic Responses to Stigma, Ingroup Attitudes, and Well-Being" Fat Studies Vol. 3 (2014) p. 179 - 195 ISSN: 2160-4851 print/2160-486X online
Available at: http://works.bepress.com/jeffrey-noel/13/