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Article
An Attitude of Gratitude: The Effects of Body-Focused Gratitude on Weight Bias Internalization and Body Image
Body Image
  • Jamie Dunaev, Rutgers University - Camden
  • Charlotte Markey, Rutgers University - Camden
  • Paula M. Brochu, Nova Southeastern University
Document Type
Article
Publication Date
6-1-2018
Disciplines
Abstract/Excerpt

Internalized weight bias and body dissatisfaction are associated with a number of negative psychological and physical health outcomes. The current study examined the effectiveness of body-focused gratitude, through a short writing exercise, as a strategy to reduce internalized weight bias and improve body image. Young adults (Mage = 22.71, SD = 2.08, 51.2% female) were randomly assigned to either a body gratitude condition (n = 185) or a control condition (n = 184). Results indicated that participants in the gratitude condition reported significantly lower weight bias internalization and significantly more favorable appearance evaluation and greater body satisfaction when compared to the control condition. These effects were in the small range (ds = 0.27-0.33), and neither gender nor BMI moderated these effects. These findings provide preliminary support for body-focused gratitude writing exercises as an effective individual-level strategy for both reducing internalized weight bias and improving body image.

DOI
https://doi.org/10.1016/j.bodyim.2018.01.006
PubMed ID
29427948
Citation Information
Jamie Dunaev, Charlotte Markey and Paula M. Brochu. "An Attitude of Gratitude: The Effects of Body-Focused Gratitude on Weight Bias Internalization and Body Image" Body Image Vol. 25 (2018) p. 9 - 13 ISSN: 1873-6807
Available at: http://works.bepress.com/paula-brochu/70/