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    Exploring Weight Identity: An Examination of the Cognitive, Affective, and Behavioral Components of Weight

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    Asbury_ku_0099D_11409_DATA_1.pdf (23.55Mb)
    Issue Date
    2011-04-20
    Author
    Asbury, Mary Elizabeth
    Publisher
    University of Kansas
    Format
    388 pages
    Type
    Dissertation
    Degree Level
    Ph.D.
    Discipline
    Communication Studies
    Rights
    This item is protected by copyright and unless otherwise specified the copyright of this thesis/dissertation is held by the author.
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    Abstract
    The current study sought to expand social identity theory (Tajfel, 1978; Tajfel & Turner, 1979) to include the concept of weight. Previous research has shown that individuals have social identities associated with age (e.g., Garstka, Hummert & Branscombe, 2005; Gartska, Schmitt, Branscombe & Hummert, 2004; Hummert, Gartska, Ryan & Bonnesen, 2004), disabilities (e.g., Fine & Asch, 1988; Hahn, 1988; Scambler & Hopkins, 1986), sex (e.g., Abrams, Thomas, & Hogg, 1990; Skevington & Baker, 1989), and ethnicity (e.g., Rush, 1998; Williams, 1999). Each of the aforementioned concepts are physical traits as well as socially constructed phenomena. In the same respect, weight is both a physical trait and is socially constructed. Thus, this study focused on the existence of weight identity. Female participants were solicited through the basic communication course of a large Midwestern university and participated in an on-line survey. Based on participants' responses, they were then divided into three weight groups - underweight (N = 4), average weight (N = 11) and overweight and obese (N = 10), based on Body Mass Index (BMI) scores. Participants in all three groups were then asked to participate in a follow-up interview. Based on the responses from the interviews, this study revealed that weight has properties of a social identity and is more salient in overweight and obese participants. Theoretical and practical implications are discussed.
    URI
    http://hdl.handle.net/1808/7694
    Collections
    • Dissertations [4473]
    • Communication Studies Dissertations and Theses [277]

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    785-864-8983
    KU Libraries
    1425 Jayhawk Blvd
    Lawrence, KS 66045
    785-864-8983

    KU Libraries
    1425 Jayhawk Blvd
    Lawrence, KS 66045
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    Contact KU ScholarWorks
    785-864-8983
    KU Libraries
    1425 Jayhawk Blvd
    Lawrence, KS 66045
    785-864-8983

    KU Libraries
    1425 Jayhawk Blvd
    Lawrence, KS 66045
    Image Credits
     

     

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