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

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.