Exploring Weight Identity: An Examination of the Cognitive, Affective, and Behavioral Components of Weight
Issue Date
2011-04-20Author
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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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.
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