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Exploring Weight Identity: An Examination of the Cognitive, Affective, and Behavioral Components of Weight
dc.contributor.advisor | Kunkel, Adrianne | |
dc.contributor.author | Asbury, Mary Elizabeth | |
dc.date.accessioned | 2011-06-21T20:29:11Z | |
dc.date.available | 2011-06-21T20:29:11Z | |
dc.date.issued | 2011-04-20 | |
dc.date.submitted | 2011 | |
dc.identifier.other | http://dissertations.umi.com/ku:11409 | |
dc.identifier.uri | http://hdl.handle.net/1808/7694 | |
dc.description.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. | |
dc.format.extent | 388 pages | |
dc.language.iso | en | |
dc.publisher | University of Kansas | |
dc.rights | This item is protected by copyright and unless otherwise specified the copyright of this thesis/dissertation is held by the author. | |
dc.subject | Communication | |
dc.subject | Eating disorders | |
dc.subject | Obesity | |
dc.subject | Social identity theory | |
dc.subject | Thematic analysis | |
dc.subject | Weight | |
dc.title | Exploring Weight Identity: An Examination of the Cognitive, Affective, and Behavioral Components of Weight | |
dc.type | Dissertation | |
dc.contributor.cmtemember | Baym, Nancy | |
dc.contributor.cmtemember | Russo, Tracy | |
dc.contributor.cmtemember | Woszidlo, Alesia | |
dc.contributor.cmtemember | Crandall, Chris | |
dc.thesis.degreeDiscipline | Communication Studies | |
dc.thesis.degreeLevel | Ph.D. | |
kusw.oastatus | na | |
kusw.oapolicy | This item does not meet KU Open Access policy criteria. | |
kusw.bibid | 7642928 | |
dc.rights.accessrights | openAccess |