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Thesis
Role of Perceived Discrimination for Individuals with Overweight and Obesity Attempting Weight Loss
Master of Science (M.S.), Drexel University
Oct 2024
DOI:
https://doi.org/10.17918/00010814
Abstract
Perceived discrimination is defined as individuals' subjective perception of judgment, negative attitude, or unfair treatment based on one or more personal characteristics such as gender, age, or race. A growing body of research suggests that perceived discrimination is a risk factor for obesity and weight gain through pathways related to chronic stress, internalized stigma, and self-control. Despite evidence supporting this link, there is minimal research examining the extent to which perceived discrimination might predict outcomes among adults attempting behavioral weight loss (BWL). The present study investigated whether perceived discrimination at baseline predicted weight loss, self-monitoring adherence (i.e., daily weight and calorie tracking), and physical activity (PA) engagement for individuals with overweight and obesity enrolled in a BWL intervention. This study was a secondary data analysis of data from 154 adults with obesity and overweight enrolled in a BWL intervention. Participants were asked to complete self-report surveys measuring perceived discrimination, motivation for weight loss, and demographic information. They were also asked to complete daily self-monitoring of their weight and physical activity. The study aimed to assess if baseline perceived discrimination predicted 3 and 6-month percent weight loss, physical activity engagement, and adherence to daily self-monitoring. Gender, age, weight, and race were the most commonly reported subtypes of discrimination within this sample. Results indicated that perceived discrimination was not significantly associated with weight loss, physical activity, or self-monitoring. However, among participants reporting high levels of discrimination, those with higher self-reported motivation tracked calories on more days compared to those with low motivation. Given the BWL's increased focus on social support, it is possible that participants' psychosocial protective factors buffered the impact of discrimination-related stress. Additionally, variations in the intervention's frequency and content at 3- and 6-month time points may have contributed to unexpected outcomes. Notably, our exploratory analyses revealed that specific discrimination subtypes (e.g., age, gender, race, and weight) uniquely correlated with different eating and physical activity behaviors. Future research should examine (1) whether baseline coping capacity, self-efficacy, and social support moderate the relationship between perceived discrimination and weight-related outcomes, (2) whether self-control, internalized stigma, and stress mediate this relationship, and (3) the unique effects of specific discrimination subtypes on outcomes.
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Details
- Title
- Role of Perceived Discrimination for Individuals with Overweight and Obesity Attempting Weight Loss
- Creators
- Reena Chabria
- Contributors
- Meghan L. Butryn (Advisor)
- Awarding Institution
- Drexel University
- Degree Awarded
- Master of Science (M.S.)
- Publisher
- Drexel University; Philadelphia, Pennsylvania
- Number of pages
- vi, 63 pages
- Resource Type
- Thesis
- Language
- English
- Academic Unit
- Psychological and Brain Sciences (Psychology); College of Arts and Sciences; Drexel University
- Other Identifier
- 991022019219704721