Journal article
Developing a digital intervention to combat fatphobia and anti-fat bias
Frontiers in psychiatry, v 16, 1569841
13 May 2025
PMID: 40475951
Featured in Collection : UN Sustainable Development Goals @ Drexel
Abstract
Introduction The Body Advocacy Movement (BAM) is an in-person, peer-led, cognitive-dissonance-based eating disorder (ED) prevention program that reduces fatphobia and anti-fat bias. Developing a digital adaptation of BAM has the potential to increase its accessibility and fill a critical gap in existing digital ED interventions, which to date have not specifically targeted anti-fat bias or fatphobia. This study applies a human-centered design approach to inform the development of a digital version of BAM.Methods Semi-structured interviews were conducted with 31 participants, including 17 college students with elevated ED psychopathology and 14 past BAM participants. College students with elevated ED psychopathology shared experiences with fatphobia and anti-fat bias, how they use mental health technology, and thoughts on digitizing BAM. Past BAM participants shared experiences with BAM, how they use mental health technology, and thoughts on digitizing BAM. Interviews were analyzed using reflexive thematic analysis with a critical realist lens.Results College students with elevated ED psychopathology described pervasive and harmful experiences of anti-fat bias and fatphobia, coupled with difficulties accessing action-oriented mental health support, underscoring a gap in care that a digital adaptation of BAM could address. Both groups expressed strong interest in a hybrid digital format that combines synchronous and asynchronous components for a balance of social connection and flexibility.Discussion Findings suggest that a digital adaptation of BAM could address unmet needs in ED prevention by providing accessible, action-oriented content focused on reducing anti-fat bias and fatphobia. Incorporating synchronous social connection within a flexible, interactive framework may promote engagement and impact. A critical next step will involve designing and pilot testing this digital adaptation of BAM to evaluate its feasibility and effectiveness.
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Details
- Title
- Developing a digital intervention to combat fatphobia and anti-fat bias
- Creators
- Agatha A. Laboe - University of Wisconsin–MadisonElizabeth Sheil - University of Wisconsin–MadisonEmma L. Jennings - Drexel UniversityMolly F. Steinhoff - Washington University in St. LouisJake Goldberg - Washington University in St. LouisKevin Sagat - University of Wisconsin–MadisonMahathi Gavuji - University of Wisconsin–MadisonKatherine E. Schaumberg (Corresponding Author) - University of Wisconsin–Madison
- Publication Details
- Frontiers in psychiatry, v 16, 1569841
- Publisher
- Frontiers Media Sa
- Number of pages
- 16
- Grant note
- K01MH123914; R21MH131787 / National Institute of Health; United States Department of Health & Human Services; National Institutes of Health (NIH) - USA TL1TR002375; U54TR002373 / Institute for Clinical and Translational Research at the University of Wisconsin-Madison
- Resource Type
- Journal article
- Language
- English
- Academic Unit
- Psychological and Brain Sciences (Psychology)
- Web of Science ID
- WOS:001503824500001
- Scopus ID
- 2-s2.0-105007526335
- Other Identifier
- 991022197425104721
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Source: SDGs in the Output
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- Collaboration types
- Domestic collaboration
- Web of Science research areas
- Psychiatry