Weight-Related Stigma as a Predictor of Self-Disclosure Patterns in Women

Research suggests that overweight/obese people face stigma.A measure of weight-related stigma was developed, adapted from the HIV stigma measure (Berger, Ferrans, & Lashley, 2001).A CFA confirmed the measure's internal consistency.Using privacy management theory as a framework, participants (N = 199) completed a self-report survey that included a hypothetical conversational partner profile.Regression analysis and independent sample t-tests helped answer hypotheses about the ways weight-related stigma affect disclosure as well as how weight affects selfdisclosure and attraction.Attraction to partner and weight-related stigma significantly predicted overall self-disclosure ratings.Implications for obesity research, privacy management, and stigma are discussed.