Weight Stigma Perceived Body Shape and Psychological Distress in University Students with Different Weight Groups

Abstract

Aim of the Study: This study sought to investigate the relationships among weight stigma, perceived body shape, and psychological distress in university students in different weight groups. It was hypothesized that there is likely to be a relationship between weight stigma, perceived body shape, and psychological distress. Perceived body shape and weight stigma are likely to positively predict psychological distress.

Methodology: This research adopted a cross-sectional research methodology. The sample included n=289 participants (n=128 male and n=161 female students) from two government universities in Pakistan. The consent form, demographic information sheet, Weight Self Stigma Questionnaire (WSSQ) (Wong et al., 2018), Body Shape Questionnaire (BSQ) (Cooper et al., 2006), and Kessler Psychological Distress Scale (K10) (Kessler, 2002) were used to collect information.

Findings: The research findings demonstrate that weight stigma and perceived body shape are positively correlated with psychological distress in university students in different weight groups. There was a mean difference in weight stigma, perceived body shape, and psychological distress among university students of varying weight groups. Perceived body shape is a perfect mediator between weight stigma and psychological distress. There was no gender difference in weight stigma, perceived body shape, or psychological distress.

Conclusion: The findings significantly impact the development of awareness campaigns that teach obese students healthy coping mechanisms and self-esteem-enhancing techniques. These campaigns additionally promote the sense of pride that overweight people experience using social support-based programs.