Weight stereotypes and behavioral intentions toward thin and fat peers among White and Hispanic adolescents

Abstract

Purpose: This study examined weight stereotypes among White and Hispanic youth. Specific objectives were to: (a) document stereotyped beliefs about fat vs. thin peers; (b) examine the extent to which stereotyped beliefs contribute to behavioral intentions toward fat vs. thin peers; and (c) explore potential differences in weight stereotypes and behavioral intentions in White and Hispanic youth.

Methods: Participants, 157 Hispanic and 117 White middle school students, completed a demographic and background survey, the Fat Stereotypes Questionnaire (FSQ), Adjective Checklist, and Shared Activities Questionnaire (SAQ).

Results: Participants endorsed weight-related stereotypes, which were predictive of their social, academic, and recreation behavioral intentions. Participants indicated greater willingness to engage in social (p < .001), academic (p < .05), and recreational (p < .001) activities with thin vs. fat peers. Few differences were found between White and Hispanic adolescents.

Conclusions: The results of this study highlight the ubiquitous nature of stereotyped beliefs about fat youth. Fat youth are considered unhealthy, lazy, and socially inept by their peers. Such stereotypes influence a variety of behavioral intentions and may contribute to discriminatory behaviors and difficult peer relationships. Additional research focused on weight stereotypes and peer relationships is needed.