What are weight bias measures measuring? An evaluation of core measures of weight bias and weight bias internalisation

Abstract

Research exploring weight bias and weight bias internalisation (WBI) is grounded upon several core measures. This study aimed to evaluate whether operationalisations of these measures matched their conceptualisations in the literature. Using a 'closed card-sorting' methodology, participants sorted items from the most used measures into pre-defined categories, reflecting weight bias and non-weight bias. Findings indicated a high degree of congruence between WBI conceptualisations and operationalisations, however found less congruence between weight bias conceptualisations and operationalisations, with scale-items largely sorted into non-weight bias domains. Recommendations for scale modifications and developments are presented alongside a new amalgamated weight bias scale (AWBS).

Keywords: beliefs; health psychology; illness perception; obesity; stigma.

Figure 1.

Cumulative percentages of weight bias scale-items sorted into each category.

Figure 2.

Cumulative percentages of WBI scale-items sorted into each category.