The Unique Associations of Thin-Ideal Internalization and Internalized Weight Stigma With Body Dissatisfaction Across Body Sizes

Abstract

Objectives

The internalization of socioculturally influenced body ideals, including thin-ideal internalization and internalized weight stigma, is consistently associated with body dissatisfaction. However, the independent contributions of thin-ideal internalization and internalized weight stigma to body dissatisfaction and the extent to which these two body ideals are distinct are unknown. The current study examined whether internalized weight stigma contributes to body dissatisfaction above and beyond the effects of thin-ideal internalization. To further investigate the independence of these two cultural processes, the current study also tested if body size moderates the association between thin-ideal internalization and internalized weight stigma.

Methods

Data come from 430 university students (80.7% female, 87.7% white) who completed surveys for partial course credit.

Results

Both thin-ideal internalization (β = 0.202, p < 0.001) and internalized weight stigma (β = 0.638, p < 0.001) were associated with body dissatisfaction in a mutually adjusted regression model. However, the association between thin-ideal internalization and internalized weight stigma did not differ by body size (β = 0.054, p = 0.79).

Conclusions

Thin-ideal internalization and internalized weight stigma are independent correlates of body dissatisfaction, regardless of weight status. As distinct constructs, both thin-ideal internalization and internalized weight stigma should be targeted in the prevention and treatment of body dissatisfaction.