Document Type
Thesis
Degree Name
Master of Arts (MA)
Department
Psychology
Program Name/Specialization
Community Psychology
Faculty/School
Faculty of Science
First Advisor
Dr. Robb Travers
Advisor Role
Supervisor
Abstract
Anti-fat bias negatively influences well-being, particularly for fat people. This bias is present in healthcare and fitness contexts, where emphasis on bodies and weight are salient. Healthcare and fitness professionals often re-learn anti-fat bias in their education through a weight-centric paradigm of health, which frames weight as a primary indicator of health (good or bad), an individual responsibility, and a direct reflection of individual behavioural choices (i.e., diet and exercise). The failure to control one’s weight within societally acceptable levels is seen as a moral failure rather than resulting from complex factors relating to the social determinants of health (i.e., environment, economic status, education). Healthcare and fitness professionals may then hold anti-fat bias towards their patients, perpetuating negative health outcomes. Additionally, fat students in these programs may experience anti-fat bias through course curricula and school environments. This qualitative study explored the experiences of 46 fat students in undergraduate health-related programs to understand the effect anti-fat bias had on their well-being. Students reported how healthism and a weight-centric model of health manifested in curricula, as well as the ways in which they struggled with body self-consciousness and concerns about not belonging in their programs due to their weight. However, they recognized the complexities of health, discussing appreciation for holistic health frameworks. Results highlight the importance of addressing anti-fat bias at post-secondary institutions and the need for systemic interventions at program levels to better equip the next generations of healthcare and fitness professionals to appropriately and compassionately approach weight and body size.
Recommended Citation
Katz, Maddie, "“You do not need to be skinny or look like an athlete to still live a healthy life”: Exploring anti-fat bias within health-related undergraduate programs" (2024). Theses and Dissertations (Comprehensive). 2679.
https://scholars.wlu.ca/etd/2679
Convocation Year
2024
Convocation Season
Fall