No Cover Image

Journal article 731 views 157 downloads

Strategies for maintaining a positive body image in the face of stigma

Bridget Dibb, Erica Hepper, Sarah-Jane Stewart, Menna Price Orcid Logo, Laura Wilkinson Orcid Logo

Journal of Health Psychology, Volume: 31, Issue: 4, Pages: 1502 - 1516

Swansea University Authors: Menna Price Orcid Logo, Laura Wilkinson Orcid Logo

  • 69078.VoR.pdf

    PDF | Version of Record

    © The Author(s) 2025. This article is distributed under the terms of the Creative Commons Attribution 4.0 License.

    Download (356.86KB)

Check full text

DOI (Published version): 10.1177/13591053251330433

Abstract

This study aimed to explore how individuals with obesity, who have a positive body image (an accepting and favourable view of the body), maintain this positive image in the face of weight stigma. A qualitative methodology was used to explore the experiences of 16 individuals (11 women; 5 men) using...

Full description

Published in: Journal of Health Psychology
ISSN: 1359-1053 1461-7277
Published: SAGE Publications 2026
Online Access: Check full text

URI: https://cronfa.swan.ac.uk/Record/cronfa69078
Abstract: This study aimed to explore how individuals with obesity, who have a positive body image (an accepting and favourable view of the body), maintain this positive image in the face of weight stigma. A qualitative methodology was used to explore the experiences of 16 individuals (11 women; 5 men) using one-to-one semi-structured interviews. Four themes were developed using Thematic Analysis: Experiences of stigma, Self-evaluative cognitive strategies, Social Behavioural strategies and What Helps? Themes included strategies that reflect self-affirmation, defensive self-protection and social support. The results also included strategies not found in previous research, such as confronting the source of the stigmatisation. Moreover, no negative strategies, such as eating or self-harm, were reported. In addition, the participants spoke of the positive effect of social support but did not report seeking this support, which suggests that perceived social support may be more useful than enacted support.
Keywords: coping strategies, obesity, positive body image, qualitative research, weight stigma
College: Faculty of Medicine, Health and Life Sciences
Funders: This project was funded by a Faculty of Health and Medical Sciences Research Support Fund at the University of Surrey.
Issue: 4
Start Page: 1502
End Page: 1516

Similar Items