Perceived Weight Stigma, Cognitive Sophistication and Attitudes Towards Self in Young Adult Fat Working and Non-Working Women

Abstract

Objective: This study examined the relationship between perceived weight stigma, cogmtive sophistication, and self-attitudes in fat young adult women, comparing working and non-working groups. The main hypothesis was that (a) there would be a significant relationship between perceived weight stigma and attitudes towards self, (b) cognitive sophistication would predict a weakening in the relationship between perceived weight stigma and attitudes towards self, (c) there is a difference in working and non-working women for perceived weight stigma, cognitive sophistication and attitudes towards self.

Methodology: A total of 200 women aged 18-30 completed the Weight Self-Stigma Questionnaire (WSSQ), Attitudes Toward Self Scale, and Actively Open-Minded Thinking Scale. Differences were assessed based on employment and marital status.

Results: Perceived weight stigma was positively related to negative self-attitude and increased with age. Single and unemployed women reported higher stigma and more negative self-views. Cognitive sophistication did not significantly moderate the stigma-self-attitude relationship.

Conclusion: The study highlights important implications for the mental health and psychological support needs of fat young adult women, particularly in the context of employment and marital status.