Emotion in Motion: Weight Bias Internalization, Exercise Avoidance, and Fitness-Related Self-Conscious Emotions

Weight bias internalization (WBI), the process of internalizing negative attitudes and stereotypes towards overweight individuals, significantly impacts self-worth and health behaviors, such as exercise avoidance. In the current study, we focused on the mediating role of fitness-related self-conscio...

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Bibliographic Details
Published in:Healthcare (Basel) 2024-05, Vol.12 (10), p.955
Main Authors: Smith, Sophie S, Ten Hoor, Gill A, Lakhote, Niharika, Massar, Karlijn
Format: Article
Language:English
Subjects:
Attitudes
Behavior
Bias
Body image
Care and treatment
Discrimination against overweight persons
Emotions
Exercise
Health aspects
Health attitudes
Mediators
Mental depression
Mental health
Motivation
Obesity
Overweight
Physical fitness
Psychological aspects
Self control
Social aspects
Stereotypes
Stigma
Well being
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Summary:Weight bias internalization (WBI), the process of internalizing negative attitudes and stereotypes towards overweight individuals, significantly impacts self-worth and health behaviors, such as exercise avoidance. In the current study, we focused on the mediating role of fitness-related self-conscious emotions, particularly shame and guilt. A cross-sectional study involving 150 self-described overweight Dutch women (age M = 49.63 ± 10.72) was conducted online. Participants completed measures assessing weight bias internalization, exercise avoidance, and body/fitness-related self-conscious emotions. Data were analyzed using linear regression and mediation analysis, controlling for age, BMI, and exercise frequency. The results show that weight bias internalization, guilt-free shame, and shame-free guilt uniquely predict exercise avoidance. Guilt-free shame partially mediated the relationship between weight bias internalization and exercise avoidance, indicating that increased internalized weight bias led to higher levels of guilt-free shame, which in turn contributed to exercise avoidance. Shame-free guilt did not act as a unique mediator. These findings underscore the importance of addressing weight bias internalization and fitness-related self-conscious emotions, particularly guilt-free shame, in interventions targeting exercise avoidance among overweight individuals. Strategies promoting self-compassion and reducing shame may prove beneficial in improving exercise behaviors and overall well-being.
ISSN:2227-9032
2227-9032
DOI:10.3390/healthcare12100955