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Weight Stigma and Avoidance of Physical Activity and Sport: Development of a Scale and Establishment of Correlates

Author

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  • Nadia Bevan

    (School of Social Sciences, Faculty of Arts, Monash University, Melbourne 3800, Australia)

  • Kerry S. O’Brien

    (School of Social Sciences, Faculty of Arts, Monash University, Melbourne 3800, Australia)

  • Janet D. Latner

    (Department of Psychology, University of Hawaii, Honolulu, HI 96822, USA)

  • Chung-Ying Lin

    (Institute of Allied Health Sciences, College of Medicine, National Cheng Kung University, Tainan 701401, Taiwan
    Department of Occupational Therapy, College of Medicine, National Cheng Kung University, No. 1, University Rd., East Dist., Tainan 701401, Taiwan
    Department of Public Health, College of Medicine, National Cheng Kung University, No. 1, University Rd., East Dist., Tainan 701401, Taiwan
    Biostatistics Consulting Center, National Cheng Kung University Hospital, College of Medicine, National Cheng Kung University, No. 1, University Rd., East Dist., Tainan 701401, Taiwan)

  • Brian Vandenberg

    (School of Social Sciences, Faculty of Arts, Monash University, Melbourne 3800, Australia)

  • Ruth Jeanes

    (Faculty of Education, Monash University, Melbourne 3199, Australia)

  • Xavier C. C. Fung

    (Department of Rehabilitation Sciences, Faculty of Health and Social Sciences, The Hong Kong Polytechnic University, Hung Hom, Hong Kong)

Abstract

Participation in sport and physical activity (PA) is declining, and the psychosocial factors underpinning avoidance of these activities are not understood. This study developed and tested a new measure assessing the tendency to avoid PA and sport because of weight stigma and appearance-related concerns. University students ( n = 581, mean age = 19.8 years) completed an online survey at two time points. Demographic details and measures of weight stigmatization, appearance evaluations, and enjoyment and participation in PA or sport were taken. In addition, we developed and tested a new measure of the tendency to avoid physical activity and sport (TAPAS). Psychometric testing of the scale was conducted, and correlates of TAPAS were examined. The ten-item TAPAS provided a single factor solution, and the final scale score was predictive of lower levels of enjoyment of, and participation in, physical activity and sport ( p < 0.001). The scale also displayed good internal and test-retest reliability. This study provides a new measure for assessing people’s tendency to avoid PA and sport because of weight stigma or appearance-related concerns. The results suggest that initiatives seeking to increase participation in PA and sport may need to address weight stigma and associated appearance related concerns.

Suggested Citation

  • Nadia Bevan & Kerry S. O’Brien & Janet D. Latner & Chung-Ying Lin & Brian Vandenberg & Ruth Jeanes & Xavier C. C. Fung, 2022. "Weight Stigma and Avoidance of Physical Activity and Sport: Development of a Scale and Establishment of Correlates," IJERPH, MDPI, vol. 19(23), pages 1-10, December.
    • Handle: RePEc:gam:jijerp:v:19:y:2022:i:23:p:16370-:d:995458
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    References listed on IDEAS

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    1. Nadia Bevan & Kerry S. O’Brien & Chung-Ying Lin & Janet D. Latner & Brian Vandenberg & Ruth Jeanes & Rebecca M. Puhl & I-Hua Chen & Simon Moss & Georgia Rush, 2021. "The Relationship between Weight Stigma, Physical Appearance Concerns, and Enjoyment and Tendency to Avoid Physical Activity and Sport," IJERPH, MDPI, vol. 18(19), pages 1-13, September.
    2. Puhl, R.M. & Heuer, C.A., 2010. "Obesity stigma: Important considerations for public health," American Journal of Public Health, American Public Health Association, vol. 100(6), pages 1019-1028.
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