Weight-based stigmatization in children.
OBJECTIVE
To examine sex differences in children's weight-based stigmatization.


METHODS
School-based sample of children evaluating qualities of children of varying weights.


METHODS
Thirty-four children (age, 7-9 y; body mass index (BMI) 12.1-31.2 kg/m2).


METHODS
Drawings of children that varied by sex (boy, girl) and weight (thin, average, chubby) were presented to children. Parents provided written consent and demographic data.


RESULTS
Children evaluated drawings of thin children most favorably and drawings of chubby children least favorably. Thin girls were rated more favorably than average or chubby girls, for whom ratings did not differ significantly. Conversely, chubby boys were rated less favorably than average or thin boys for whom ratings did not differ significantly.


CONCLUSIONS
These patterns may further explain gender differences in motivation to lose weight.
Kraig
K A
KA
Harvard University Department of Psychology, Cambridge, Massachusetts, USA.
Keel
P K
PK
D002648:Child; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D008297:Male; D009765:Obesity / Q000523:psychology*; D012727:Sex Characteristics; D013240:Stereotyping