Work

Integrating sociocultural models of disordered eating in women: effects of pressure to be thin and weight stigma on internalization of body standards

Year: 2026

Type: article

Abstract: Sociocultural models of disordered eating in women emphasize pressure to be thin and weight stigma as influential factors. The tripartite model theorizes that pressure to be thin influences disordered eating via thin-ideal internalization, while the weight stigma model theorizes that experienced weight stigma influences disordered eating via weight bias internalization (WBI), wherein individuals internalize anti-fat attitudes resulting in self-derogation based on weight. However, there is a gap in integrating these sociocultural models, each emphasizing the internalization of unique but interrelated sociocultural messages about cultural body standards. This study addresses this gap by investigating an integrated sociocultural model in which media pressure to be thin and experienced weight stigma influence disordered eating indirectly via thin-ideal internalization and WBI. Three hundred and eighty (380) female college students completed self-report measures of the above constructs online. Path analysis supported simple and serial indirect effects of media pressure to be thin and weight-stigmatizing experiences on disordered eating via thin-ideal internalization and WBI. Findings reinforced the significant role of media pressure in disordered eating. The findings support the integration of thin-ideal and weight stigma models of disordered eating in future research to inform clinical applications.

Source: Eating Behaviors

DOI: 10.1016/j.eatbeh.2026.102141

Authors: Sharon L. Grant, Yasemin Gunce, Tonisha Constable

Institution: Swinburne University of Technology

Language: English

Topic: Eating Disorders and Behaviors

Subfield: Clinical Psychology

Field: Psychology

Domain: Social Sciences

SDG: Good health and well-being

Open Access status: hybrid

Estimated APC paid: $3,270