The
Stress of Stigma: Exploring the Effect of Weight Stigma
on
Cortisol Reactivity
Schvey,
N. A., Puhl, R. M., & Brownell, K. D. (2014). The stress of stigma:
exploring the effect of weight stigma on cortisol reactivity. Psychosomatic
Medicine, 76, 156-162. doi: 10.1097/PSY.0000000000000031
NATASHA
A. SCHVEY, MS, MPHIL,
REBECCA M. PUHL,
PHD, AND KELLY
D. BROWNELL, PHD
Abstract
Objective: To
determine the physiological impact of exposure to weight stigma by examining
alterations in salivary cortisol among lean and overweight women.
Methods: Participants were 123 lean and overweight
adult women (mean body mass index = 26.99 [7.91] kg/m2).
Participants’ salivary cortisol was assessed both before and after either a
weight stigmatizing or a neutral video. Participants completed self-report
measures of mood and reactions to the video. Height and weight were obtained at
the conclusion of the study.
Results: Participants
in the stigmatizing condition exhibited significantly greater cortisol
reactivity when compared with those in the neutral condition, irrespective of
weight status (Pillai trace = 0.077; F(1,85)
= 7.22, p = .009). Lean and
overweight women in the stigmatizing condition were equally likely to find the
video upsetting and were equally likely to report that they would rather not see
obese individuals depicted in a stigmatizing manner in the media. Conclusions: Exposure to
weight-stigmatizing stimuli was associated with greater cortisol reactivity
among lean and overweight women. These findings highlight the potentially
harmful physiological consequences of exposure to weight stigma. Key words: weight stigma, salivary
cortisol, stress.
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