Addressing stigma - Useful coping mechanisms from Myers & Rosen, 1999

Strategies for addressing obesity stigma

Negative self-talk

Cry, isolate myself

Avoid or leave situation

Eat

Fight back physically

Seek therapy

Respond negatively

Seek support of bullied people

Diet

Educate others/self

Use faith, religion, prayer

Respond positively

Seek social support

Ignore situation

Head off negative remarks

Use humor

Refuse to diet

Positive self-talk

See situation as others' problem

Refuse to hide body, be visible

Self-love, self acceptance

Myers, A., & Rosen, J. C. (1999). Obesity stigmatization and coping: relation to mental health symptoms, body image, and self-esteem. International journal of obesity and related metabolic disorders: journal of the International Association for the Study of Obesity, 23(3), 221-230. Doi: 10.1038/sj.ijo.0800765