Psychology ETDs

Publication Date

Spring 5-16-2026

Abstract

Weight stigma is a class of discrimination in which those who are of higher weight face biases and discrimination. This can lead to worse outcomes ranging from poor mental health to societal barriers. Fat acceptance is the idea that all people, regardless of weight, deserve respect and equal treatment. The study of fat acceptance is in its infancy in the field of psychology, and there is little research addressing what kinds of people may be more or less fat accepting. The present study utilized a college sample to create a characterization of which intersecting identities and characteristics may correlate with fat acceptance. The findings show that identifying as being fat/overweight/larger/obese, having a larger body, having experiences of weight discrimination, having lower body acceptance, being of certain genders or races, or being more liberal/politically left, were positively associated with fat acceptance. This gives us an initial view of what identities may relate to the acceptance of people’s bodies, regardless of size, and lays the groundwork for future investigations of fat acceptance and related concepts.

Degree Name

Psychology

Level of Degree

Masters

Department Name

Psychology

First Committee Member (Chair)

Sarah Erickson, Ph.D.

Second Committee Member

Steven Verney, Ph.D.

Third Committee Member

Georgiann Davis, Ph.D.

Language

English

Keywords

Fat Acceptance, Discrimination, Identities, College Students

Document Type

Thesis

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