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Rao A, Puhl R, Farrar K. Weight Stigma in Online News Images: A Visual Content Analysis of Stigma Communication in the Depictions of Individuals with Obesity in U.S. and U.K. News. JOURNAL OF HEALTH COMMUNICATION 2024; 29:95-106. [PMID: 38037345 DOI: 10.1080/10810730.2023.2286512] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/02/2023]
Abstract
Weight stigma is a pervasive form of discrimination worldwide. News media, and news images in particular, can reinforce weight stigma by portraying persons with obesity in a negative, stereotypical manner. Informed by the model of stigma communication, this study conducted a content analysis of images accompanying obesity-related news articles from the U.S. and U.K. to determine and compare the prevalence of stigmatizing images. Images (N = 445) in obesity-focused news articles obtained from the top four most viewed online news in the U.S. (n = 244) and U.K. (n = 201) during August 2018-August 2019 were systematically coded. These 445 images featured 228 individuals. Of these 228 individuals, 35% were identified as higher weight and 44% as lower weight. Overall, 70% of persons of higher weight in these news images were depicted in a stigmatizing manner. Further, 46% of individuals with higher weight were depicted with their head partially or fully removed from the image, compared to 25% of individuals with lower weight. Additionally, U.K. news were 2.5 times more likely to contain stigmatizing images than U.S. news. These findings highlight the prevalence of weight stigma in news images and suggest that broader systemic efforts are needed by the news media industry to eliminate the use of negative imagery that marginalizes persons of higher weight.
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Affiliation(s)
- Aditi Rao
- Department of Communication, University of Connecticut, Storrs, Connecticut, USA
| | - Rebecca Puhl
- Rudd Center for Food Policy & Health, University of Connecticut, Hartford, Connecticut, USA
- Department of Human Development & Family Sciences, University of Connecticut, Hartford, Connecticut, USA
| | - Kirstie Farrar
- Department of Communication, University of Connecticut, Storrs, Connecticut, USA
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Ventalon G, Erjavec G, Tijus C. A review of processing and analysing visual metaphors in psychology. EUROPEAN REVIEW OF APPLIED PSYCHOLOGY 2023. [DOI: 10.1016/j.erap.2022.100836] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/12/2023]
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Weight Stigmatization in Political Contexts: an Interaction with Gender. TRENDS IN PSYCHOLOGY 2022. [DOI: 10.1007/s43076-022-00238-8] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/06/2022]
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Kite J, Huang BH, Laird Y, Grunseit A, McGill B, Williams K, Bellew B, Thomas M. Influence and effects of weight stigmatisation in media: A systematic. EClinicalMedicine 2022; 48:101464. [PMID: 35706492 PMCID: PMC9125650 DOI: 10.1016/j.eclinm.2022.101464] [Citation(s) in RCA: 14] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/27/2021] [Revised: 04/26/2022] [Accepted: 05/05/2022] [Indexed: 12/22/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND The lack of a comprehensive understanding of the role of mass media in perpetuating weight stigma hinders policy formulation. We reviewed the influence of mass media on weight stigmatisation and the effectiveness of media-based interventions designed to prevent or reduce stigma. METHODS We conducted a systematic review across seven databases from inception to December 2021. Included studies assessed exposure to or impact of weight stigma in mass media or examined interventions to reduce stigma through media in populations 12+ years. We synthesised data narratively, categorising studies based on similarity in focus to produce a set of integrated findings. The systematic review is registered in PROSPERO (No. CRD42020176306). FINDINGS One-hundred-and-thirteen records were eligible for inclusion from 2402 identified; 95 examined the prevalence of stigmatising content in mass media and its impact on stigma. Weight stigma was prevalent across media types, with the dominant discourse viewing overweight and obesity as an individual responsibility and overlooking systemic factors. Exposure to stigmatising content was found to negatively influence attitudes towards people with overweight or obesity. Few studies considered methods of reducing stigma in the media, with only two testing media-based interventions; their results were promising but limited. INTERPRETATION Weight stigma in media content is prevalent and harmful, but there is little guidance on reducing it. Future research focus needs to shift from assessing prevalence and impacts to weight stigma interventions. FUNDING None.
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Affiliation(s)
- James Kite
- Prevention Research Collaboration, Sydney School of Public Health, Faculty of Medicine and Health, The University of Sydney, NSW, Australia
- Charles Perkins Centre, The University of Sydney, NSW, Australia
- Corresponding author.
| | - Bo-Huei Huang
- Charles Perkins Centre, The University of Sydney, NSW, Australia
| | - Yvonne Laird
- Prevention Research Collaboration, Sydney School of Public Health, Faculty of Medicine and Health, The University of Sydney, NSW, Australia
- Charles Perkins Centre, The University of Sydney, NSW, Australia
| | - Anne Grunseit
- Prevention Research Collaboration, Sydney School of Public Health, Faculty of Medicine and Health, The University of Sydney, NSW, Australia
- Charles Perkins Centre, The University of Sydney, NSW, Australia
| | - Bronwyn McGill
- Prevention Research Collaboration, Sydney School of Public Health, Faculty of Medicine and Health, The University of Sydney, NSW, Australia
- Charles Perkins Centre, The University of Sydney, NSW, Australia
| | - Kathryn Williams
- Charles Perkins Centre, The University of Sydney, NSW, Australia
- Nepean Clinical School, Faculty of Medicine and Health, The University of Sydney, NSW, Australia
- Nepean Blue Mountains Local Health District, Kingswood, NSW, Australia
| | - Bill Bellew
- Prevention Research Collaboration, Sydney School of Public Health, Faculty of Medicine and Health, The University of Sydney, NSW, Australia
- Charles Perkins Centre, The University of Sydney, NSW, Australia
| | - Margaret Thomas
- Prevention Research Collaboration, Sydney School of Public Health, Faculty of Medicine and Health, The University of Sydney, NSW, Australia
- Charles Perkins Centre, The University of Sydney, NSW, Australia
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