‘Nothing about us without us’: Fat people speak

Reducing weight bias and stigma in qualitative research interviews: Considerations for researchers

Perceptions and biases influence how we interact with and experience the world, including in professional roles as researchers. Weight bias, defined as negative attitudes or perceptions towards people that have large bodies, can contribute to weight stigma and discrimination leading to negative health and social consequences. Weight bias is experienced by people living with obesity in media, health care, education, employment and social settings. In research settings, there is potential for weight bias to impact various aspects of qualitative research including the participant-researcher dynamic in interviews. However, evidence-based strategies to reduce weight bias in qualitative research interviews have yet to be identified. We discuss how weight bias may influence research interviews and identify several considerations and strategies for researchers to minimize the impact of weight bias. Strategies include practicing reflexivity, planning and conducting interviews in ways that support rapport building, using inclusive language, and considering participatory methods.

The Process Model of Stigmatized Loss: Identity-Threatened Experiences of Bereaved Mothers

Despite almost one-third of women suffering from the loss of a baby through miscarriage, stillbirth, or infant loss, it is surprising how little research examines how such loss affects the identity and stigmas experienced by these individuals. Through in-depth, semi-structured interviews with bereaved mothers (in particular, mothers who lost a baby during pregnancy or within one year after birth), this research sheds light on the bereaved mother's experiences after loss. Specifically, this research applies the identity-threat model of stigma to showcase the process of stigmatized loss. Based on our findings, we also introduce the process model of stigmatized loss that can apply to all types of stigmatized loss. Key themes emerged as we explored stigmatized loss discourses. These include situational cues that trigger stigma, identity-based responses that aim to preserve both a baby's and mother's identity, as well as nonvolitional and volitional responses that help restore control and reconstruct identity. Additionally, other themes revolve around positive and negative outcomes stemming from avoiding stigmatized identity activation and identification of triggers that initiate a recursive process through stigmatized baby loss. Importantly, stigma can be perceived as both an identity threat (negative) and an identity confirmation (positive). Findings inform theory and practice alike.