Weight stigma: a potential barrier to psychiatric/mental health medication care

Document Type

Article

Publication Title

Social Work in Mental Health

Abstract

Abstract

Weight stigma is pervasive in the United States, and its presence in healthcare settings can lead to an avoidance of healthcare services. This study examined whether experienced weight stigma or weight self-stigma predicted psychiatric/mental health medication visits. A total of 384 self-identified female participants completed an online survey about stigma and utilization of healthcare services. Binary logistic regression analyses indicated that having been discriminated against because of body weight, and weight self-stigma, predicted avoidance. Results suggest weight stigma may have negative implications for psychiatric/mental health medication visits. Implications for social work research, practice, and advocacy are discussed. (PsycInfo Database Record (c) 2023 APA, all rights reserved)

First Page

492

Last Page

509

DOI

https://doi.org/10.1080/15332985.2023.2184191

Publication Date

3-2023

Comments

Kline, K. M., O'neill, E. A., Behar, S., Winter, V. R., & Clemens, J. P. (2023). Weight stigma: A potential barrier to psychiatric/mental health medication care. Social Work in Mental Health, 21(5), 492–509. https://doi.org/10.1080/15332985.2023.2184191

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