Browsing by Author "Nutter, Sarah"
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Item Open Access A scoping review of school-based anthropometric measurement(John Wiley & Sons Ltd, 2023-08-31) Wilson, Oliver W. A.; Thai, Michella; Williams, Lindsay; Nutter, Sarah; Myre, Maxine; Russell-Mayhew, ShellyThough anthropometric measurement (AM) frequently occurs in school settings, it is not without risks to child wellbeing. The aim of this scoping review was to examine how AM in school settings takes place and is reported on to make recommendations on best practices. We identified and extracted data from 440 studies published since 2005 that conducted AM in school (pre-school through secondary/high school) settings. Privacy and sensitivity of AM were unclear in over 90% of studies. Thirty-one studies (7.0%) reported protecting student privacy, while nine (2.0%) reported public measurement. Only five studies reported sensitivity regarding AM (1.1%). Exactly who conducted AM was not specified in 201 studies (45.7%). Sixty-nine studies did not provide a weight status criteria citation (19.2%), and 10 used an incorrect citation (2.7%). In summary, serious shortcomings in the reporting of how AM is conducted and by whom, along with details concerning weight status classification, are evident. There is considerable room for improvement regarding the reporting of key methodological details. We propose best practices for AM in school settings, which also double as conditions that should be met before AM takes place in school settings.Item Open Access Assessing Weight Stigma in Mock Jurors when Female Child Victims Testify Against Sexual Assault in Court(2024-08-29) Glazer, Melissa; Russell-Mayhew, Shelly; Nutter, Sarah; McMorris, Carly; Nesbitt, MichaelIn the psycho-legal literature, some studies have found that the body weight of female victims of sexual assault influence mock jurors’ perceptions of the victim and the testimony. The research is limited to adult victims of sexual assault and does not represent the context of the Canadian judicial system. This study investigated mock juror weight and legal-based perceptions after reviewing a vignette that was based on a legal case from the Supreme Court of Canada involving a 14-year-old female child testifying for sexual assault. A hundred and eighty-five participants acted as mock jurors and were randomly assigned to one of three artist court room sketches depicting child female victims of different body weights (underweight, average, or obese). Self- report questionnaires were completed to assess negative and positive weight-based perceptions of the child victim, general positive and negative perceptions toward the child victim, verdict decisions, and legal perceptions of the child and the accused. The current findings suggested that neither specific negative (i.e., lazy, undisciplined, self-indulgent) nor positive (i.e., friendly, outgoing, productive) weight-based perceptions or general positive (i.e., sympathy toward the complainant) or negative (i.e., anger toward the complainant) perceptions were significantly influenced by the child victim’s body weight. Nevertheless, male mock jurors indicated higher negative weight-based perceptions compared to female mock jurors. All other tested demographics of mock jurors (i.e., race, caregiver status) were not associated with weight-based perceptions. The weight of the female child victim also did not significantly influence mock jurors' legal verdict decision making. Lastly, the female child victims' body weight did not significantly influence mock jurors' legal perceptions (i.e., believability of the complainant, believability of the accused, or controllability of the complainant's behaviour). These results suggest that a female child sexual assault victim’s body weight may not significantly influence jurors' perceptions or legal decision making. Potential implications of the current study's findings are discussed concerning the Canadian judicial system, legal professionals, mental health professionals, and the field of counselling psychology.Item Open Access Capturing the shadow and light of researcher positionality: A picture-prompted poly-ethnography(Sage Publications, 2020-12-10) Kassan, Anusha; Nutter, Sarah; Arthur, Nancy; Green, Amy R.; Russell-Mayhew, Shelly; Sesma-Vazquez, MonicaAcknowledging researcher positionality and engaging in ongoing reflexivity are important components of qualitative research. In this manuscript, we share our experiences of examining our positionality and engaging in reflexive practice related to a research project with newcomer women in Canada. As a team of researchers from diverse backgrounds, we engaged in a picture-prompted poly-ethnographic conversation to better understand our attitudes, assumptions, and biases in relation to the topic of our research and gain a better understanding of what were asking of participants. Using thematic analysis, we uncovered four themes: 1) researchers bring multiple identities, 2) researchers bring privilege/power, 3) understanding what we call home, and 4) walking in participants’ shoes. We discuss these themes in detail, highlighting their implications for reflexive research with newcomer communities.Item Open Access Changes in Pre-Service Teacher Personal and Professional Attitudes Following a Comprehensive School Health Course(Canadian Society for the Study of Education/Société canadienne pour l’étude de l’éducation, 2022-03-20) Nutter, Sarah; Saunders, Jessica F.; Brun, Isabel; Exner-Cortens, Deinera; Russell-Mayhew, ShellyComprehensive school health (CSH) is a framework that can support teachers in the delivery of health-related content as well as supporting health promotion within the school community. In this study, 222 Bachelor of Education students completed surveys at the beginning and end of a mandatory six-week course on CSH with a body weight-neutral focus. Following the course, participants had significantly positively increased attitudes toward CSH, self-efficacy to teach using CSH, and weight-related attitudes. These results support CSH as a useful framework for teachers in their future practice to improve the wellness of students, teachers, and the broader school community.Item Open Access Employing Polyethnography to Navigate Researcher Positionality on Weight Bias(NSUWorks - The Qualitative Report, 2017-05-20) Arthur, Nancy; Lund, Darren E.; Russell-Mayhew, Shelly; Nutter, Sarah; Williams, Emily; Sesma-Vazquez, Monica; Kassan, AnushaResearchers often focus on the content of their research interests but, depending on the research approach, may pay less attention to the process of locating themselves in relation to the research topic. This paper outlines the dialogue between an interdisciplinary team of researchers who were at the initial stages of forming a research agenda related to weight bias and social justice. Using a polyethnographic approach to guide our discussion, we sought to explore the diverse and common life experiences that influenced our professional interests for pursuing research on weight bias. As a dialogic method, polyethnography is ideally suited for the reflexive work required of researchers seeking to address issues of equity and social justice. Beyond more traditional approaches such as journaling, personal interviews, or researcher notes, the intersubjectivity highlighted by this method affords a richer space for exploration, challenging ideas, taking risks, and collectively interrogating both self and society. Following a discussion of positionality, the dialogue between researchers is presented, followed by their critique of the discussion, informed by professional literature.Item Open Access Environmental Scan of Weight Bias Exposure in Primary Health Care Training Programs(Society for Teaching and Learning in Higher Education, 2016-12-11) Russell-Mayhew, Shelly; Nutter, Sarah; Alberga, Angela S.; Jelinski, Susan; Ball, Geoff D. C.; Edwards, Alun; Oddie, Scott; Sharma, Arya M.; Pickering, Barbara; Forhan, MaryNegative attitudes and beliefs about individuals with obesity (also known as weight bias) have negative consequences for physical and mental health for individuals with obesity and impact the quality of care provided by health professionals. A preliminary environmental scan of college and university training programs was conducted consisting of 67 degree and diploma granting programs from 22 institutions in Alberta, targeting programs training future health professionals. Publicly available online course descriptions were examined for weight-related keywords. Keyword frequency was used to determine the extent that coursework addressed weight-related issues. The results suggested that courses are structured to include learning about general health promotion as well as lifestyle factors that may contribute to obesity but may not systematically include learning about weight bias or its potential impact. Our findings highlight the need for further in-depth investigations as well as the need to enhance current curricula in higher education by including information related to weight, obesity and weight bias. Les attitudes et les croyances négatives concernant les personnes obèses (également connues comme partialité contre les obèses) ont des conséquences négatives sur la santé physique et mentale des personnes obèses et affectent la qualité des soins qui leur sont prodigués par les professionnels de la santé. Nous avons mené une étude environnementale préliminaire des programmes de formation universitaires et collégiaux qui a porté sur67 programmes menant à un certificat ou à un diplôme dans 22 établissements d’Alberta, et nous avons principalement visé les programmes de formation de futurs professionnels de la santé. Les descriptions de cours en ligne accessibles au grand public ont été examinées et les mots clés faisant référence aux problèmes de poids ont été identifiés. Les résultats suggèrent que les cours sont structurés de manière à inclure l’apprentissage de la promotion de la santé en général ainsi que les facteurs relatifs au style de vie qui peuvent contribuer à l’obésité mais ils n’incluent pas l’apprentissage systématique de la partialité contre les obèses ou ses effets potentiels. Nos résultats illustrent le besoin de mener des enquêtes approfondies ainsi que celui de renforcer les programmes de cours actuels en enseignement supérieur pour y inclure des informations relatives au poids, à l’obésité et à la partialité contre les obèses.Item Open Access Examining the Conceptual and Measurement Overlap of Body Dissatisfaction and Internalized Weight Stigma in Predominantly Female Samples: A Meta-Analysis and Measurement Refinement Study(Frontiers Media, 2022-05-16) Saunders, Jessica F.; Nutter, Sarah; Russell-Mayhew, ShellyBoth body dissatisfaction and internalized weight stigma have been identified as risk factors for many negative health outcomes for women, including depression and eating disorders. In addition to these contributions, these concepts have been found to overlap to various degrees in existing literature. We conducted a systematic review and meta-analysis on articles published prior to February 2022 to demonstrate the conceptual and measurement overlap between body dissatisfaction and internalized weight stigma as currently quantified. We identified 48 studies examining the interrelation between body dissatisfaction and internalized weight stigma in predominantly female samples. Stronger correlations between these two constructs, some bordering on multicollinearity, were prevalent in community samples compared to clinical samples and with some but not all the commonly used measures in the body image and weight stigma fields. Body mass index (BMI) moderated these relations such that individuals with higher self-reported BMI were more likely to report lower correlations between the constructs. This concept proliferation, stronger for individuals with lower BMIs and community samples, necessitates the need change how we conceptualize and measure body dissatisfaction and internalized weight stigma. To this end, we conducted study two to refine existing measures and lessen the degree of measurement overlap between internalized weight stigma and body dissatisfaction, particularly in community samples of women. We aimed to clarify the boundaries between these two concepts, ensuring measurement error is better accounted for. Female university students completed existing measures of body satisfaction and internalized weight stigma, which were analyzed using an exploratory followed by a confirmatory factor analysis. In our attempts to modify two existing measures of internalized weight stigma and body dissatisfaction, the majority of the internalized weight stigma items were retained. In contrast, most of the body dissatisfaction items either cross-loaded onto both factors or loaded on to the internalized weight stigma factor despite being intended for the body dissatisfaction factor, suggesting that the measurement issues identified in recent prior research may be due not only to the way we conceptualize and quantify weight stigma, but also the ways in which we quantify body dissatisfaction, across the existing corpus of body dissatisfaction scales.Item Open Access Examining Weight Bias among Practicing Canadian Family Physicians(Karger Publishers, 2019-11-08) Alberga, Angela S.; Nutter, Sarah; MacInnis, Cara; Ellard, John H.; Russell-Mayhew, ShellyObjectives: The aim of this study was to examine the attitudes of practicing Canadian family physicians about individuals with obesity, their healthcare treatment, and perceptions of obesity treatment in the public healthcare system. Method: A national sample of Canadian practicing family physicians (n = 400) completed the survey. Participants completed measures of explicit weight bias, attitudes towards treating patients with obesity, and perceptions that people with obesity increase demand on the public healthcare system. Results: Responses consistent with weight bias were not observed overall but were demonstrated in a sizeable minority of respondents. Many physicians also reported feeling frustrated with patients with obesity and agreed that people with obesity increase demand on the public healthcare system. Male physicians had more negative attitudes than females. More negative attitudes towards treating patients with obesity were associated with greater perceptions of them as a public health demand. Conclusion: Results suggest that negative attitudes towards patients with obesity exist among some family physicians in Canada. It remains to be determined if physicians develop weight bias partly because they blame individuals for their obesity and its increased demand on the Canadian public healthcare system. More research is needed to better understand causes and consequences of weight bias among health professionals and make efforts towards its reduction in healthcare.Item Open Access Exploring weight bias internalization in pregnancy(2022-07-29) Nagpal, Taniya S.; Salas, Ximena R.; Vallis, Michael; Piccinini-Vallis, Helena; Alberga, Angela S.; Bell, Rhonda C.; da Silva, Danilo F.; Davenport, Margie H.; Gaudet, Laura; Rodriguez, Angela C. I.; Liu, Rebecca H.; Myre, Maxine; Nerenberg, Kara; Nutter, Sarah; Russell-Mayhew, Shelly; Souza, Sara C. S.; Vilhan, Candace; Adamo, Kristi B.Abstract Background Recent research has shown that pregnant individuals experience weight stigma throughout gestation, including negative comments and judgement associated with gestational weight gain (GWG). Weight bias internalization (WBI) is often a result of exposure to weight stigma and is detrimental to biopsychological health outcomes. The purpose of this study was to explore WBI in pregnancy and compare scores based on maternal weight-related factors including pre-pregnancy body mass index (BMI), obesity diagnosis and excessive GWG. Methods Pregnant individuals in Canada and USA completed a modified version of the Adult Weight Bias Internalization Scale. Self-reported pre-pregnancy height and weight were collected to calculate and classify pre-pregnancy BMI. Current weight was also reported to calculate GWG, which was then classified as excessive or not based on Institute of Medicine (2009) guidelines. Participants indicated if they were diagnosed with obesity by a healthcare provider. Inferential analyses were performed comparing WBI scores according to pre-pregnancy BMI, excessive GWG, and obesity diagnosis. Significance was accepted as p < 0.05 and effect sizes accompanied all analyses. Result 336 pregnant individuals completed the survey, with an average WBI score of 3.9 ± 1.2. WBI was higher among those who had a pre-pregnancy BMI of obese than normal weight (p = 0.04, η2 = 0.03), diagnosed with obesity than not diagnosed (p < 0.001, Cohen’s d = 1.3), and gained excessively versus not (p < 0.001, Cohen’s d = 1.2). Conclusions Pregnant individuals who have a higher BMI, obesity and gain excessively may experience WBI. Given that weight stigma frequently occurs in pregnancy, effective person-oriented strategies are needed to mitigate stigma and prevent and care for WBI.Item Open Access Exploring weight bias internalization in pregnancy(BMC, 2022-07-29) Nagpal, Taniya S.; Ramos Salas, Ximena; Vallis, Michael; Piccinini-Vallis, Helena; Alberga, Angela S.; Bell, Rhonda C.; da Silva, Danilo F.; Davenport, Margie H.; Gaudet, Laura; Incollingo Rodriguez, Angela C.; Liu, Rebecca H.; Myre, Maxine; Nerenberg, Kara; Nutter, Sarah; Russell-Mayhew, Shelly; Souza, Sara C. S.; Vilhan, Candace; Adamo, Kristi B.Background: Recent research has shown that pregnant individuals experience weight stigma throughout gestation, including negative comments and judgement associated with gestational weight gain (GWG). Weight bias internalization (WBI) is often a result of exposure to weight stigma and is detrimental to biopsychological health outcomes. The purpose of this study was to explore WBI in pregnancy and compare scores based on maternal weight-related factors including pre-pregnancy body mass index (BMI), obesity diagnosis and excessive GWG. Methods: Pregnant individuals in Canada and USA completed a modified version of the Adult Weight Bias Internalization Scale. Self-reported pre-pregnancy height and weight were collected to calculate and classify pre-pregnancy BMI. Current weight was also reported to calculate GWG, which was then classified as excessive or not based on Institute of Medicine (2009) guidelines. Participants indicated if they were diagnosed with obesity by a healthcare provider. Inferential analyses were performed comparing WBI scores according to pre-pregnancy BMI, excessive GWG, and obesity diagnosis. Significance was accepted as p < 0.05 and effect sizes accompanied all analyses. Result: 336 pregnant individuals completed the survey, with an average WBI score of 3.9 ± 1.2. WBI was higher among those who had a pre-pregnancy BMI of obese than normal weight (p = 0.04, η2 = 0.03), diagnosed with obesity than not diagnosed (p < 0.001, Cohen’s d = 1.3), and gained excessively versus not (p < 0.001, Cohen’s d = 1.2). Conclusions: Pregnant individuals who have a higher BMI, obesity and gain excessively may experience WBI. Given that weight stigma frequently occurs in pregnancy, effective person-oriented strategies are needed to mitigate stigma and prevent and care for WBI.Item Open Access Ideology, Thin-Ideal Internalization, and Social Comparison: An Examination of the Correlates of Weight Bias(2014-09-30) Nutter, Sarah; Russell-Mayhew, ShellyAlthough a history of research and social action has led to progress in the areas of race and gender bias, weight bias, or the negative attitudes and beliefs towards people with obesity, has been given considerably less focus. Given the increasing rates of obesity and the increase in the intensity and frequency of weight-bias, research is needed to elucidate factors associated with weight bias. This research quantitatively examined the relationship between three social ideologies, thin-ideal internalization, and social comparison processes in relation to weight bias. Participants were 153 adults from the United States recruited through Amazon.com’s Mechanical Turk. The results suggested that, while social ideology remains significantly associated with weight bias, thin-ideal internalization and social comparisons are also significantly associated with both explicit and implicit weight bias. Future research may want to more closely align with body image research, and investigate the utility of body image interventions for weight bias.Item Open Access Positioning of Weight Bias: Moving towards Social Justice(2016-09-22) Nutter, Sarah; Russell-Mayhew, Shelly; Alberga, Angela S.; Arthur, Nancy; Kassan, Anusha; Lund, Darren E.; Sesma-Vazquez, Monica; Williams, EmilyWeight bias is a form of stigma with detrimental effects on the health and wellness of individuals with large bodies. Researchers from various disciplines have recognized weight bias as an important topic for public health and for professional practice. To date, researchers from various areas have approached weight bias from independent perspectives and from differing theoretical orientations. In this paper, we examined the similarities and differences between three perspectives (i.e., weight-centric, non-weight-centric (health-centric), and health at every size) used to understand weight bias and approach weight bias research with regard to (a) language about people with large bodies, (b) theoretical position, (c) identified consequences of weight bias, and (d) identified influences on weight-based social inequity. We suggest that, despite differences, each perspective acknowledges the negative influences that position weight as being within individual control and the negative consequences of weight bias. We call for recognition and discussion of weight bias as a social justice issue in order to change the discourse and professional practices extended towards individuals with large bodies. We advocate for an emphasis on social justice as a uniting framework for interdisciplinary research on weight bias.Item Open Access Positioning of Weight Bias: Moving towards Social Justice(Hindawi Publishing Corporation, 2016-09-22) Nutter, Sarah; Russell-Mayhew, Shelly; Alberga, Angela S.; Arthur, Nancy; Kassan, Anusha; Lund, Darren E.; Sesma-Vazquez, Monica; Williams, EmilyWeight bias is a form of stigma with detrimental effects on the health and wellness of individuals with large bodies. Researchers from various disciplines have recognized weight bias as an important topic for public health and for professional practice. To date, researchers from various areas have approached weight bias from independent perspectives and from differing theoretical orientations. In this paper, we examined the similarities and differences between three perspectives (i.e., weight-centric, nonweight- centric (health-centric), and health at every size) used to understand weight bias and approach weight bias research with regard to (a) language about people with large bodies, (b) theoretical position, (c) identified consequences of weight bias, and (d) identified influences on weight-based social inequity. We suggest that, despite differences, each perspective acknowledges the negative influences that position weight as being within individual control and the negative consequences of weight bias.We call for recognition and discussion ofweight bias as a social justice issue in order to change the discourse and professional practices extended towards individuals with large bodies. We advocate for an emphasis on social justice as a uniting framework for interdisciplinary research on weight bias.Item Open Access Weight Bias as a Social Justice Issue in an Unjust World(2019-08-26) Nutter, Sarah; Russell-Mayhew, Shelly K.; Arthur, Nancy Marie; Ellard, John H.Weight bias is a widespread and persistent form of stigma. It negatively impacts individuals with large bodies across the lifespan and in multiple social contexts. The current research addresses two important gaps in weight bias literature: (1) the limited understanding of the nature of weigh bias, and (2) the limited direct connection of weight bias literature to social justice. This research connects weight bias literature to diverse approaches to social justice (distributive justice, procedural justice, and ecological justice) that provide the opportunity to more strongly situate weight bias as a social justice issue. Connecting this to counselling psychology, the current research also considers the implications of weight bias as a social justice issue for the education and practice of counselling psychologists. To contribute to the limited understanding of the nature of weight bias, this research extends previous correlational research on the relationships between the belief in a just world and weight bias. Utilizing justice motive theory, the impact of the justice motive on perceptions of individuals with large bodies, both within and outside of counselling, are considered. This consideration is followed by three experimental investigations of the impact of the justice motive on perceptions and evaluations of individuals with large bodies. The current research provides directions for both furthering our understanding of the nature of weight bias through consideration of the justice motive as well as for furthering the connection between weight bias and conversations related to social justice, with the goal of working towards equality for individuals of all body sizes.Item Open Access Weight bias as a social justice issue: A call for dialogue.(Canadian Psychological Association, 2017-11-27) Nutter, Sarah; Russell-Mayhew, Shelly; Arthur, Nancy; Ellard, John H.Weight bias is pervasive, impacting the lived experiences of individuals with large bodies in all areas of society. Weight bias negatively impacts psychological and physical health, and contributes to systemic inequity for individuals with large bodies. Given that counselling psychology has been recognised for its commitment to social justice, it is important to provide examples of the many social justice issues associated with weight bias. The purpose of this article is to position weight bias as an important social justice issue for psychologists, through the lens of 3 social justice perspectives; distributive justice, procedural justice, and ecological justice. We examine the lack of equitable distribution of opportunities and resources for individuals with large bodies in health care, the workforce, education, and within interpersonal relationships. We also discuss the lack of voice provided to individuals with large bodies with regard to the policies and practices that affect them, and the social and environmental forces that systemically influence body weight and weight bias. Finally, we encourage further dialogue between professionals across disciplines about weight bias as a social justice issue in the future design of research, education, and practice.Item Open Access Weight Bias: Twitter as a Tool for Opening Dialogue among Broad Audiences(Scientific Research Publishing Inc., 2018-07-03) Williams, Emily P.; Russell-Mayhew, Shelly; Nutter, Sarah; Arthur, Nancy; Kassan, AnushaTwitter is a tool for strengthening research knowledge mobilization to the general public. In this article, we highlight how Twitter can be used to open social dialogue about research related topics between users from multiple perspectives, using the topic of weight bias; a cultural issue largely perpetuated by the media. Specifically, Twitter (@UCalgary Body BS) was used by an interdisciplinary research team to under line cases of global news, stories, and policy related to weight bias and/or weight-related issues for a broad audience to consume. We position Twitter as a relevant means for 1) shaping the research lifecycle, 2) increasing community participation and engagement regarding specific research topics, 3) co-creating evolving social dialogues and critique, 4) reaching broader audiences, 5) opening up sites of debate and tension within a topic, and 6) engaging with a topic salient within our society, a topic that saturates the media—weight bias.Item Open Access The “Yummy Mummy” Phenomenon: How Exposure to Celebrity Postpartum Thin-Ideals Impact Postpartum Women’s Eating Attitudes and Pathology(2019-07-03) McPhee, Kyla; Russell-Mathew, Shelly; Nutter, SarahAlthough a large body of literature exists on the deleterious impact of exposure to the thin-ideal, researchers are only starting to investigate how celebrity representations of postpartum bodies influence postpartum women’s mental and physical health. Considering pandemic levels of body dissatisfaction and rises in eating disorders in modern Western culture, further research is required to delineate factors associated with exposure to the postpartum thin-ideal. The current study utilized a factorial analysis of variance to examine the relationship between exposure to the postpartum thin-ideal and postpartum women’s eating attitudes and pathology, body dissatisfaction, depressive symptoms, self-esteem, and internalization of the thin-ideal. Participants were 100 postpartum women recruited through Prolific Academic. The results of the study suggested that exposure to the postpartum thin-ideal may not significantly impact eating attitudes and pathology, depressive symptoms, self-esteem, body dissatisfaction, and internalization of the thin-ideal in postpartum women. However, sexual orientation, historical and/or current postpartum depression, parity status, and potentially a history of an eating disorder, were found to be factors related to eating attitudes and pathology, depressive symptoms, and body dissatisfaction in postpartum women. Further research could advance the existing literature on the impact of exposure to the postpartum thin-ideal and could also inform counsellors and health professionals about critical factors which influence the care of postpartum populations.