PRISM :: Browsing by Author "Russell-Mayhew, Shelly"

Browsing by Author "Russell-Mayhew, Shelly"

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Open Access
A Pilot Study of Acceptance and Commitment Therapy for Women with Disordered Eating
(2013-06-26) Saraceni, Reana; Russell-Mayhew, Shelly
Eating disorders are generally defined by abnormal eating habits that typically involve either the insufficient or excessive intake of food to the detriment of an individual’s physical and mental health. Eating disorders are amongst the most challenging disorders to treat, and even the treatment of choice, cognitive-behavioural therapy, only achieves moderate success. This study is in response to a call from experts in the field who recommend the piloting of promising therapies for these challenging disorders. Some of the reasons for treatment difficulties may be due to existing therapies failing to adequately respond to inflexible control strategies such as experiential avoidance, often seen in eating disorders. Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT) directly targets psychological inflexibility, making it a potentially ideal treatment for disordered eating. ACT is an innovative treatment that has been applied broadly to a variety of disorders. This is the first study to examine the efficacy of a complete ACT intervention for women with clinical disordered eating. This study examines change over time on measures life quality, valued living, mindful acceptance and observing, disordered eating and psychological maladjustment. The utilization of individual growth curve analyses provides a statistical modeling technique that summarizes changes about intra-individual change while simultaneously addressing inter-individual differences in change. Duration of illness was utilized as a predictor to further explain the hypothesized change over time. The results of this seven week group intervention showed positive pre-test to follow-up improvements in life quality, valued living, experiential avoidance, disordered eating, and psychological maladjustment. The mindfulness results run counter to findings from mindfulness component studies for eating disorders. The results suggest that the cognitive (mindfulness) processes did not appear to add value above and beyond the commitment and behaviour change processes. No significant differences were found on any of the measures between women who reported shorter versus much longer durations of their illness. Overall, results suggest that the commitment to living a valued-based life may be the most viable component of and ACT intervention for treating women with disordered eating. Future research is warranted to parse out the behavioural aspect of ACT’s mindfulness-based behavioural approach to treatment.
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, Shelly
Though 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.
Open Access
A Situational Analysis of Family Characterizations Related to Eating, Weight, and Appearance
(2015-09-25) Salvisberg, Wendy; Russell-Mayhew, Shelly
The media is considered an important social institution due to its powerful nature of defining social situations. Individuals are exposed to messages about weight and feeding practices which are often inconsistent and confusing. Parents internalize messages and act as socializing agents, informing their children through conversation and modelling of the type of eating behaviours, weight, and appearance that are valued in society. This research utilized situational analysis to examine five of the most popular online Canadian family magazines with a focus on how eating, weight, and appearance are presented in the articles and images. The analysis revealed powerful discursive messages related to adoption of certain eating practices, mentalities pertaining to weight and appearance, and the ways in which health is perceived in contradicting manners. The findings expose a need for education of media producers about how they discuss weight-related topics and parental responsibility for health and weight.
Open Access
A Tender Revolution: An Exploration of Multiple Marginalization and Identity
(2021-01-14) Suehn, Megan R.; Kassan, Anusha; Kassan, Anusha; Russell-Mayhew, Shelly; Callaghan, Tonya
Feminist standpoint theory (FST) centres the object of psychological research inquiry upon the systemic power relations that enact discrimination, violence, and inequality. By continuing to enrich Canadian counselling psychologists’ understandings of these relations of sociocultural power, researchers and clinicians alike can better appreciate and respond to the ways that they produce unique experiences of stress, especially for people who hold multiple marginalized identities. In this dissertation, multiple-marginalization (MM) refers to the interlocking nature of systemic power relations that lead to structural and person-to-person behavioral manifestations of bias against a particular group; for example, oppression. Since the 1950s, identity development has been a prominent area of research in psychology, leading to the development of numerous conceptual models in response to differing perspectives and advancements in civil rights movements. Although at times an uneasy partnership, this combination of on-the-ground and academic work has served to mutually influence wider thinking about the constructs of identity and wellness. In this dissertation, I critically explore how the field of counselling psychology approaches identity development. In relation, there is a lack of counselling psychology research that investigates the experiences of identity development under the influences of MM using an intersectional and social justice perspective. As a result, my aim was to create a body of work that might invigorate counselling psychology (and allied professions) in recognizing and working in solidarity with clients/patients, research participants, and community members against the insidious forces of MM.
Open Access
Adapting Descriptive Psychological Phenomenology to Include Dyadic Interviews: Practical Considerations for Data Analysis
(NSUWorks - The Qualitative Report, 2019-02-23) Tkachuk, Michelle; Russell-Mayhew, Shelly; Kassan, Anusha; Dimitropoulos, Gina
Dyadic interviews are an approach to qualitative data collection designed to understand the meaning pairs of individuals make from experiences. The greatest benefit of dyadic interviews, and perhaps a reason for their gaining momentum in the literature, is that they encourage participants to interact, resulting in detailed and complex descriptions of phenomena. However, dyadic interviews pose challenges to qualitative researchers. Researchers must figure out how to account for the presence of two interviewees, any differences in perspective, and interactions. Unfortunately, no known study demonstrates how the interactions of dyadic interviews can be analyzed in accordance with a methodological approach. Rather, researchers tend to observe pre-existing methods without direct mention of modification for conducting and analyzing dyadic interviews. Thus, the degree to which participant interactions are being analyzed in current studies remains unknown. In the following paper, we use Giorgi’s (2009) descriptive psychological phenomenology as an exemplar for how dyadic interviews may be applied to qualitative investigations. The theoretical fit of dyadic interviews with Giorgi’s approach, proposed modifications, and their limitations, are discussed.
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, Michael
In 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.
Open Access
Behaviour is in the Practice: Examining Excessive Behaviours using a Practice Framework
(2016) Mudry, Tanya; Strong, Tom; Hodgins, David; Russell-Mayhew, Shelly; Saah, Rebecca; Hoskins, Marie
The concept of “addictive” or excessive behaviours (EBs) has become an object of discussion, treatment, scientific investigation, and controversy. Much of the current research on EBs has utilized an etiological biomedical disease model for understanding EBs, with little focus on the actual practices of EBs, the relational trajectories sustaining EBs, and everyday lives in which EBs are enacted. In this dissertation I conceptualized EBs using a practice framework to show how EBs are reproduced, relationally grounded, and situated in practice networks in everyday life. A practice framework enabled me zoom in to the particularities of the practice, to understand the complex trajectories within the process – and zoom out to see the larger networks of practices influencing and sustaining the practice. Through this research, I also learned about participants’ co-occurring recovery practices that furnished preferred networks of practices. I analyzed 15 participant interviews using a focused ethnographic approach (Higginbottom, 2013; Knoblauch, 2005) and drew from practice theory (e.g., Kemmis, Edwards-Groves, Wilkinson, & Hardy, 2012; Nicolini, 2013; Schatzki, 2012), discursive research (Berger & Luckmann, 1966; Potter, 1997), positioning theory (Harré & van Langenhove, 1991), research in affective embodied practices (Lock, 1993; Wetherell, 2012), and Actor Network Theory (Latour, 2005). Based on this analysis, I depicted how food options, Internet features, game and phone design (“things”) played an integral role in the trajectories of EB practices. I illustrated how ability, availability, and the presence of people (“place”) were practice-contingent. I discerned discourses (superstition, normativity, addiction) that were reported important for enacting, explaining, directing, and resisting EB practices. Finally, I attended to larger networks of component practices, to map out the various other life practices that facilitate, support, sustain, or restrict and block EBs. In addition, I shared the intentional and naturally occurring recovery practices which participants engaged. This study offers contributions to addiction theory and research, and counselling practice.
Open Access
Can a Value-Based Writing Task Reduce a Self-Discrepant Body Image?
(2016) Lester, Chantal; Russell-Mayhew, Shelly; Harker Martin, Brittany; Laverty, Ann
The purpose of this research study was to examine the relationship between body self-discrepancy, as measured by the Body Image Ideals Questionnaire (BIQ; Cash & Szymanski, 1995), the Body Mass Index Silhouettes Matching Test (BMI-SMT; Peterson, Ellenberg, & Crossman, 2003) and a self-affirmation manipulation. The sample consisted of 80 female undergraduate university students recruited through class announcements and posters. Participants were randomly assigned to either an experimental or control condition and were each individually guided through the experiment. All participants completed (a) pre-test questionnaires, (b) an exposure to media images depicting thin female models, (c) either a self-affirming or a neutral writing task, and (d) post-test measures. The data was analyzed using descriptive statistics and repeated measures analysis of variance. It was hypothesized that participants in the experimental group would experience a greater decrease in body self-discrepancy at post-test compared to those in the control group. The results suggested that women in both conditions reported a significant increase in body self-discrepancy scores on the post BIQ measure, and endorsed wanting to attain smaller silhouettes (BMI-SMT measure) at both pre and post. Although previous studies have found that self-affirmations have had a psychological buffering effect and led to a reduction in reported body dissatisfaction scores (e.g., Armitage, 2012; Bucchianeri & Corning, 2012), this particular study did not show a decrease in body self-discrepancy scores. Since this study uniquely investigated a particular component of body image concern (body self-discrepancy) in relation to a self-affirming manipulation, it is likely that more research is needed to further understand this facet of body image.
Open Access
Canadian Senate Report on Obesity: Focusing on Individual Behaviours versus Social Determinants of Health May Promote Weight Stigma
(Hindawi, 2018-07-02) Alberga, Angela S.; McLaren, Lindsay; Russell-Mayhew, Shelly; von Ranson, Kristin M.
Very little attention has been given to unintended consequences of government reporting on obesity. This paper argues that the 2016 Senate report, “Obesity in Canada: A Whole-Of-Society Approach,” exemplifies the systemic public health issue of weight stigma. The purpose of this viewpoint is to critique the approach taken in the Report, by illustrating that it (1) takes a weight centric approach to health, (2) does not acknowledge important limitations of the definition and measurement of obesity, (3) reifies obesity as a categorical phenomenon that must be prevented, and (4) uses aggressive framing and disrespectful terminology. The Report perpetuates a focus on the individual, thereby failing to recognize the role that governments can play in reducing weight stigma and addressing social determinants of health. If steps are taken to avoid propagating weight stigma, future reports could more constructively address health promotion, equity, and social determinants of health in their policies.
Open Access
Canadian Senate Report on Obesity: Focusing on Individual Behaviours versus Social Determinants of Health May Promote Weight Stigma
(2018-07-02) Alberga, Angela S.; McLaren, Lindsay; Russell-Mayhew, Shelly; von Ranson, Kristin M.
Very little attention has been given to unintended consequences of government reporting on obesity. This paper argues that the 2016 Senate report, “Obesity in Canada: A Whole-Of-Society Approach,” exemplifies the systemic public health issue of weight stigma. The purpose of this viewpoint is to critique the approach taken in the Report, by illustrating that it (1) takes a weight-centric approach to health, (2) does not acknowledge important limitations of the definition and measurement of obesity, (3) reifies obesity as a categorical phenomenon that must be prevented, and (4) uses aggressive framing and disrespectful terminology. The Report perpetuates a focus on the individual, thereby failing to recognize the role that governments can play in reducing weight stigma and addressing social determinants of health. If steps are taken to avoid propagating weight stigma, future reports could more constructively address health promotion, equity, and social determinants of health in their policies.
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, Monica
Acknowledging 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.
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, Shelly
Comprehensive 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.
Open Access
Creative Flourish; The Effects of the Artifacts of Creativity Developmental Activity on Personal Wellbeing for Adult Learners
(2023-10-03) Dickerson, Teena; Poitras Pratt, Yvonne; Groen, Janet; Kelly, Robert; Russell-Mayhew, Shelly; Conrad, Diane
During the challenging isolation of the COVID-19 pandemic, individuals turned to a multitude of creative activities. Educators noted that engaging in creativity positively affected post-secondary learners’ wellbeing and resiliency during lockdowns and our triaged turn to online learning. Drawing on my experience as an artist and art educator while learning from and thinking through Indigenous principles, this arts-based research sought to understand how creativity developmental activity might affect wellbeing and contribute to the aims of reconciliation. This art-making research program examined the immediate and diachronic influences of artifacts of creative activity on wellbeing of adult learners at any level of creative capacity. These knowledge-based insights drew from the experiences of the participants and myself in the creative process and revealed creativity as a meaningful innate human characteristic with profound growth potential. In sum, educators could use creativity and the artifacts of the activity as an educational intervention to bolster wellbeing and sustain all learners through difficult times and the challenging topics of transformative learning in adult education.
Open Access
Disclosing an Eating Disorder: A Situational Analysis of Online Accounts
(NSUWorks - The Qualitative Report, 2018-04-20) Williams, Emily; Russell-Mayhew, Shelly; Ireland, Alana
Disclosing a mental illness can be difficult, especially for those affected by eating disorders. Individuals impacted by eating disorders often worry that disclosing their situation may lead to fear, judgment, and stigmatization. Online eating disorder communities have become increasingly popular, hosting thousands of users worldwide, and may be safe places for individuals with eating disorders to communicate and connect. In this postmodern study, we utilized situational analysis to examine online accounts on publically accessible websites where individuals discussed disclosing eating disorders. Situational Analysis utilizes illustrative mapping techniques to demonstrate the complexity of the situation of inquiry, allowing researchers to highlight heterogeneities. Our findings demonstrated (a) the fight that frequently occurs after an eating disorder disclosure, (b) the notion that eating disorders are a monstrous issue, and (c) stigmatization one experiences after disclosing and when considering to disclose. This study has potential to inform educational recommendations given to the public about disclosures and stigma in regard to eating disorders, as well as earlier identification and treatment outcomes for individuals with eating disorders.
Open Access
Effects of the HEARTY exercise randomized controlled trial on eating behaviors in adolescents with obesity
(World Obesity and The Obesity Society and John Wiley & Sons Ltd., 2022-06-06) Alberga, Angela S.; Edache, Iyoma Y.; Sigal, Ronald J.; von Ranson, Kristin M.; Russell-Mayhew, Shelly; Kenny, Glen P.; Doucette, Steve; Prud'homme, Denis; Hadjiyannakis, Stasia; Cameron, Jameason D.; Goldfield, Gary S.
Background There are well-recognized benefits of behavioral interventions that include exercise for children and adolescents with obesity. However, such behavioral weight management programs may precipitate unintended consequences. It is unclear if different exercise modalities impact eating behaviors differently in youth with obesity. Objectives The purpose of this study was to examine the effects of aerobic, resistance, and combined aerobic and resistance exercise training on eating attitudes and behaviors (uncontrolled eating, restrained eating, emotional eating, external eating and food craving) among adolescents with overweight and obesity. Methods N = 304 (70% female) adolescents with overweight and obesity participated in the 6-month Healthy Eating Aerobic and Resistance Training in Youth (HEARTY) randomized controlled trial. All participants were inactive post-pubertal adolescents (15.6 ± 1.4 years) with a mean BMI = 34.6 ± 4.5 kg/m2. The Food Craving Inventory (food cravings), Dutch Eating Behavior Questionnaire (restrained eating, emotional eating, external eating), and the Three-Factor Eating Questionnaire (uncontrolled eating) were used to assess eating attitudes and behaviors. Results All exercise groups showed within-group decreases in external eating and food cravings. Participants randomized to the Combined training group and were more adherent showed the greatest improvements in eating behaviors and cravings. Conclusions A 6-month exercise intervention produced improvements in disordered eating behaviors and food cravings, but effects may be gender and modality-specific. Findings highlight the need to tailor exercise intervention to participant characteristics for the promotion of healthier eating and weight management outcomes in youth with obesity.
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, Anusha
Researchers 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.
Open Access
Engaging a School Community in a Collaborative Approach to Healthy Body Image and Diversity Acceptance
(2015-06-10) Bardick, Angela Dawn; Russell-Mayhew, Shelly
Over the past four decades, there has been an increased call for prevention and promotion efforts to address increasing rates of eating disorders and obesity in children (Public Health Agency of Canada [PHAC], 2011a; 2011b). Despite efforts, there are ongoing concerns about weight-related issues in children such as weight dissatisfaction (Davison, Markey, & Birch, 2003); dieting and disordered eating (McVey, Tweed, & Blackmore, 2005); and weight bias, weight-based teasing, and weight-based victimization (Peterson, Puhl, & Luedicke, 2012). Addressing children’s weight-related issues in schools is a very complex endeavour. The purpose of this project was to engage a school community in a collaborative approach to improving body image and diversity acceptance. A feminist-informed participatory action research (f-PAR) approach was used. Piran and Teall’s (2012) Developmental Theory of Embodiment was used to critically examine experiences of embodiment as well as gender, power, and relational issues. However, practical and political challenges occurred during the research process. Conflicting priorities, administrative gatekeeping, silencing, teacher non-engagement, and lack of parental and student knowledge of the research impacted the project. Two teacher in-services, a teacher focus group, and a parent in-service were conducted. The Body Image Kits (Body Image Works, 2005) were used in Junior High health classes, and body image discussions occurred in Senior High Career and Life Management (CALM) classes. Participants identified a number of issues affecting students’ body image. Action initiatives included the development of Elementary and Junior High Girls Groups, changing the school fundraising policy, and revisiting the staff wellness plan. Collaborative discussions with educational policy makers about policies and practices regarding children’s weight-related issues in schools are indicated. There is a need to listen to students’ voices, transform the school context, develop a Comprehensive School Health approach, improve teacher professional development, utilize a social justice perspective, and involve parents. University-school research partnerships are indicated to utilize evidence-based best practices and build capacity. In conclusion, the creation of a healthy school environment involves far more than healthy nutrition plans and physical activities: it requires an orientation towards social justice and the courage to advocate for social change.
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, Mary
Negative 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.
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, Shelly
Both 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.
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, Shelly
Objectives: 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.