The Effect of Effort and Weight Controllability on Perceptions of Obese Individuals

Abstract

We examined the impact of offset controllability (capability of losing weight) and offset effort (efforts to lose weight) on judgments of an obese target. Participants (n = 216) read about an obese person whose body weight was controllable/uncontrollable, and who did/did not put in effort to eat healthily and exercise. Effort played a more important role than controllability in evaluations of the target. Targets who put in effort to be healthy were ascribed fewer obesity stereotypes, evoked less disgust, and were considered to have a more acceptable lifestyle. These findings extend attribution theory and have implications for strategies to reduce weight bias.

Keywords:

• attribution theory
• controllability
• effort
• obesity
• stigma

Additional information

Notes on contributors

Melissa J. Black

Melissa J. Black is affiliated with the School of Psychology, UNSW Australia.

Nicole Sokol

Nicole Sokol was previously affiliated with the School of Psychology, UNSW Australia, and is now affiliated with the Department of Psychology, Macquarie University.

Lenny R. Vartanian

Lenny R. Vartanian is affiliated with the School of Psychology, UNSW Australia.