Fat in School: Applied Interdisciplinarity as a Basis for Consultation in Oppressive Social Context

Abstract

Children and youth in schools are subject to the effects of the larger culture's attitudes and values related to body size. When negatively biased, these attitudes and values can have detrimental effects and thus emerge as relevant to educational and psychological consultants. Drawing on the nascent field of Fat Studies with its focus on the cultural meanings attached to large bodies, we identify direct implications of fat phobia for school-age children and youth. Via a brief case example, an initial review of literature, and several examples of health-positive programming, we describe the social justice implications of fat phobia for consultants in school and community settings. In this consideration of the role of consultants for addressing fat bias and supporting health, we also suggest the merit of applied interdisciplinarity as a strong ground for consultation research and practice. The academic area of Fat Studies provides illustration of the integration of disciplinary perspectives (e.g., sociology, anthropology, biology, psychology). Educational and psychological consultation is ideally situated for systematically engaging such interdisciplinarity in support of practical outcomes that are healthy, sustainable, and socially just.

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Notes on contributors

Mary M. Clare

Mary M. Clare, PhD, is Professor of Counseling Psychology in the graduate school at Lewis & Clark College. She is also a Senior Fellow with the Portland State University Hatfield School of Government and pursues scholarly investigation of ideas and practices of social justice and leadership.

Elise A. Ardron-Hudson

Elise A. Ardron-Hudson, is a master's degree candidate in Marriage and Family Therapy (MFT) at Southern Connecticut State University. In addition to course work, an internship at a local nonprofit, and facilitating a queer support group on campus, Elise is a funded research fellow investigating competencies among MFT's work with the LGBTQ community.

Jessica Grindell

Jessica Grindell, MA, was recently awarded her master's degree in Psychological and Cultural Studies from Lewis & Clark College. She holds graduate certificates in Eating Disorders and Documentary Studies and is currently pursuing clinical applications of documentary film making in support of psychological health and healing.

Note: The authors report that to the best of their knowledge neither they nor their affiliated institutions have financial or personal relationships or affiliations that could influence or bias the opinions, decisions, or work presented in this article.