Finding the link between internalized weight-stigma and binge eating behaviors in Portuguese adult women with overweight and obesity: The mediator role of self-criticism and self-reassurance

Abstract

Literature has emphasized the negative role of internalized self-stigma in unhealthy eating behaviors in individuals with overweight and obesity. Still, less is known about the psychological processes that mediate this relationship. Self-criticism and the inability to reassure the self are considered to play crucial roles on eating behaviors. This study aims to: 1) explore the associations between BMI, weight self-stigma, self-criticism, self-reassurance and binge-eating; 2) explore differences in weight self-stigma and self-criticism tendencies between women with and without Binge Eating Disorder (BED); 3) test the mediator effect of self-criticism and self-reassurance on the relationship between weight self-stigma and binge-eating severity. Participants were 125 Portuguese adult women with overweight and obesity (MBMI= 34.44; SD =5.51). Participants were weighted and completed a set of self-report measures. BED was assessed through a clinical structured interview. Results showed that women with BED display higher levels of weight self-stigma and self-criticism and lower tendencies to be self reassuring, than women without BED. Additionally, the mediation model tested indicated that the effect of weight self-stigma on binge eating severity was in part partially mediated by a self-to-self relationship that is critical, harsh and punitive and by a decreased ability to be reassuring when facing setbacks. Overall, the model accounted for 45% of binge eating symptoms severity. These findings may inform clinical practice with clients who present high levels of weight self-stigma. Results suggest the relevance of targeting self-criticism and promoting a self-to-self relationship that is caring and reassuring, as a way of diminishing binge eating behaviors.