Socioeconomic variation in attitudes to eating and weight in female adolescents

Wardle, J., Robb, K.A. , Johnson, F., Griffith, J., Brunner, E., Power, C. and Tovée, M. (2004) Socioeconomic variation in attitudes to eating and weight in female adolescents. Health Psychology, 23(3), pp. 275-282. (doi: 10.1037/0278-6133.23.3.275)

Abstract

This study was stimulated by J. Sobal and A. J. Stunkard's (1989) theory that differences in deliberate weight control could underlie the socioeconomic gradient in adult weight. Female adolescents (N=1,248) completed measures of socioeconomic status, social norms for weight, weight ideals, attitudes to weight, and weight control behaviors. Higher socioeconomic status adolescents had greater awareness of the social ideals of slimness and had more family and friends who were trying to lose weight. They also defined a lower body mass index as "fat" and were more likely to have used healthy weight control methods. The results support the idea that socioeconomic differences in weight-related attitudes and behaviors may mediate the development of a gradient in weight.

• Item Type: Articles
• Status: Published
• Refereed: Yes
• Glasgow Author(s) Enlighten ID: Robb, Professor Katie
• Authors: Wardle, J., Robb, K.A., Johnson, F., Griffith, J., Brunner, E., Power, C., and Tovée, M.
• College/School: College of Medical Veterinary and Life Sciences > School of Health & Wellbeing > General Practice and Primary Care; College of Medical Veterinary and Life Sciences > School of Health & Wellbeing > Mental Health and Wellbeing
• Journal Name: Health Psychology
• ISSN: 0278-6133
• ISSN (Online): 1930-7810