Sizism: The Invisible “ism” Carina Esteban, Psy.D. Wiggsy Sivertsen, LCSW San José State University Counseling Services

Learning Objectives  To identify multiple areas in which weight discrimination and sizism occur.  To demonstrate familiarity with the social and psychological issues related to weight discrimination and sizism.  To apply the knowledge acquired toward combating weight discrimination and sizism on college campuses.

Program Syllabus 1.Identifying Areas of Discrimination 2.Discussing Social Stigmas 3.Addressing Related Psychological Issues 4.Debunking Myths and Stereotypes 5.Exploring Ways to Combat Sizism on a College Campus

Identifying Areas of Weight Discrimination  Employment Discrimination  Medical and Health Care Discrimination  Educational Discrimination  Other (anecdotal)

Social Stigma  Crandall’s Social Ideology Perspective  Culture-bound values: Self-determination, Individualism, and Self-discipline can lead to anti-fat attitudes.  Racial/Ethnic Considerations  Stunkard and Sobel  Obesity is a physical state. It does not create psychological burden, people do.  Attribution Models  Social Consensus Theory

Psychological Issues  Internalized “Fatphobia”  Depression  Anxiety  Low Self-esteem  Guilt and Shame  Eating Disorders

Myths and Stereotypes  Myth: “If fat people really wanted to, they could lose weight.”  Myth: “It’s not healthy to be fat.”  Myth: “All fat people are compulsive overeaters.”  Myth: “Fat people are ugly.”  Myth: “Fat people can’t find romantic partners.”

Combating Sizism on a College Campus  Stigma Reduction Strategies  Education  Education re: Etiology of Obesity  Education re: the biological, genetic, and uncontrollable reasons for obesity  Awareness Training of how biases manifest  Being attentive to special needs  Increasing Intergroup contact  In an environment where all have equal status and non- stereotypical interactions  Communicating positive attitudes of obese people