(PS8-A16) Weight Bias Internalization and Thin Ideal Internalization as Independent Correlates of Body Dissatisfaction Across Body Mass Index

Weight bias internalization (WBI) and thin ideal internalization (TII) are both sociocultural factors in which beliefs about body size are central. WBI relates to the internalized negative feelings towards one’s body size, whereas TII relates to the internalization of the societal belief that being thin is desirable. Prior research highlights the contributions of WBI and TII to body dissatisfaction, yet no research has examined the independent contributions of TII and WBI to disordered eating cognitions and behaviors. These constructs may overlap in that internalizing the belief that being thin is good may increase feelings of shame about one’s own body. If these constructs are the same, current treatment and prevention efforts aimed at decreasing TII would be sufficient. If they are different, approaches to decreasing body dissatisfaction may need to be adapted to include a focus on both TII and WBI. The present study examined the independent contributions of WBI and TII to body dissatisfaction. We hypothesized that TII and WBI would be associated with body dissatisfaction above and beyond the effects of the other. Additionally, we examined the role of body mass index (BMI) in the relatedness of WBI and TII, independent of body dissatisfaction. We hypothesized that as BMI increases, the relationship between WBI and TII would become more strongly correlated. Undergraduate students (N= 434; 87.7% White; 80.7% female) completed the Modified Weight Bias Internalization Scale, the Thin Ideal Internalization subscale of the Sociocultural Attitudes Towards Appearance Questionnaire, and the Body Dissatisfaction subscale of the Eating Pathology Symptoms Inventory. BMI was calculated using self-reported height and weight. As hypothesized, both WBI (β = 0.63, p < .01) and TII (β = 0.23, p < .01) were associated with body dissatisfaction in mutually adjusted models. Counter to our hypothesis, the relationship between TII and WBI did not differ by BMI (β = 0.02, p = .91).  Results suggest that TII and WBI are independent correlates of body dissatisfaction, regardless of weight status. TII and WBI are distinct constructs that should both be targeted in the prevention and treatment of body dissatisfaction. Understanding that these constructs independently contribute to body dissatisfaction suggests that challenging societal expectations of thinness may not be sufficient in improving body satisfaction- targeting social denigration of larger bodies, and the internalization of these attitudes, is also needed. Future research should evaluate interventions targeting both constructs.