ERIC Number: ED656834
Record Type: Non-Journal
Publication Date: 2022
Pages: 267
Abstractor: As Provided
ISBN: 979-8-3828-9553-6
ISSN: N/A
EISSN: N/A
Investigating the Relationship between Weight Stigma and Academic and Social Integration in Women College Students
Aliza Boritz
ProQuest LLC, Ph.D. Dissertation, University of Connecticut
The low six-year graduation rate among American college students has been the focus of higher education research and practice for decades. At the same time, the increase in the societal focus on weight status has coincided with an increase in the experience of weight bias and weightbased discrimination in educational settings. However, little research has been conducted outside of K-12 educational contexts. Using an intersectional lens to explore college student integration, this study employed a qualitative, photo-elicitation research methodology to gain insight into influence of weight stigma on academic and social integration among ten undergraduate women. Participants engaged in a three-phased research process that included a semistructured intake interview, a photovoice exploration, and semistructured photo-elicitation interview. Participants reported that their experiences of weight stigma negatively influenced their academic and social integration. Participants also reported the stigmatizing influence of exposure to social networking sites, specifically Instagram. The findings of this study suggest that weight stigma is a relevant, yet underexamined, factor that may be related to reduced levels of academic and social integration for the participants in this study. In addition, the findings highlight the need for further research into the relationship between weight stigma, student retention and graduation rates. [The dissertation citations contained here are published with the permission of ProQuest LLC. Further reproduction is prohibited without permission. Copies of dissertations may be obtained by Telephone (800) 1-800-521-0600. Web page: http://bibliotheek.ehb.be:2222/en-US/products/dissertations/individuals.shtml.]
Descriptors: Body Weight, Social Bias, College Students, Females, Social Integration, Social Media, Academic Persistence, Graduation Rate, College Environment, Undergraduate Students
ProQuest LLC. 789 East Eisenhower Parkway, P.O. Box 1346, Ann Arbor, MI 48106. Tel: 800-521-0600; Web site: http://bibliotheek.ehb.be:2222/en-US/products/dissertations/individuals.shtml
Publication Type: Dissertations/Theses - Doctoral Dissertations
Education Level: Higher Education; Postsecondary Education
Audience: N/A
Language: English
Sponsor: N/A
Authoring Institution: N/A
Grant or Contract Numbers: N/A