Researchers surveyed 329 mental health specialists, asking about their weight biases, views about the causes of obesity, attitudes about treating obese patients, perceptions of treatment compliance of obese patients, and observations of weight bias among other practitioners.
Although the vast majority agreed that it is important to treat obese patients with compassion and respect, and felt confident about their own ability to provide quality care to these individuals, a substantial number said they had observed negative biases among other mental health practitioners. Among the findings:
In addition, participants expressed pessimism with respect to treatment outcomes of obese patients, despite the confidence they expressed in their ability to treat them:
Further, considerable numbers of mental health professionals expressed attitudes that may reflect their own inherent bias toward obese patients. Among the beliefs expressed in the study:
The authors assert that if obese patients feel stigmatized they may be reluctant to seek care, may cancel or delay appointments, or may postpone seeking important mental health services.
"The relationship that therapists develop with their patients is a critical part of health care delivery and treatment," said lead author, Rebecca Puhl, deputy director of the Rudd Center. "Efforts are needed to bring attention to the issue of weight bias and its negative consequences for individuals with obesity, as well as initiating stigma reduction efforts in training and clinical practice."
The paper was co-authored by Janet Latner, associate professor of psychology, University of Hawaii; Kelly King, former Rudd Center research associate; and Joerg Luedicke, Rudd Center statistical consultant.
Source: Yale University