Journal Article Summary
Social Psychology Article: Impact of Perceived Consensus on Stereotypes About Obese People:
A New Approach for Reducing Bias
Introduction
Stereotypes are unfair and untrue beliefs and or feelings about certain people, things, and
situations (Kassin, S., Fein, S., & Markus, H.R., 2021).The article speaks to the importance and
explores the relationship between perceived thoughts, beliefs, and the stereotypes surrounding
obese individuals. The study used multi-faceted approaches by, implementing surveys,
experiments, and a number of analysis to examine how changes in perceived notions influence
individuals' attitudes toward obese individuals. Some of the key findings suggest that when
individuals already have negative stereotypes about obesity, their own negative perceptions are
likely to decrease and hopefully promote improved outcomes for individuals that suffer from
obesity.
Purpose
This article was written to assess how individuals beliefs affects stereotypes as it relates
to obese individuals. The studys performed in this article essentially showed how negative
stereotypes can assist in altering and or influencing ones perception about an obese individual.
Overall the experiments that the authors introduced were done to provide insight on how all
individuals aren’t the same and contrary to popular belief those who suffer from obesity have a
variation of different issues (Puhl, R. M., Schwartz, M. B., & Brownell, K. D. 2005).
Hypothesis
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The article speaks to preconceived and misperceived perceptions of society’s beliefs and
negative stereotypes surrounding obese individuals. It hypothesizes that reducing these
misperceived notions surrounding these negative views can lead to a decrease in individual bias
against obese individuals.
Methodology
Sample
Sixty ungraduate participants male and female.They all averaged at about 19-20 years
old. Their body mass index was about 23.13kg. Eighty percent of the participants were
Caucasian. Ten percent being Asian and seven percent Hispanic (Puhl, R. M., Schwartz, M. B.,
& Brownell, K. D. (2005).
Measures
There was an Obese Persons Trait Survey was used which uses 20 stereotypical traits.
The 20 traits are split evenly with 10 traits being negative and 10 traits being positive. The traits
that were choosen were used based off of previously reported weight stereotypes (Puhl, R. M.,
Schwartz, M. B., & Brownell, K. D. (2005). The Beliefs About Obese Persons scale was also
used and this needs no explaination it is esstentially the determination between if an individual
has control over their obesity or not. The final measure that was used was the Marlowe- Crowne
Social Desiriability Scale based on an individuals response to the items on the scale one this a
determining factor on how one may view the world.
Procedures
This was a two part session. In the first session participants were informed that they were
going to be apart of a study. During this study they study were going to provide their own
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judgement about a different group of individuals. Each participant was given a survey to feel out
the OPTS and they had to complete a BOAP. In the second session the experimenter went over
the surveys with the varis participants and provided with unique feedback and informed them of
what their results rendered (Puhl, R. M., Schwartz, M. B., & Brownell, K. D. (2005).
Results
Women gave higher mean ratings of positive traits about obese individuals in comparison
to men (Puhl, R. M., Schwartz, M. B., & Brownell, K. D. 2005). Participants who had
precevieved stereotypes versus individuals who didn’t believe that individuals have personal
control over obesity. Where as individuals who don’t stereotype or didn’t have preconceived
influences about obesity feel as if there are uncontrollable causes.
Practical Significance
This study was relevant because it is a potential guide to aid and combat stereotypes
against those who suffer from obesity. “Although there is agreement about the need to address
the complex medical implications of obesity, efforts must increase to change the hostile societal
environment that many obese people face, a change that will require psychological and social
targets of intervention” (Puhl, R. M., Schwartz, M. B., & Brownell, K. D. 2005). It is important
that positive attributes are spoken amongst those who stereotype obesity and those who suffer
from it. This is to ensure that the individuals who suffer from it don’t feel alone and suffer from
other unforseen issues.
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References
Kassin, S., Fein, S., & Markus, H. R. (2021). Social Psychology. Cengage Learning
Puhl, R. M., Schwartz, M. B., & Brownell, K. D. (2005). Impact of Perceived Consensus on
Stereotypes About Obese People: A New Approach for Reducing Bias.DHealth
Psychology.,D24(5), 517–525. https://doi.org/10.1037/0278-6133.24.5.517
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