APS
2026 APS Annual Convention · 2026
Beliefs about the Controllability of Body Weight Are Related to Earlier Parental Weight Communication and More Negative Comments about Weight
- Rui Wu
University of Connecticut - Rebecca Puhl
University of Connecticut - Rebecca Puhl
University of Connecticut - Leah Lessard
University of Connecticut - Michelle Cardel
University of Florida - Michelle Cardel
University of Florida - Michelle Cardel
WW International, Inc - Gary Foster
University of Pennsylvania - Gary Foster
WW International, Inc
Abstract
Using two independent adolescent and parent datasets, this study found that parent communication about body weight commonly occurs with youth and is related both parent and adolescent weight-controllability beliefs. Higher weight-controllability beliefs were linked to more negative parental comments about weight. Interventions should target parental attributions to reduce weight stigma.
