Objectives/Goals
This research study attempts to identify the traits
or qualities that people associate with persons who are obese. Research has
shown that obese persons are wrongfully discriminated against because of their weight.
Obesity is defined as a state of being #very fat or
overweight. (Webster’s Encyclopedic Unabridged Dictionary, 1996). Approximately
34% of the adult and child population in the United States is obese.
This is blamed primarily on the sedentary life style
and poor eating habits of many Americans.
In a world of video games, television, and fast food
restaurants, it is no wonder that obesity is a rising problem. Research has
shown that once obese, persons are faced with bias and discrimination in the workplace,
schools, basketball courts, and in other aspects of life. This in turn can lead
to a life of loneliness, ridicule and social isolation.
Methods/Materials
Sixty-three male and female subjects were surveyed utilizing
a three-paged survey. Subjects varied in age from 10 to greater than 60 years.
Subjects were asked to complete a written survey which contained personal
demographics and ascertained the participant’s opinion on the traits or
qualities of the photos of persons on the survey. The persons pictured on the
survey were both subjects who were obese and those who were not.
Results
Results of the survey reveal that people have strong
biases against obese or overweight subjects. Subject’s overwhelmingly associated negative traits
and qualities to obese persons pictured on the survey.
Not only did they associate negative traits, but
they failed to associate positive traits or qualities to the obese persons
pictured in the survey. These results support the hypothesis that if a person
is obese, the obesity may jeopardize their chance for success in life.
Conclusions/Discussion
Obese persons were rated by survey participants to
possess traits and qualities which are negative and likely to limit their
chance at success. The study found that participants demonstrate a bias against
persons who are obese.
The obese were found to have negative physical
traits, poor habits and behaviors, psychological handicaps, and poor quality of
life and chances for success. Despite this extensive display of bias against
the obese, subjects nonetheless chose the obese persons as the individual most
likely to be their best friend.
Project Summary
More negative traits are associated with obese
persons as compared to those who are not obese.
Project by Matthew W. Alexander
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