Determination of the level internalized WeİGHT bias and self-compassion in obese individuals

Aim: This study aims to determine internalized weight bias and level of self- compassion in individuals diagnosed with obesity. Material and Method: The study was conducted in the dietary outpatient clinics of Malatya Training and Research Hospital and Darende Hulusi Efendi State Hospital between August 2022 and November 2022. The study was conducted with 260 individuals met the research criteria who were registered in dietetic outpatient clinics. The data were collected using the Introductory Information Form, Internalized Weight Bias Scale, and the Self-Compassion Scale Short-Form (SCS-SF). Number, percentage, mean, average total scores, standard deviation, min-max, One-way ANOVA, and Independent Samples t-test were used to analyze the data. Results: The total scores in the internalized weight bias scale and the self- compassion scale of the individuals who participated in the study were above the moderate level. There was a statistically significant negative (r=-0.701) high-level relationship between the internalized weight bias and the self-compassion scale score averages, and a statistically significant (r=0.155) positive weak relationship between BMI and the internalized weight bias level. Multiple linear regression analysis revealed that gender, BMI, and self-compassion level were effective (R=0.729 R2=0.532) on the stigmatization level (F=35.648 p<0.01). Conclusion: It was found that internalized weight bias decreased as self-compassion increased and internalized weight bias increased as body mass index increased in individuals with obesity who participated in the study. In the treatment of obesity, effective coping strategies can be provided to enable individuals to cope with their internalized weight biases, and it is recommended to carry out interventions that will increase their self-compassion. Keywords: Internalized Weight Bias, Obesity, Self-compassion, Psychiatric Nursing.