Cognitive dissonance for weight stigma reduction: The development and effect of a counter-attitudinal advocacy intervention.

ABSTRACT: Weight stigmatization is persistent and pervasive, leading to numerous negative consequences. This study developed a weight stigma reduction intervention rooted in Cognitive Dissonance Theory aimed at reducing stigma towards individuals living in larger bodies. Undergraduate students (N = 325) were randomized to one of three conditions: Cognitive Dissonance (i.e., Written Advocacy or Written + Vocalized Advocacy) or Control. Participants in both Cognitive Dissonance conditions provided a written statement advocating for a proposal benefiting individuals living in larger bodies that would be somewhat costly to participants. Those in the Written + Vocalized Advocacy condition also vocalized their arguments to further enhance dissonance. It was hypothesized that compared to Controls, particip

SUBMITTER: Montemarano V 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC12401639 | biostudies-literature | 2025 Oct

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature