DOI
10.1037/sah0000563
Abstract
Media health campaigns often seek to bring awareness to medical conditions and to eradicate or, at least, minimize stigma. However, these campaigns can result in unintended consequences. In the current work, we examined elements of anorexia nervosa messages. Specifically, we compare a more biofocused approach to one focused on treatment. In doing so, we build on mindset theory and suggest that a biofocused message sends more of a static and stable message (fixed mindset), whereas treatment-focused communications send an implicit message that anorexia can change (growth mindset). We investigate how these messages and mindsets relate to stigma. Across three studies, participants in the growth mindset message (e.g., change is possible with treatment), relative to the fixed mindset message (e.g., anorexia is rooted in biology) conditions, reported greater blame, and via this mechanism, more stigma. However, they also reported less essentialism, and via this mechanism, less stigma. There were no changes in the levels of stigma across conditions. We conclude with the importance of understanding potential unintended consequences that can result from different health campaigns.
Document Type
Article
Publication Date
8-29-2024
Publisher Statement
Copyright © 2024, American Psychological Association.
DOI: https://doi.org/10.1037/sah0000563
The definitive version is available at: https://psycnet.apa.org/record/2025-17702-001
Recommended Citation
Hoyt, C. L., Burnette, J. L., Marston, A., Moore, M., Rosen, S., & Lavine, I. (2024). The role of health campaigns in stigma toward those with anorexia nervosa. Stigma and Health. Advance online publication. https://doi.org/10.1037/sah0000563
Included in
Community Psychology Commons, Medicine and Health Commons, Place and Environment Commons
