Examining psychologists’ perceptions of weight, dieting and health : a social constructionist perspective

Abstract

This study explores clinical psychologists’ perceptions of the concepts of weight, health and dieting through a social constructionist lens. It aims to examine what meanings are attached to these concepts and how these meanings influence work with clients. Semi-structured interviews were carried out with seven participants who had at any point throughout their career, worked with persons with eating issues, eating disorders or body image issues. The findings were analysed using reflexive thematic analysis. Five themes were identified: “I prefer to make healthy choices… than to starve”, too fat requires intervention, desiring thinness: normative or pathological?, the beauty ideal, and the psychologist’s role: beyond the number on the scale. Participants rejected notions of dieting while advocating for a ‘healthy lifestyle’, constructed being fat as problematic, and weight loss as a desired goal, only if it is not taken to an extreme. Participants also discussed the social constructions of beauty within society and highlighted their roles as psychologists as addressing issues that go beyond food and weight. These findings can generate more awareness about how ideals of weight, health and dieting are embedded within the larger sociocultural context and how these perceptions can influence the therapeutic space and work with clients.