Understanding and addressing weight stigma in clinical psychology training.
Official title: Weight Stigma among Doctoral Clinical Psychology Students: Examining Change and Testing Underlying Mechanisms.
Funded at Nova Southeastern University · NIH-10936214 · Data updated 2026-11-12
This study is looking at how negative feelings about weight can impact the health of people who are heavier or feel that way, and it’s also training psychology students to communicate better and be more understanding, so they can provide kinder and more supportive care to those affected.
Quick facts
| Grant type | NIH-funded research |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | Nova Southeastern University NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Fort Lauderdale-Davie, UNITED STATES) |
| Project start | August 15, 2024 |
| Project end | July 31, 2028 |
| Funding year | 2024 |
| Award (this year) | $192,500 |
| NIH project number | 1R16GM154692-01 |
| Project ID | NIH-10936214 on NIH RePORTER |
Who could benefit from this research
✓Could help
Ideal candidates for this research are individuals who experience weight stigma, including those with higher body weights and those with lower BMI who perceive themselves as heavy.
✕Less likely to help
Patients who do not experience weight stigma or those who are not engaged in clinical psychology services may not benefit from this research.
What this research studies
This research investigates how weight stigma affects the health and well-being of individuals with higher body weights and those who perceive themselves as heavy. It focuses on the training of doctoral clinical psychology students to improve their communication skills and reduce biases related to body image and weight. By examining changes in weight stigma during their training, the study aims to identify effective strategies for providing weight-inclusive care and enhancing the quality of healthcare for affected individuals. The research employs a combination of theoretical and empirical methods to explore the mechanisms that contribute to weight stigma in clinical settings.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this research could lead to improved healthcare experiences and outcomes for individuals affected by weight stigma.
How similar studies have gone: Previous research has shown that training in healthcare disciplines can reinforce weight stigma, indicating that addressing this issue is both necessary and timely.
Where this research is happening
-
Nova Southeastern University
Fort Lauderdale-Davie, United States Active
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Brochu, Paula — Nova Southeastern University
- Study coordinator: Brochu, Paula
About this research
- This is an active NIH-funded research project — typically early-stage science, not a clinical trial accepting patient enrollment.
- Some NIH-funded labs run parallel clinical studies or seek volunteers for related work. To check, contact the principal investigator or institution listed above.
- For full project details, budget, and progress reports, visit the official NIH RePORTER page.