WEIGHT-BASED REJECTION SENSITIVITY, SOCIAL PHYSIQUE ANXIETY, AND MARITAL ATTITUDES IN INDIVIDUALS WITH ADIPOSITY

Abstract

This study aimed to investigate the relationship between weight-based rejection sensitivity, social physique anxiety, and marital attitude in individuals with adiposity. The relative contributions of demographic and clinical factors were also assessed. Using a correlational research design and purposive sampling, 98 individuals with adiposity were recruited, as determined by G*Power. The study hypothesized significant relationships among the key variables and proposed that weight-based rejection sensitivity would mediate the relationship between social physique anxiety and marital attitude. Additionally, it was hypothesized that sociodemographic factors would predict marital attitudes. Participants were assessed using a demographic information sheet, clinical information sheet, Weight-Based Rejection Sensitivity Scale, Social Physique Anxiety Scale, and Marital Attitude Scale. Data collection took place in healthcare facilities specializing in obesity and through online platforms. The findings revealed that both social physique anxiety and weight-based rejection sensitivity significantly predicted marital attitudes, with social physique anxiety having a stronger negative impact. Mediation analysis showed that social physique anxiety heightened sensitivity to weight-based rejection, leading to more negative marital attitudes. Furthermore, participants with higher incomes reported greater weight-based rejection sensitivity than those with lower incomes.