Advisory Committee Chair
Gareth Dutton
Document Type
Dissertation
Date of Award
2024
Degree Name by School
Doctor of Philosophy (PhD) College of Arts and Sciences
Abstract
Both racial discrimination and weight stigma have been identified as risk factors for poorer mental, physical, and social health. College students are vulnerable to the effects of stigma, as they greatly value peer acceptance and friendships during a pivotal time of emotional and health behavior development. The present study was the first to use social network analysis to examine the impact of weight and racial discrimination on the development of college social relationships and how these experiences influence students’ physical and mental health. 1330 participants (69% of on-campus freshmen) completed a brief survey on social networks, physical health, mental health, and stigma. The study found that individuals developed friendships with others similar to them in weight, and the strength of this relationship was moderated by the presence of weight stigma in one’s social networks. Individuals with higher BMI also had reduced social connectedness. Weight stigma in one’s social networks was associated with several reduced physical and mental health outcomes; however, social connectedness did not improve health among those with overweight and obesity. When evaluating race/ethnicity and racial discrimination in networks, Individuals often formed ties with same-race/ethnicity peers, but the effect of racial discrimination on same-race/ethnicity affiliation differed across racial groups. Minority students had similarly dense social networks relative to White students and had more ties in high discrimination networks. Racial discrimination in one’s network did not appear to negatively impact mental health. Finally, having more friends of other races and ethnicities was associated with reduced mental health among minority students, a finding not observed for White students. Together, findings suggest that minoritized college students have differential access to social networks and less ability to benefit from these networks as sources of social support relative to majority groups. Weight discrimination appeared to pervasively influence social connection as well as mental health for students with overweight and obestiy. Further research should clarify mechanisms and processes of action, but this study offers initial insights into the multitude of ways that discrimination may contribute to health disparities through social networks.
Recommended Citation
Borgatti, Alena C., "The Freshman Life And Student Health (Flash) Study: Using Social Network Analysis To Understand How Obesity And Stigma Impact Emerging Adult Health" (2024). All ETDs from UAB. 3843.
https://digitalcommons.library.uab.edu/etd-collection/3843