Determination of Relationship of Nursing Students’ Internalized Weight Bias, Depression and Eating Behavior

Aim: The aim of study was to evaluate relationship between level of nursing students’ internalized weight bias, depression and eating behaviour. Material and method: This descriptive study was carried out with 329 students. Weight Bias Internalization Scale, Eating Behavior Questionnaire, and Beck Depression Inventory have been using during the data collection. Number, percentage mean, standard deviation, t test and Pearson’s correlation test were used in the analysis of data. Results: It was found that 73.5% were female, 15.1% of participants’body mass indeks were 18.5, 61.7% were 18.5-24.9, and 23.2 % were between 25.0-40.0. A statistically significant difference was found between eating behaviour total scores, sub-scales emotional eating and student’s gender. It was found that the higher the average score of female students. A statiscially significant correlation was also found between body mass index and weight bias, we can assert that not only obese individuals but also slim individuals stigmatize themselves because of their weights. A positive and significant correlation was found between students’ total weight bias scores and total depression scores, eating behaviour’s sub-scales emotional eating, restrained eating, eating behaviour total scores and weight bias. Conclusion: In this study, a positive significant correlation was found between internalized weight bias, depression, and emotional eating and restrained eating which are among eating behaviors. When total scale scores in different weight categories were examine, we can assert that not only obese individuals but also slim individuals stigmatize themselves because of their weights. Fed to weigh the level of prejudice in the community, especially with the weight of internalized prejudice that should not be ignored in the struggle with it is considered.