Couples losing kinship: A systematic review of weight stigma in romantic relationships

Abstract

Romantic relationship quality is a robust predictor of health and well-being. With increasing awareness of the pervasiveness and harm of weight stigma, it is important to understand the role of weight stigma within romantic relationships. This systematic review sought to synthesize the findings of research examining the association between weight stigma and relationship functioning. Following PRISMA guidelines, 32 relevant articles were identified. Only nine assessed or manipulated weight stigma directly; most measured body mass index (BMI) and examined associations with relationship outcomes. Although, the association between BMI and relationship functioning was inconsistent across studies, weight stigma, most notably in the form of weight criticism between partners, was consistently associated with poorer relationship functioning, including lower relationship satisfaction, sexual intimacy, relationship stability, and constructive communication during conflict. The existing literature is limited by convenience samples of primarily White, heterosexual adults in individualistic countries. Several studies reinforced and expressed weight stigmatizing beliefs due to reliance on weight-normative perspectives on health to interpret findings. Future research is encouraged to examine the association between weight stigma and relationship functioning and underlying mechanisms using dyadic, longitudinal designs that incorporate weight-inclusive approaches. The development of couples-based interventions to address weight stigma in relationships is sorely needed.