From: I’m not just fat, I’m old: has the study of body image overlooked “old talk”?
Theme | Definition | Example responses | Initial responses % | Entire conversation % | Kappa |
---|---|---|---|---|---|
Denial | Participant denies that friend is fat | “You’re not fat at all.” | 63.9 | 64.75 | .85 |
Empathy | Participant indicates that she or others can relate to feeling fat and being upset | “Ah I know how you feel.” “I can totally understand the feeling.” | 12.65 | 23.15 | .78 |
Probing | Participant questions friend as to why she feels fat | “What makes you feel like this?” “Why what’s wrong?” | 13.10 | 15.75 | .84 |
Evidence | Friend provides evidence to support the statement that she is actually fat | “Yes I am. Look at this (then grabs her love handles).” | - | 50.5 | .70 |
Causes | Participant discusses or inquires about the causes contributing to friend’s belief | “You need to stop watching these dumb rom coms.” “Have you not been exercising lately? Or is it PMS?” | - | 11.0 | .82 |
Action | Participant suggests or prompts plan of action | “Well have you tried eating better?” | - | 26.7 | .84 |
I’m fat, you’re not | Participant disagrees by commenting on her own fatness | “I don’t think you are fat, but I am.” | - | 6.75 | .75 |
Healthy Ideal | Participant actively promotes health instead of appearance | “The important thing is that you feel healthy and happy.” | - | 4.5 | .77 |
Discount | Participant or friend rejects the other’s denial that they are not fat | “Whatever, you’re only saying that because you have to.” | - | 28.7 | .89 |
Disengage | Participant actively dismisses and attempts to stop the fat talk | “Don’t say that!” | - | 13.0 | .90 |