THE SOCIAL SIDE OF FAT TALK: EFFECTS OF SELF-RELEVANT UNCERTAINTY AND AUDIENCE TYPE

Abstract

A negative body image discourse termed "fat talk" occurs frequently in female peer groups, reinforcing the thin ideal. Although much research examined it in relation to body dissatisfaction, the current studies focused on possible social contributors of this phenomenon. In Study 1, a questionnaire was administered to 99 Singaporean female college students to explore the prevalence and characteristics of fat talk in this community. Quantitative and qualitative data showed that fat talk generally constitutes genuine co-rumination about appearance among close friends, sustained by mutual confiding and reassurance. Study 2 was an experiment conducted to investigate effects of self-relevant uncertainty and audience type on fat talk. Ninety female participants were subjected to uncertainty (collective vs. individual) or control condition, and subsequently responded to scenarios involving their in-group and out-group. Fat talk was found to be more common in the in-group compared to out-group, and its tendency did not differ across conditions of uncertainty. A marginally significant relationship also emerged whereby individuals who experienced collective self uncertainty demonstrated increased tendency to engage in fat talk with their in-group. This research suggests that fat talk signifies friendship and belongingness. Implications and limitations were discussed with reference to existing literature for fat talk.