Assessing anti-fat bias in preschoolers: A comparison of a computer generated line-drawn figure array and photographic figure array

This study examined differences in preschoolers’ ratings of anti-fat bias and identification of current body size depending on the realism of the figure array used: computer generated line-drawn or photographic. Children reported strong anti-fat bias with both arrays. However, less extreme bias was elicited with the photographic figure array. In addition, children were inaccurate reporters of their current body size when both figure arrays were used. However, children were consistent in their selection of figures that were thinner than their actual body size. Children's consistent selection of thinner figures as representative of their current body size may be an additional indicator of anti-fat bias. Overall, these results suggest that some of the anti-fat bias observed in preschoolers is attributable to less realistic figure arrays. Therefore, photographic figure arrays are proposed as a better measurement tool in the assessment of anti-fat bias in preschoolers.

► Evidence of strong anti-fat bias regardless of figure array used (computer generated line-drawn or photographic).
► Realism of figure array influenced ratings of anti-fat bias.
► Computer generated line-drawn figure array elicited greater anti-fat bias.
► Children were not accurate reporters of body size regardless of figure array used, but were consistent in the selection of thinner figures.
► Photographic figure array is preferred measurement tool in assessment of anti-fat bias in preschoolers.