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Abstract
Weight bias and discrimination based on body size and shape is prevalent in the United States. Counselors are subject to these cultural influences, and they have an ethical obligation to avoid imposing their values and beliefs on clients. However, there is limited empirical data about sizeism in the counseling field. This study aimed to understand novice counselors' attitudes and beliefs about weight and body image using Q methodology. Q methodology is an inherently mixed-methods approach to systematically explore subjectivity. Practicing counselors who had graduated within the last three years from CACREP-accredited master’s in clinical mental health counseling programs in the southern United States were selected through purposive sampling. Twenty-four participants sorted 60 statements, called a Q sort, and five of the participants also completed an optional post-sort interview. Four factors emerged in the analysis and were interpreted from the data. These factors were named Body Positivists, Body Liberators, Body Choosers, and Body Changers. The results have implications for counseling practice, counselor education, supervision, and Q methodology.
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