Two studies explored reactions to the overweight by isolating the effects of weight
from other characteristics of the job applicant. The first study, which established the
existence of a stereotype, shows that the overweight are viewed consistently more
negatively than others on variables considered important for successful job performance. The second study experimentally investigated occupational discrimination
in a simulated hiring setting. Overweight applicants were less highly recommended
than average-weight persons despite objectively identical performances. The findings
are discussed m the context of current research on cognitive processes.
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