Youth experiences with multiple types of prejudice-based harassment

A Longitudinal Analysis of Risk and Protective Factors of Bias-Based Bullying Victimization Among Adolescents

Bias-based bullying (i.e., bullying targeting actual or perceived aspects of one's identity) is a form of interpersonal victimization that has adverse consequences for youth functioning. While research has documented foundational knowledge on bias-based bullying, few studies have incorporated a multilevel longitudinal approach to examining theorized risk and protective factors of this complex phenomenon. The current study addresses this gap by investigating predictors (e.g., school climate and state laws) at multiple social-ecological levels and comparing the magnitude of coefficients. Three data sources were used: (a) data from a sample of adolescents (N = 639) participating in a four-wave longitudinal study regarding their experiences with bias-based bullying, (b) external data on enumerated anti-bullying laws, and (c) external data on protected categories in state hate crime statutes. We estimated a series of latent growth curve models to examine trajectories of bias-based bullying victimization over the 18-month study period and added social-ecological predictors (sociodemographic characteristics, peer support, family support, school climate, enumerated anti-bullying laws, and an index of protected categories in state hate crime laws) of bias-based bullying victimization. Key findings documented that sexual minority youth and youth identifying as another racial identity, non-Hispanic had higher initial bias-based bullying victimization scores, with sexual minority youth decreasing at a significantly more rapid rate than heterosexual youth. Peer support, family support, school climate, and enumerated anti-bullying laws were significantly associated with the intercept factor (i.e., initial status) of bias-based bullying victimization. Notably, school climate emerged as an important protective factor in the fully adjusted model, predicting initial bias-based bullying victimization scores. This study provides new information on risk and protective factors and is critical for tailoring prevention and intervention efforts to mitigate this form of victimization. Bolstering support for vulnerable youth and promoting a positive school climate are recommended.

Adolescent experiences of weight-related communication: Sociodemographic differences and the role of parents

BACKGROUND

Weight-related conversations are common between adolescents and parents. However, there is limited understanding of how these conversations vary across sociodemographic groups, such as sex, sexual orientation, race/ethnicity, or parents' level of education. This study assessed the prevalence of weight-related communication among adolescents and parents across sociodemographic characteristics, and identified adolescents' preferred sources for these discussions.

METHODS

Quantitative data were collected through online surveys from two independent U.S.

SAMPLES

adolescents aged 10-17 years of age (N = 2032), and parents of children aged 10-17 years of age (N = 1936). Frequency and sources of weight-related communication were assessed. Sociodemographic factors were analysed for their associations with these communication patterns.

RESULTS

While few differences emerged based on race/ethnicity or grade level, significant variation was observed for sex, sexual orientation, and parental education. Girls, sexual minority youth, high school students, and those with college-educated parents were more likely to communicate about their own weight, whereas boys were more likely to comment on others' weight. Most adolescents preferred healthcare professionals (71%) and parents (69%) for these conversations, although sexual minority youth preferred mental health professionals considerably more than parents. Among parents, 77% discussed their child's weight, with fathers and Latinx parents engaging more frequently in these conversations, and Black parents engaging least frequently.

CONCLUSION

Weight-related communication is prevalent among adolescents and parents, with variation across sociodemographic characteristics. As healthcare professionals and parents were identified as the preferred sources for weight-related communication by adolescents across sociodemographic groups, it is important that paediatricians and parents are equipped to engage in these conversations without imparting stigma.

In the United States, children are more likely than adults to condone discrimination

Discriminatory acts (i.e., harmful acts motivated by the victim's group membership) have outsized consequences for the victim and for society relative to similar harms committed for other reasons. Here, we investigated the development of children's evaluations of discrimination. Specifically, we asked whether children in the U.S., like adults, perceive discriminatory acts as distinctly harmful-that is, more harmful than identical acts that are not motivated by the victim's membership in a particular group. Across 4 studies, we examined children's (N = 588; ages 4-9 years) and adults' (N = 623) perceptions of discriminatory acts versus identical acts motivated by other, personal reasons (Studies 1 and 2). In contrast to adults, children-particularly younger ones-rated the discriminatory acts as least harmful. In addition, whereas adults rated discrimination motivated by the victim's membership in an unfamiliar social category (similar to gender or race) as more harmful than discrimination motivated by membership in an unfamiliar task-based group (a sports team), children did not (Study 3). Finally, both adults and older (but not younger) children rated discrimination against a member of a lower-status (vs. equal-status) group as more harmful (Study 4). These findings advance theory on the development of sociomoral cognition and provide new insight into how children perceive instances of discrimination and bias in their everyday lives.

Bias-Based Bullying Among Sexual and Gender Minority Youth Living With Disabilities

Both sexual and gender minority youth (SGMY) and youth living with disabilities are disproportionately impacted by bias-based bullying in school settings. While research has separately examined how sexual and gender minority status and disability status are associated with experiences of bullying, very little research has explored the experiences of youth living with these identities simultaneously. This study examined to what extent SGMY report differential experiences of bias-based bullying depending on various identities and the type of disability an individual reports. Utilizing a diverse sample of SGMY aged 13-17 (N = 2,239), multinomial logistic regression analyses were conducted to test whether there were differences in the likelihood of being bullied for having specific identities, based on disability type, among SGMY. Results indicated a variety of differences in bullying based on gender expression, gender identity, sexual orientation, sexual and gender minority identity, and disability. Participants who reported having a mental disability were more likely to experience multiple forms of bias-based bullying surrounding their gender identity, gender expression, sexual orientation, sexual and gender minority status, and disability type when compared with other gender minority youth with disabilities. These findings may help to inform supportive services in school settings.

Reported higher general early-life bullying victimization is uniquely associated with more eating pathology and poor psychosocial well-being in Chinese sexual minority men

General early-life bullying victimization has been used as an early-life marker of eating and body image disturbances and poor psychosocial well-being later in life. We expand existing research in this area to Chinese sexual minority (SM) men, a vulnerable and under-researched subgroup, by considering associations of general early-life bullying victimization with current eating and body image disturbances and poor psychosocial well-being. We assessed demographics, general early-life bullying victimization, past appearance teasing, current thinness- and muscularity-oriented eating and body image disturbances, and current psychosocial well-being in Chinese SM men (N = 433). Correlation and hierarchical linear regressions examined the study hypotheses. Beyond covariates (e.g., age) and past appearance teasing, general early-life bullying victimization explained significant, unique variance in all outcome variables. Specifically, higher general early-life bullying victimization was uniquely associated with more current thinness- and muscularity-oriented eating and body image disturbances and poor psychosocial well-being. Consistent with research in the Western context, findings suggest that general early-life bullying victimization is a meaningful, positive correlate of current eating and body image disturbances and poor psychosocial well-being in Chinese SM men. Future research considering sexual minority stress as a theoretical backdrop may help explain associations between general early-life bullying victimization and negative health outcomes.

Victimization experiences, internalizing problems and family bonds among adolescents from the UK: multi-group structural equation modeling using an intersectionality-informed approach

Adolescents from marginalized backgrounds are at increased risk for victimization experiences, which was shown for ethnic minorities and females. However, an intersectional approach has rarely been taken in research. Using the Understanding Society Youth Panel, multigroup structural equation models were conducted to identify cross-group variation among adolescents aged 10-15 years in the relation between victimization experiences (verbal, physical and cyberbullying, discrimination) and internalizing problems (loneliness, emotional problems, life satisfaction), along with a mediating effect of family bonds (family support, parental communication). The groups white male (n = 280), white female (n = 280), Black, Asian and minority ethnic (BAME) male (n = 219) and BAME female (n = 279) were included in the analyses. Across all groups, victimization experiences were negatively associated with family bonds. Only among BAME male adolescents, experiences of victimization were related to more internalizing problems. No mediating effects of family bonds on the relation between victimization and internalizing problems were identified in any group. The results support an intersectionality-informed approach and the necessity of implementing preventative anti-bullying and family strengthening interventions among adolescents.

Geographical Variation in the Associations Between School Characteristics and Homophobic Bullying: a Contextual Analysis

Homophobic bullying constitutes a serious threat to adolescent well-being and could be understood as an ecological phenomenon, influenced by diverse school, regional, and community contexts. This study examined geographic variations in the relationship between school characteristics and homophobic bullying. Data from 2244 California schools, including student surveys and administrative records, were combined and analyzed using geographically weighted regression (GWR). Results showed that the associations between school characteristics and general victimization were consistent across geographic areas. However, when it came to homophobic bullying, the relationships with school characteristics varied significantly based on location. Notably, regions with high intolerance, urbanity, large school size, and small student-teacher ratios appeared to offer protection against bullying. Additionally, student socioeconomic status influenced bullying in disadvantaged rural schools with limited Gay-Straight Alliance (GSA) presence. Ethnic diversity also played a role, with low diversity or dominance of two ethnic groups linked to higher bullying rates.

Prevention of, and response to, sexual harassment at secondary school: A system map

BACKGROUND

Sexual harassment in secondary school is common but only recently acknowledged as a widespread problem in the United Kingdom. There is limited research on how schools respond to incidents of sexual harassment. The aim of this study was to understand how school systems shape the dynamics of disclosure, reporting and handling of sexual harassment in school (including behaviours, processes, norms), and to identify opportunities for effecting systems change.

METHODS

We used participatory systems mapping to elicit school stakeholders' perspectives on systems factors and their connections. Researchers built the map based on in-person workshops with students (n = 18) and staff (n = 4) from three schools in Scotland. Survey data (n = 638 students; n = 119 staff) was used to augment participant perspectives. The map was validated via three workshops (two online, one in-person) involving students and staff from seven schools.

RESULTS

The final map (causal loop diagram) represents a hypothesised system of 25 causally connected factors and three feedback loops shaping the disclosure, reporting and handling of sexual harassment. We grouped these factors into four interlinked themes: 1] Knowledge and confidence; 2] Trust in reporting system and processes; 3] Communication, confidentiality and safeguarding; and, 4] Prioritisation of sexual harassment.

CONCLUSIONS AND IMPLICATIONS

This study highlights the interconnectedness of factors shaping disclosure, reporting and handling of sexual harassment within secondary schools. The map surfaces key challenges for schools and provides a foundation for learning and discussions on where to focus efforts in future.

Exploring the interplay of weight-based teasing and sociodemographic factors in adolescent weight bias internalization

OBJECTIVE

Research has highlighted the potential adverse effects of weight bias internalization (WBI) on adolescents, but there has been little examination of WBI and sources of weight teasing (family, peers, or both) or across racial/ethnic diversity of adolescents. We aimed to examine the relationship between WBI and sources of weight teasing across sociodemographic characteristics and weight status in a diverse community sample of adolescents.

METHODS

Data were collected from a U.S. sample of 1859 adolescents aged 10-17 years (59% female; 43% White, 27% Black or African American, and 25% Latino). An online questionnaire was used to assess participants' experiences of weight teasing from family members, peers, or both, and their weight status, weight-related goals, WBI, and sociodemographic characteristics.

RESULTS

Adolescents experiencing weight teasing from both family and peers reported the highest levels of WBI, while those reporting no teasing exhibited the lowest levels. These patterns were observed across sex, race/ethnicity, weight status, and weight goals, and persisted after controlling for depressive symptoms. Notably, family influences played a salient role, with adolescents reporting higher WBI if teased by family only compared to teasing from peers only. Sex and racial differences were also observed in adolescents' experiences with weight-based teasing.

CONCLUSION

Our study reveals associations between adolescent weight-based teasing, WBI, and sociodemographic factors. Weight-based teasing, whether from family and peers or from family only, was associated with increased WBI. Interventions targeting weight stigma in youth should not be limited to peer-focused efforts, but should also emphasize supportive family communication.

Multiple marginalization, discrimination, and disordered eating among youth aged 10-11

OBJECTIVE

Although rates of weight discrimination are on-par with racial, ethnic, and gender discrimination, comparatively less work has examined impacts of weight-based discrimination in youth, including on disordered eating. Knowing whether experiences of weight-based discrimination, including in youth with multiply-marginalized identities, are associated with disordered eating could identify vulnerable youth and inform intervention efforts.

METHOD

Youth (N = 11,875) ages 10-11 were recruited through the Adolescent Brain Cognitive Development (ABCD) study. Logistic regressions using cross-sectional data examined discrimination experiences (weight, perceived sexual orientation, race/ethnicity, national origin) and disordered eating (binge-eating, vomiting, weight-gain fear, weight self-worth). Models included race/ethnicity, age, sex, parental income, and degree of elevated weight. Raked poststratification weights were used.

RESULTS

Rates of weight-based discrimination (6.2%) were similar to rates of race/ethnicity (4.4%) and sexual orientation discrimination (4.5%). Weight-based discrimination was associated with more disordered eating. Youth reporting multiple experiences of discrimination had significantly increased disordered eating compared to youth who did not report discrimination.

DISCUSSION

Weight-based discrimination is common in youth and associated with disordered eating. Youth with elevated weight are more likely to be multiply marginalized and experience disordered eating. These findings suggest discrimination, including weight-based discrimination, is a critical intervention target to prevent and treat eating disorders.

PUBLIC SIGNIFICANCE

Experiences of discrimination contribute to poorer health; however, weight-based discrimination is relatively understudied. Data from a large sample of youth ages 10-11 showed that youth with elevated weight reported experiencing multiple types of discrimination, and multiply-marginalized youth had increased odds of disordered eating with each additional type of discrimination. Together, this suggests that weight-based discrimination is a critical target to prevent and treat eating disorders, especially in multiply-marginalized youth.

Factors associated with prospective changes in weight control intentions among adolescents

INTRODUCTION

The present study examined predictors of negative changes in weight control intentions from before to during the COVID-19 pandemic among adolescents.

METHODS

Participants were Canadian secondary school students enrolled in the COMPASS study and had completed self-report surveys before (T1; 2018/2019 and/or 2019/2020 school year) and during (T2; 2020/2021 and/or 2021/2022) the COVID-19 pandemic (N = 11,869, Mage ± SD = 13.79 years old ± 1.15, 52.89% girls, 45.30% boys, 1.81% gender diverse). Demographic, interpersonal, behavioral, and psychological predictors of weight control intention change from T1 (stay the same weight, not doing anything about weight) to T2 (lose weight, gain weight) were tested using multilevel logistic regressions.

RESULTS

Over one-third (37.0%) of adolescents who reported wanting to stay the same weight at T1 changed their intention to lose or gain weight at T2, as did 28.5% of adolescents who reported not wanting to do anything about their weight at T1. Changing weight control intention from "not doing anything about weight" at T1 to weight gain/loss at T2 was associated with resistance training, emotion dysregulation, bullying, social media use, and gender. Changing weight control intention from "stay the same weight" at T1 to weight gain/loss at T2 was associated with gender, perceived financial comfort, social media use, and flourishing.

CONCLUSIONS

Results highlight the prevalence of maladaptive weight control intention changes among adolescents, and elucidate related behavioral, interpersonal, demographic, and psychological factors. Findings can inform targeted intervention and prevention strategies to disrupt maladaptive changes in weight control intentions among high-risk subgroups.

Factors Associated With Experiences of Harassment or Abuse Among Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual, Trans, Queer, and Asexual Young People With Disability in Australia

Lesbian, gay, bisexual, trans, queer, and asexual (LGBTQA+) young people with disability are known to experience higher rates of harassment or abuse than LGBTQA+ young people without disability. This study focused on participants in Australia and identified factors associated with harassment or abuse among LGBTQA+ adolescents and young adults who reported a disability as well as associations with mental health outcomes. Analyses were conducted from a national survey that included 2,500 LGBTQA+ people who reported a disability and were aged 14 to 21 years. Measures included experiences in the past 12 months of verbal and physical harassment or abuse due to one's sexual orientation or gender identity, sexual harassment or abuse, mental health, suicidality, and sociodemographic traits. Overall, 48.4% of participants with disability reported experiencing verbal harassment or abuse, 12.4% physical harassment or abuse, and 29.7% sexual assault or harassment. In multivariable regression analyses, verbal harassment or abuse was significantly more likely among trans men, participants with an intellectual disability, and those who were "out" to most or all of their family. Physical harassment or abuse was significantly more likely among participants with a physical or sensory disability. Sexual harassment or abuse was significantly more likely among trans women and participants with a physical or sensory disability. Participants who experienced harassment or abuse were also significantly more likely to have attempted suicide in the past 12 months. These findings will assist policymakers and practitioners in identifying contexts linked to a heightened risk of abuse among LGBTQA+ young people with disability and further underscore an immediate need to address and prevent harm in this population.

Exploring the association between internalized weight bias and mental health among Canadian adolescents

BACKGROUND

Internalized weight bias (IWB) has been identified as a correlate of higher depressive and anxiety symptoms in adolescents with higher weights. However, there has been limited investigation into how IWB relates to positive mental health and whether these associations differ across genders.

OBJECTIVES

To examine the associations between IWB and mental health (depression, anxiety, flourishing) in adolescents with higher weights, and to test the potential moderating role of gender.

METHODS

Canadian adolescents with higher weights (N = 7538, 60% boys, 36% girls, 4% gender diverse, ages 12-19) from the COMPASS study completed a survey during the 2021-2022 school year. Data were analysed using generalized linear models.

RESULTS

Highest IWB and poorest mental health were noted within gender diverse adolescents, followed by girls then boys. Gender moderated the relationship between higher IWB and higher depression, higher anxiety and lower flourishing, with the strongest relationships noted among girls.

CONCLUSION

IWB interventions should be tailored to gender subgroups that may be particularly vulnerable to maladaptive mental health outcomes associated with IWB. System-level changes that mitigate perpetuation of weight bias and discrimination which lead to IWB are also essential, particularly for girls.

Traditional and Race-based Bullying in Racial-Minority Majority and Racially Diverse Schools

Few studies in the U.S. have simultaneously examined general and race-based bullying with consideration of school-level racial composition. The current study examined victimization as a function of school racial composition, in minority-majority and diverse schools (N = 1911, Mage = 13.7 years) enrolled in 7th grade in 24 public schools (42.3% Hispanics, 9.0% non-Hispanic White, 28.9% non-Hispanic Black, and 19.7% non-Hispanic Asian). Multilevel regression analyses suggest student-level protective factors related to both forms of victimization, but, school racial composition was only significant in explaining race-based bullying. Specifically, minority-majority schools had lower levels of race-based victimization compared to racially diverse schools. Findings suggest that consideration of school contextual factors offers a more nuanced understanding of the relation between race and victimization.

Emotional Distress Disparities Across Multiple Intersecting Social Positions: The Role of Bias-Based Bullying

OBJECTIVES

To apply an intersectional lens to disparities in emotional distress among youth, including multiple social positions and experiences with bias-based bullying.

METHODS

Data are from the 2019 Minnesota Student Survey (n = 80 456). Social positions (race and ethnicity, sexual orientation, gender) and 2 forms of bias-based bullying (racist, homophobic or transphobic) were entered into decision tree models for depression, anxiety, self-injury, suicidal ideation, and suicide attempts. Groups with the highest prevalence are described. Rates of emotional distress among youth with matching social positions but no bias-based bullying are described for comparison.

RESULTS

LGBQ identities (90%) and transgender, gender diverse, and questioning identities (54%) were common among the highest-prevalence groups for emotional distress, often concurrently; racial and ethnic identities rarely emerged. Bias-based bullying characterized 82% of the highest-prevalence groups. In comparable groups without bias-based bullying, emotional distress rates were 20% to 60% lower (average 38.8%).

CONCLUSIONS

Findings highlight bias-based bullying as an important point for the intervention and mitigation of mental health disparities, particularly among lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender, gender-diverse, queer, and questioning adolescents. Results point to the importance of addressing bias-based bullying in schools and supporting lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender, gender-diverse, queer, and questioning students at the systemic level as a way of preventing emotional distress.

Dating and friendships in adolescence: Variation across same-sex and other-sex romantic partners

This research examined associations between dating and number of friends for rural adolescents with same-sex and other-sex dating partners using longitudinal sociometric data (N = 2826; 55% female, 87% White, mean age = 14 at baseline). In multilevel models assessing within-person change, boys gained female friends when they were in same-sex romantic relationships, compared to when they were single. In contrast, girls in same-sex relationships lost female friends and gained male friends. Adolescents in other-sex romantic relationships gained same-sex friends compared to when they were single. Results advance understanding of adolescent social and sexual development, suggesting that sexual minority adolescents find allies when dating but may struggle to maintain same-sex friendships.

Body image and behavioural and emotional difficulties in German children and adolescents

BACKGROUND

Behavioural and emotional difficulties might play an important role in the development of body image disturbances, which represent serious risk factors for eating disorders or depression. The present study provides a detailed overview on body image disturbances and several behavioural and emotional difficulties (differences between gender, age, and weight status) and their inter-relations in German children and adolescents.

METHODS

Data on body image disturbances, assessed through a Figure Rating Scale, and on behavioural and emotional difficulties, assessed through Goodman's Strengths and Difficulties Questionnaire (SDQ), were available for 5255 observations of 1982 German children and adolescents aged 8 to 18 years from the LIFE Child study, based in Leipzig, Germany. Associations were investigated using multiple logistic regression. Each association was checked for interaction with gender, age, and weight status.

RESULTS

Boys reported more behavioural difficulties than girls, while girls reported more emotional difficulties. Gender, age and weight status were related to behavioural and emotional difficulties as well as body image disturbances. Individuals with fewer difficulties were more satisfied with their own body. Children and adolescents who desired to be larger showed more prosocial behaviour problems, conduct and emotional problems and more signs of hyperactivity. Those, who desired to be thinner showed more problems in all SDQ-subscales. A more accurate body size perception was associated with fewer behavioural and emotional difficulties. Children and adolescents who overestimated their body size showed more prosocial behaviour and emotional problems. Underestimation one's body size was associated with more signs of hyperactivity.

CONCLUSION

The current findings highlight the importance of raising the awareness about the association between behavioural and emotional difficulties and body image disturbances in children and adolescents to prevent negative outcomes.

Measuring the prevalence and impact of adverse childhood experiences in the lives of LGBTQ individuals: A much-needed expansion

BACKGROUND

Numerous studies indicate that LGBTQ people have extensive experiences with adverse childhood experiences (ACEs), more so than their heterosexual and cisgender counterparts. Research also shows that LGBTQ youth endure traumatic experiences with victimization, including bullying, harassment, and violence, based on their non-hetero-cis-normative genders and/or sexual identities. Yet, most ACE measurement strategies fail to: (1) explicitly link the risk of ACE exposure to the discrimination and stigmatization of LGBTQ people, and (2) account for the breadth of potential ACE exposure in LGBTQ populations.

OBJECTIVE

In the current article, we develop and present a more comprehensive ACE measurement strategy for understanding the cumulative and deleterious impacts of ACEs in the lives of LGBTQ individuals.

METHODS

Here, we offer three expansions to the current ACE framework: (1) the inclusion of an LGBTQ-specific ACE in addition to the standard ACE measures, (2) the addition of LGBTQ qualifiers for current ACE items (when applicable), and (3) the expansion of ACE measures to capture the unique ACE experiences of LGBTQ individuals in family life, schools, and faith communities.

CONCLUSIONS

The implementation of a more comprehensive ACE measurement strategy will assist scholars and policymakers in better understanding the impacts of ACEs in the lives of LGBTQ individuals. In all, ACE measurement strategies that capture the breath of exposure of ACEs in the lives of LGBTQ individuals will assist in ACE screening, public health policy, and clinical intervention efforts.

Effects of Bullying on Anxiety, Depression, and Posttraumatic Stress Disorder Among Sexual Minority Youths: Network Analysis

BACKGROUND

Bullying victimization is highly prevalent among sexual minority youths, particularly in educational settings, negatively affecting their mental health. However, previous studies have scarcely explored the symptomatic relationships among anxiety, depression, and posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD) among sexual minority youths who experienced bullying on college campuses.

OBJECTIVE

The objectives of our study were to (1) characterize the anxiety-depression-PTSD network structures of gay or lesbian, bisexuals, and other sexual minority youths previously bullied on college campuses; and (2) compare symptomatic associations in the anxiety-depression-PTSD networks among bullied sexual minority youths and heterosexual youths' groups.

METHODS

This cross-sectional study recruited college participants from Jilin Province, China. Data were analyzed using a subset of the data extracted after screening for sexual orientation and history of bullying victimization. Sexual minority youths were then divided into 3 subgroups: gay or lesbian (homosexual), bisexual, and other. Mental health symptom severity was assessed using scales: the 7-item Generalized Anxiety Disorder Scale measuring anxiety, the 9-item Patient Health Questionnaire measuring depression, and the 10-item Trauma Screening Questionnaire measuring PTSD symptoms. Combining the undirected and Bayesian network analyses, the anxiety-depression-PTSD networks were compared among sexual minority youths subgroups, and the difference between heterosexual youths and sexual minority youths was investigated. Chi-square tests were used to compare the difference in categorical variables, while independent-sample t tests were run on continuous variables.

RESULTS

In this large-scale sample of 89,342 participants, 12,249 identified as sexual minority youths, of which 1603 (13.1%, 95% CI 12.5%-13.7%) reported being bullied on college campuses in the past year. According to the expected influence (EI) and bridge expected influence (bEI) index, in the global network structure of anxiety, depression, and PTSD, sad mood (EI=1.078, bEI=0.635) and irritability (EI=1.077, bEI=0.954) were identified as central and bridge symptoms; emotional cue reactivity (EI=1.015) was a central symptom of PTSD in this global network. In the anxiety-depression-PTSD Bayesian network, anhedonia had the highest prediction priority for activating other symptoms; and feeling afraid linked symptoms from anxiety to the PTSD community. Compared to their heterosexual counterparts, sexual minority youths exhibited a stronger association between difficulty concentrating and appetite. The "sad mood-appetite" edge was strongest in the gay or lesbian network; the "irritability-exaggerated startle response" edge was strongest in the bisexual network.

CONCLUSIONS

For the first time, this study identified the most central and bridge symptoms (sad mood and irritability) within the depression-anxiety-PTSD network of sexual minority youths with past bullying-victim experiences on college campuses. Emotional cue reactivity, anhedonia, and feeling afraid were other vital symptoms in the comorbid network. Symptomatic relationships existed showing heterogeneity in bullied heterosexual youths and sexual minority youth networks, which also was present within the sexual minority youth subgroups. Consequently, refined targeted interventions are required to relieve anxiety, depression, and PTSD symptoms.

School absenteeism and impairment associated with weight bullying

INTRODUCTION

Many children experience weight-based bullying (WB), when individuals are treated poorly or demeaned because of weight. WB has negative mental and physical health consequences. The current study examined how children's experiences of different forms of WB (verbal, social, physical, cyber) were associated with impaired functioning in school, social life, and family life.

METHODS

Data were collected in Spring 2021. Participants (N = 224) were parents of a school-aged child and lived in the United States. Sixty percent of parents were mothers and 72% of parents self-identified as White. They completed surveys regarding weight, eating, and bullying.

RESULTS

Social and cyber WB were associated with clinically significant impairment for both children and parents. Children who experienced social and physical WB were more likely to skip school, whereas physical and cyber WB were associated with skipping a particular class. All forms of bullying were associated with skipping gym class. Social and cyber WB were associated with isolating. Cyber WB was associated with all disordered eating behaviors. In addition, physical WB was associated with binge eating, social WB was associated with purging, and verbal WB was associated with secretive eating.

DISCUSSION

Victims of WB experience impairment in school, social life, and family life, absenteeism, and disordered eating. It is essential to develop approaches to address WB in its various forms to identify strategies for reducing and preventing WB across various levels of influence, including peer groups, schools, and families.

Bullying Involvement at the Intersection of Gender Identity/Modality, Sexual Identity, Race, Ethnicity, and Disability: Prevalence Disparities and the Role of School-Related Developmental Assets

Purpose: This study examines adolescents' self-reported school-based developmental assets and four intersecting social positions as they relate to prevalence of bullying involvement. Methods: Participants were 80,456 ninth and 11th grade students who participated in the 2019 Minnesota Student Survey (30.2% youth of color; 11% lesbian/gay/bisexual/pansexual/queer/questioning; 2.9% transgender/gender diverse [TGD] or gender questioning). Exhaustive Chi-square Automatic Interaction Detection analysis was used to identify school-based developmental assets (i.e., school safety, school adult support) and intersecting social positions (i.e., sexual identity; gender identity/modality; racial/ethnic identity; physical disabilities/chronic illness; and/or mental health/behavioral/emotional problems) associated with the highest prevalence of involvement as physical and relational bullies, victims, and bully-victims. Results: Adolescents with 2+ marginalized social positions who often lacked school-based developmental assets were part of nearly all the highest prevalence bullying involvement groups. TGD and gender questioning adolescents, Native American youth, and youth living with both physical disabilities/chronic illness and mental health/emotional/behavioral problems-most of whom had additional marginalized social positions and lacked school-based assets-were particularly overrepresented in high prevalence groups. For example, 31.1% of TGD or gender questioning youth of color living with both types of disabilities/health problems who did not feel strongly that school was safe reported involvement as physical bully-victims-nearly six times the sample average rate. Conclusion: Adolescents with multiple marginalized social positions and those lacking certain school-based assets-often overlapping categories-were involved in bullying at higher-than-average rates. Findings underscore the need for schools to address intersecting experiences of stigma and structural oppression that may perpetuate bullying involvement disparities.

Typologies of child maltreatment and peer victimization and the associations with adolescent substance use: A latent class analysis

BACKGROUND

Child maltreatment and peer victimization are pervasive public health problems associated with adolescent substance use. Although child maltreatment has been identified as a risk factor for peer victimization, few studies have investigated their co-occurrence (i.e., polyvictimization). The study objectives were to: examine sex differences in the prevalence of child maltreatment, peer victimization, and substance use; identify polyvictimization patterns; and examine the associations between the identified typologies and adolescent substance use.

METHODS

Data were self-reported from a sample of adolescents aged 14 to 17 years (n = 2910) who participated in the provincially-representative 2014 Ontario Child Health Study. Latent class analysis with distal outcomes was conducted to identify typologies of six types of child maltreatment and five types of peer victimization and examine the associations between the polyvictimization typologies and use of cigarettes/cigars, alcohol, cannabis, and prescription drugs.

RESULTS

Four typologies were identified: Low victimization (76.6 %), Violent home environment (16.0 %), High verbal/social peer victimization (5.3 %), and High polyvictimization (2.1 %). The Violent home environment and High verbal/social peer victimization typologies were associated with increased odds of adolescent substance use (adjusted odds ratio range: 2.06-3.61). The High polyvictimization typology showed increased, but non-significant, odds of substance use.

CONCLUSIONS

Adolescent-serving health and social services professionals should be aware of polyvictimization patterns and the impact on substance use. For some adolescents, polyvictimization may include exposure to multiple child maltreatment and peer victimization types. Upstream strategies to prevent child maltreatment and peer victimization are needed, which may also contribute to reductions in adolescent substance use.

The prospective relationship between weight-based discrimination and eating pathology among youth

Among adults and adolescents, weight-based discrimination is associated with disordered eating. However, these relationships remain understudied in children. Given that weight-based discrimination is commonly reported among youth, and that childhood is a crucial developmental period for the onset of disordered eating, the current study assessed prospective associations between weight-based discrimination and eating pathology among participants in the Adolescent Brain Cognitive Development Study. At the one-year visit, children indicated whether they had experienced discrimination due to their weight within the past year. Parents completed a computerized clinical interview to determine the presence of sub-or-full threshold eating disorders (AN, BN, and BED) among their children. At the two-year visit, children completed the same assessment. Height and fasting weight were obtained. Logistic regressions, adjusting for age, sex, race/ethnicity, family income, BMI%ile, and parent-reported presence of the respective eating disorder at one-year, were conducted to assess the associations between weight-based discrimination and eating pathology. Participants were 10,299 children who completed measures at both the one- and two-year visits (M_age at one-year: 10.92 ± 0.64, 47.6 % female, 45.9 % racial/ethnic minority). The presence of weight-based discrimination, reported by 5.6 % (n = 574) of children, was significantly associated with a greater likelihood of reporting AN, BN, and BED one-year later (ORs: 1.94-4.91). Findings suggest that weight-based discrimination may confer additional risk for the onset of disordered eating, above and beyond the contribution of body weight. Intersectional research is needed to examine the role of multiple forms of discrimination in relation to the development of eating pathology.

Beyond Binge Eating: The Impact of Implicit Biases in Healthcare on Youth with Disordered Eating and Obesity

(1) Background: Obesity and eating disorders (ED) can coexist resulting in worse health outcomes. Youth with ED are more likely to have obesity relative to peers with a healthy weight. Pediatric providers deliver first-line care to children and youth of all sizes and body shapes from infancy to adolescents. As healthcare providers (HCPs), we bring biases into our practice. Learning to recognize and address these biases is needed to provide the best care for youth with obesity. (2) Purpose: This paper aims to summarize the literature regarding the prevalence of ED beyond binge eating in youth with obesity and discuss how the intersection of weight, gender, and racial biases impact the assessment, diagnosis, and treatment of ED. We provide recommendations for practice and considerations for research and policy. (3) Conclusions: The assessment and treatment of ED and disordered eating behaviors (DEBs) in youth with obesity is complex and requires a holistic approach. This approach begins with identifying and understanding how one's implicit biases impact care. Providing care from a patient-centers lens, which considers how the intersection of multiple stigmatized identities increases the risk for DEBs in youth with obesity may improve long-term health outcomes.

Perceived School Fairness and Willingness to Report Bias-Based Bullying Among Youth During COVID-19 Pandemic

BACKGROUND

As COVID-19 has let many students into remote learning environments and exacerbated inequality among marginalized individuals, there is a growing concern about Bias-Based Bullying (BBB) in online spaces among school-aged youths. Learning modality and perceived school fairness may affect youth's likelihood of reporting BBB.

METHODS

Data were collected as part of "No Place For Hate" (NPFH) project, which was conducted by an equity office of a school district. A sample of middle and high school students (N = 1117) in the school district was used as an analytic sample. We conducted a series of independent samples t tests and calculated a hierarchical stepwise multivariate regression model to examine the proposition.

RESULTS

Results demonstrated that students in fully remote modality reported slightly higher levels of witnessing BBB (t = 2.29, p < .05), lower perceived school fairness (t = -2.94, p < .01), and higher levels of likelihood of reporting BBB (t = 2.31, p < .05). Results of the regression model showed that perceived school fairness was positively associated with likelihood of reporting BBB, even when considering the influences of sociodemographic characteristics, learning modality, and experience of witnessing BBB.

CONCLUSIONS

Findings of this study suggest that learning modality and perceived school fairness can meaningfully explain witnesses' likelihood of reporting BBB. Additional research should continue investigating how schools can encourage students to increase their likelihood of reporting and adopt the bystander response of reporting against BBB at school to ensure school health and safety.

"I was bullied for being fat in every situation, in every outfit, at every celebration": A qualitative exploratory study on experiences of weight-based oppression in Qatar

Introduction

Weight-based oppression (WBO) has been documented as a widespread phenomenon in Western countries and is associated with a range of psychological, physiological, and behavioral harms. Research on weight-based oppression is largely absent from the Arab region.

Methods

We conducted a qualitative exploratory study using semi-structured in-depth interviews to examine the internalized attitudes, values, and beliefs related to body weight, and experiences of external weight-based oppression of 29 staff, faculty, and students at Qatar University.

Results

Thematic analysis revealed six major themes on the characteristics of internalized WBO, and the nature, timing, source, extent, and impact of external WBO. WBO was regarded as so common in the Arab culture as to be normative, with damaging exposure to WBO beginning in early childhood.

Conclusion

WBO in the Arab region is an important and unrecognized public health issue. Programs to reduce WBO should be developed in all sectors.

At-School Victimization and Alcohol Use Among Minoritized U.S. Youth, 2009-2017

INTRODUCTION

Sexual minority and/or racial/ethnic minority youth may use alcohol at school as a form of minority stress-based coping. Polyvictimization is particularly prevalent among sexual minority and/or racial/ethnic minority youth and may be a useful proxy measure for minority stressors.

METHODS

Data from local administrations of the Youth Risk Behavior Survey were pooled across 42 jurisdiction years (biennially, 2009-2017) and analyzed in 2022, resulting in a sample of 118,052 U.S. youth. The prevalence of alcohol use at school was examined by sexual identity, race/ethnicity, and their intersections, stratified by sex. Multivariable logistic regression models were built to examine the disparities in alcohol use at school and the impact of school-based polyvictimization.

RESULTS

At the intersections of race/ethnicity and sexual identity, 25 of 30 sexual minority and/or racial/ethnic minority subpopulations had greater odds of alcohol use at school than their White heterosexual same-sex peers. Hispanic/Latinx not-sure males (AOR=9.15; 95% CI=5.97, 14.03) and Hispanic/Latinx lesbian females (AOR=11.24; 95% CI=6.40, 19.77) were most likely to report alcohol use at school. After adjusting for polyvictimization, the magnitude of association was attenuated for most sexual minority and/or racial/ethnic minority subpopulations; however, all but 2 significant associations remained.

CONCLUSIONS

Sexual minority and/or racial/ethnic minority youth were more likely than White heterosexual peers to use alcohol at school, with the greatest odds among multiply marginalized and polyvictimized youth. Interventions should consider addressing more than school-based victimization alone because disparities persisted, although at a lower magnitude, after accounting for polyvictimization. Future longitudinal studies are warranted to further explore the associations between multiply marginalized identities, school-based polyvictimization, and alcohol use at school.

Factors associated with experiences of abuse among lesbian, gay, bisexual, trans, queer, and asexual (LGBTQA+) adults with disability in Australia

BACKGROUND

Lesbian, gay, bisexual, trans, queer, and asexual (LGBTQA+) people with disability report greater levels of abuse than those without disability.

OBJECTIVE

This study sought to further understand these experiences by examining factors associated with experiences of abuse among LGBTQA+ adults who reported a disability in Australia.

METHODS

A national survey was conducted that included 2629 LGBTQA+ people who reported a disability aged 18 years and older, with data collected on experiences of verbal abuse, sexual assault, and social exclusion in the past 12 months as well as demographic characteristics.

RESULTS

Of participants with disability, 42.5% reported experiencing verbal abuse, 17.4% sexual assault, and 50.3% social exclusion based on their sexuality or gender identity in the past 12 months. From multivariable analyses, verbal abuse was significantly more likely among trans women and non-binary participants and among those classified with more severe disability. Sexual assault was significantly more likely among those who lived in a rural area or had a higher income. Social exclusion was significantly more likely among those who were trans woman or non-binary, identified as bisexual, aged 18-24 years, or born in an English-speaking country other than Australia.

CONCLUSIONS

These findings illustrate contexts for heightened risks of specific forms of abuse and highlight an urgent need to understand and address experiences of abuse and their consequences among LGBTQA+ people with disability.

Childhood Sexual Abuse and Exposure to Peer Bullying Victimization

Females exposed to child sexual abuse (CSA) are at an increased risk of experiencing further victimization in adolescence. Associations between CSA and several forms of cyber and in-person peer bullying victimization were assessed in a prospective, longitudinal study. Females exposed to substantiated CSA and a matched comparison group (N = 422) were followed over a two-year period. Bullying experiences were assessed in both survey and qualitative interviews. Qualitative data were coded and used to describe the types (e.g., cyber, physical, verbal), and foci (e.g., threats, physical appearance) of bullying victimization. Logistic regression was used to assess the odds that CSA was associated with subsequent bullying victimization, adjusted for demographics, social networking use, and prior bullying. CSA-exposed females were at an increased risk of multiple forms of bullying victimization with a persistent risk of bullying victimization over time. Specifically, they had 2.6 times higher odds of experiencing any bullying at follow-up, 2.9 times higher odds of experiencing cyberbullying at follow-up, and 2 times higher odds of experiencing combined cyber/in-person bullying at follow-up. CSA-exposed females were more likely than comparison females to experience bullying regarding their appearance/weight and dating relationships. Findings provide further insight into the unique circumstances of the cyberbullying and in-person bullying experienced by CSA-exposed females. Females exposed to child sexual abuse (CSA) are at an increased risk of experiencing bullying victimization, specifically cyberbullying and combined cyber/in-person bullying, as well as bullying about their appearance and dating relationships. These findings indicate that bullying prevention needs to include trauma-focused components to target these uniquely vulnerable females.

School-Based Diversity Education Activities and Bias-Based Bullying Among Secondary School Students

Bias-based bullying (e.g., bullying related to race, weight, sexual orientation) is a common experience among youth, yet few school-based prevention programs explicitly address this type of bullying. This study explores whether schools that offer diversity education activities have lower rates of bias-based bullying among students compared to schools that do not offer these activities. Data came from two sources: the 2018 CDC School Profiles Survey (N = 216 schools) and the 2019 Minnesota Student Survey (N = 64,510 students). Multilevel logistic regression tested associations between diversity education activities (diversity clubs, lessons, or special events) and eight types of bias-based bullying among students, with attention to effect modification by relevant demographic characteristics. Students attending schools that offer a wider variety of diversity education opportunities had significantly lower odds of bullying about race, ethnicity, or national origin among boys of color (OR = 0.89, CI: 0.80, 1.00), about sexual orientation for gay, bisexual, and questioning boys (OR = 0.81, CI: 0.67, 0.97), and about disability for boys with a physical health problem (OR = 0.86, CI: 0.76, 0.99). Attending a school with more types of diversity education activities may protect vulnerable students against specific types of bias-based bullying and advance health equity. A diversity education is recommended as a key component of antibullying efforts and policy.

Racial and ethnic differences in the prevalence of work organization and occupational psychosocial exposures

BACKGROUNDS

This study sought to assess if there were differences in exposure to job insecurity, shift work, work-life imbalance, workplace harassment, and nonstandard work arrangements according to race and ethnicity in the United States.

METHODS

Using data from the nationally representative National Health Interview Survey conducted in 2015, we calculated the prevalence of job insecurity, shift work, work-life imbalance, workplace harassment, and nonstandard work arrangements according to race and ethnicity. Using this data, we then modeled the prevalence of these exposures while adjusting for covariates including occupation.

RESULTS

Compared to non-Hispanic White workers, Hispanic (prevalence ratio [PR] = 1.47, 95% confidence interval [CI] = 1.30, 1.66) and non-Hispanic Asian (PR = 1.57, 95% CI = 1.28, 1.92) workers reported more job insecurity. Non-Hispanic Black workers were more likely to report working in shifts (PR = 1.34, 95% CI = 1.22, 1.46) and Hispanic workers reported being employed in alternative work arrangements (PR = 1.40, 95% CI = 1.23, 1.58) more often than non-Hispanic White workers. Non-Hispanic White workers were slightly more likely to report work-life imbalance and workplace harassment than other races/ethnicities. Occupational segregation accounted for some of the racial/ethnic differences in shift work and alternative work arrangements.

CONCLUSIONS

These findings are consistent with some previous research on differences in the prevalence of these work organization and psychosocial exposures by race/ethnicity, especially with respect to shift work and alternative work arrangements. However, other studies have found contradictory findings, especially with respect to workplace harassment. There is a need for future research that tackles the association between these exposures and racial/ethnic health disparities.

How is weight teasing cross-sectionally and longitudinally associated with health behaviors and weight status among ethnically/racially and socioeconomically diverse young people?

Background

Weight stigma is prevalent among young people and harmful to health. The current study used a health equity lens to examine cross-sectional and longitudinal associations between experiencing weight teasing (a form of weight stigma) with a range of weight-related health behaviors and weight status in an ethnically/racially and socioeconomically diverse sample of young people. We also assessed whether ethnicity/race and adolescent socioeconomic status (SES) operated as effect modifiers in these relationships.

Methods

Adolescents (n = 1568) were enrolled in EAT 2010–2018 (Eating and Activity over Time) and followed into young adulthood. Weight teasing; screen time; moderate-to-vigorous physical activity (MVPA); sleep duration; breakfast frequency; fruit, vegetable, sugar-sweetened beverage (SSB), and fast-food intake; and body mass index (BMI) were assessed at baseline (mean age = 14.4 years) and eight-year follow-up (mean age = 22.2 years). Multivariate linear regression estimated marginal means and 95% confidence intervals. All analyses adjusted for BMI and sociodemographic characteristics.

Results

Weight teasing was cross-sectionally associated with longer screen time, shorter sleep duration, and higher BMI during adolescence; and cross-sectionally associated with shorter sleep duration, lower breakfast frequency, higher fast-food intake, higher SSB intake, and higher BMI during young adulthood. In the longitudinal analyses, weight teasing was not associated with health behaviors but did predict higher BMI (teased: 28.2 kg/m², not teased: 26.4 kg/m², p < 0.001). White and higher adolescent SES subgroups had higher MVPA, more frequent breakfast intake, lower fast-food intake, and lower BMI than their respective counterparts. The relationships between weight teasing and health behaviors and weight status were largely consistent across ethnic/racial and adolescent SES subgroups.

Conclusions

Findings add to growing evidence that weight-based mistreatment poses a threat to weight-related health and that young people across ethnic/racial and SES subgroups are vulnerable to the negative effects of weight teasing. Limitations include attrition at follow-up and the self-reported nature of many measures. Results suggest a need for increased attention to existing recommendations to reduce weight stigma in young people from diverse ethnic/racial and socioeconomic backgrounds including training for healthcare providers to better equip them to address the harms of weight teasing and foster more compassionate care to promote health-supporting behaviors in young people.

Supplementary Information

The online version contains supplementary material available at 10.1186/s12966-022-01307-y.

Weight-based cybervictimization: Implications for adolescent health

BACKGROUND

Despite the ubiquity of cybervictimization among youth, attention to weight-based cybervictimization is scarce.

AIMS

This study assessed the prevalence of electronic forms of weight-based peer victimization (i.e., cybervictimization) and its associations with adolescent health, as indicated by somatic symptoms, stress, depression, and sleep trouble.

MATERIALS & METHODS

A cross-sectional survey was conducted online with a community sample of 452 adolescents aged 11-17 years old (M_age  = 14.91 years).

RESULTS

Thirty-three percent of adolescents reported at least one experience of weight-based cybervictimization, with elevated rates among those with overweight (45%) and obesity (60%). Weight-based cybervictimization was associated with higher levels of somatic symptoms (β = 0.24; p < 0.001), stress (β = 0.22; p < 0.001), depression (β = 0.27; p < 0.001), and sleep trouble (β = 0.20; p < 0.001); these associations were consistent across adolescent weight status.

DISCUSSION AND CONCLUSION

Findings suggest that the health implications of weight-based victimization extend to the electronic context, and underscore the importance of addressing weight-based cybervictimization in antibullying initiatives to support healthy adolescent well-being.

Weight stigma in children and adolescents: Recommendations for practice and policy

ABSTRACT

Weight stigma is the devaluation of a person because of excess body weight. Individuals who experience stigmatization are at increased risk for adverse physical and psychological health outcomes. This article provides an overview of weight stigma and the implications for nursing practice and policy.

Testing the effectiveness of the Developing Inclusive Youth program: A multisite randomized control trial

The Developing Inclusive Youth program is a classroom-based, individually administered video tool that depicts peer-based social and racial exclusion, combined with teacher-led discussions. A multisite randomized control trial was implemented with 983 participants (502 females; 58.5% White, 41.5% Ethnic/racial minority; Mage  = 9.64 years) in 48 third-, fourth-, and fifth-grade classrooms across six schools. Children in the program were more likely to view interracial and same-race peer exclusion as wrong, associate positive traits with peers of different racial, ethnic, and gender backgrounds, and report play with peers from diverse backgrounds than were children in the control group. Many approaches are necessary to achieve antiracism in schools. This intervention is one component of this goal for developmental science.

Weight stigma, policy initiatives, and harnessing social media to elevate activism

Efforts to promote positive body image and body acceptance confront considerable challenges in the face of pervasive societal stigma against people who have a high body weight or large body size. Despite decades of evidence documenting the prevalence and harmful consequences of weight stigma and discrimination, policies to address this social injustice are lacking and primarily absent. This article summarizes the current status of policies to address societal weight-based mistreatment and highlights evidence documenting public support for different types of policies and laws that could be implemented to reduce weight-based bullying and discrimination. While considerable public policy support is present, efforts to scale up activism are needed to help curtail societal weight stigma. Social media has been an underutilized approach that could provide a powerful platform to elevate public awareness and promote policy change to help eliminate weight stigma.

Resilience in the face of peer victimization and perceived discrimination: The role of individual and familial factors

BACKGROUND

Peer victimization and discrimination are two related forms of social victimization. However, the majority of studies only focus on one form or the other. This study investigates resilience in victims of both these forms of violence.

OBJECTIVE

To identify individual and family level factors that foster, or hinder, resilience in the face of both peer victimization and perceived discrimination.

PARTICIPANTS

In a sample of 2975 high-school students, 22% (n = 644) met the criteria for substantial social victimization. The sample's mean age was 16.5 years, 57% were girls, 19% were in vocational courses, 12% were from an ethnic minority background, and 5% were lesbian, gay, or bisexual.

METHOD

A measure of resilience was created by regressing the mean levels of current mental health, self-esteem, and life satisfaction on the frequency of lifetime peer victimization and past year perceived discrimination. Regression analyses were conducted to identify correlates of resilience considering protective and vulnerability factors, including sociodemographic information, anxious personality, empathy, coping strategies, familial optimism, and the relationship with their mother and father.

RESULTS

Resilience was associated with low anxious personality, four coping strategies (active, use of humor, low self-blame, low substance use), and satisfaction with the relationship with the mother.

CONCLUSIONS

Resilience is related to both behavioral and meaning-making coping strategies, personality traits, and satisfaction in relationships. This study's findings can be used to tailor interventions to foster resilience in adolescents exposed to social victimization.

Sexual harassment in secondary school: Prevalence and ambiguities. A mixed methods study in Scottish schools

BACKGROUND

Adolescence is characterized by identity formation, exploration and initiation of intimate relationships. Much of this occurs at school, making schools key sites of sexual harassment. Schools often lack awareness and understanding of the issue, and UK research on the topic is scarce. We explored prevalence and perceptions of sexual harassment in a school-based mixed-methods study of 13-17 year-old Scottish adolescents.

METHODS

A student survey (N = 638) assessed past 3-months school-based victimization and perpetration prevalence via 17 behavioral items based on the most commonly used school-based sexual harassment measure ('Hostile Hallways'). Eighteen focus groups (N = 119 students) explored which of 10 behaviors were perceived as harassing/unacceptable and why.

RESULTS

Two-thirds reported any victimization: 64.7% 'visual/verbal' (e.g. sexual jokes) and 34.3% 'contact/personally-invasive' behaviors (e.g. sexual touching; most of whom also reported experiencing visual/verbal types) in the past 3-months. Data suggested a gateway effect, such that contact/personally-invasive behaviors are more likely to be reported by those also reporting more common visual/verbal behaviors. Some survey participants reported being unsure about whether they had experienced certain behaviors; and in focus groups, participants expressed uncertainty regarding the acceptability of most behaviors. Ambiguities centered on behavioral context and enactment including: degree of pressure, persistence and physicality; degree of familiarity between the instigator-recipient; and perception of the instigator's intent. In attempting to resolve ambiguities, students applied normative schemas underpinned by rights (to dignity, respect and equality) and 'knowingness', usually engendered by friendship.

CONCLUSIONS

Our study confirms school-based sexual harassment is common but also finds significant nuance in the ways in which students distinguish between acceptable and harassing. School-based strategies to tackle sexual harassment must engage with this complexity.

Policies to address weight discrimination and bullying: Perspectives of adults engaged in weight management from six nations

OBJECTIVE

Across the world, it remains legal to discriminate against people because of their weight. Although US studies demonstrate public support for laws to prohibit weight discrimination, multinational research is scarce. The present study conducted a multinational comparison of support for legislative measures to address weight discrimination and bullying across six countries.

METHODS

Participants were adults (n = 13,996) enrolled in an international weight-management program and residing in Australia, Canada, France, Germany, the UK, and the US. Participants completed identical online surveys that assessed support for antidiscrimination laws and policies to address weight bullying, demographic characteristics, and personal experiences of weight stigma.

RESULTS

Across countries, support was high for laws (90%) and policies (92%) to address weight-based bullying, whereas greater between-country variation emerged in support for legislation to address weight-based discrimination in employment (61%, 79%), as a human rights issue (57%), and through existing disability protections (47%). Findings highlight few and inconsistent links between policy support and sociodemographic correlates or experienced or internalized weight stigma.

CONCLUSIONS

Support for policies to address weight stigma is present among people engaged in weight management across Westernized countries; findings offer an informative comparison point for future cross-country research and can inform policy discourse to address weight discrimination and bullying.

Bullying in Five European Countries: Evidence for Bringing Gendered Phenomena Under the Umbrella of ‘Sexual Bullying’ in Research and Practice

Sexual bullying refers to bullying or harassment that is sexualised, related to sexuality, and/or related to gender expression (Duncan, 1999). Research on sexual bullying is disparate and still developing as a field. This study extends on this research through a mixed-methods analysis of the different forms of sexual bullying and the relationships between them across five European nations. Participants were 253 young people (aged 13–18) from Bulgaria, England, Italy, Latvia and Slovenia. As part of focus groups on sexual bullying, participants individually and anonymously completed a Sexual Bullying Questionnaire (SBQ), comprising closed- and open-ended questions about their experiences of victimisation and bullying their peers. Factor analysis identified five forms of sexual bullying victimisation and two forms of sexual bullying towards peers. The quantitative and qualitative findings indicated that bullying or harassment that is sexualised, related to sexuality, and/or related to gender expression are associated with each other. Further, sexual bullying was found to be common to all five European countries indicating that it is a cross-national issue. The associations between sexualised, sexuality and gender expression bullying or harassment support the use of the term sexual bullying to unite these forms of peer victimisation in research and practice. Further, all countries studied require initiatives to address sexual bullying, and the gender and sexual norms that may contribute to it, with tailoring to the country context.

A Cyberbullying Media-Based Prevention Intervention for Adolescents on Instagram: Pilot Randomized Controlled Trial

BACKGROUND

Between 15% and 70% of adolescents report experiencing cybervictimization. Cybervictimization is associated with multiple negative consequences, including depressed mood. Few validated, easily disseminated interventions exist to prevent cybervictimization and its consequences. With over 97% of adolescents using social media (such as YouTube, Facebook, Instagram, or Snapchat), recruiting and delivering a prevention intervention through social media and apps may improve accessibility of prevention tools for at-risk youth.

OBJECTIVE

This study aims to evaluate the feasibility and acceptability of and obtain preliminary outcome data on IMPACT (Intervention Media to Prevent Adolescent Cyber-Conflict Through Technology), a brief, remote app-based intervention to prevent and reduce the effect of cyberbullying.

METHODS

From January 30, 2020, to May 3, 2020, a national sample of 80 adolescents with a history of past-year cybervictimization was recruited through Instagram for a randomized control trial of IMPACT, a brief, remote research assistant-led intervention and a fully automated app-based program, versus enhanced web-based resources (control). Feasibility and acceptability were measured by consent, daily use, and validated surveys. Although not powered for efficacy, outcomes (victimization, bystander self-efficacy, and well-being) were measured using validated measures at 8 and 16 weeks and evaluated using a series of longitudinal mixed models.

RESULTS

Regarding feasibility, 24.5% (121/494) of eligible participants provided contact information; of these, 69.4% (84/121) completed full enrollment procedures. Of the participants enrolled, 45% (36/80) were randomized into the IMPACT intervention and 55% (44/80) into the enhanced web-based resources groups. All participants randomized to the intervention condition completed the remote intervention session, and 89% (77/80) of the daily prompts were answered. The retention rate was 99% (79/80) at 8 weeks and 96% (77/80) at 16 weeks for all participants. Regarding acceptability, 100% (36/36) of the intervention participants were at least moderately satisfied with IMPACT overall, and 92% (33/36) of the participants were at least moderately satisfied with the app. At both 8 and 16 weeks, well-being was significantly higher (β=1.17, SE 0.87, P=.02 at 8 weeks and β=3.24, SE 0.95, P<.001 at 16 weeks) and psychological stress was lower (β=-.66, SE 0.08, P=.04 at 8 weeks and β=-.89, SE 0.09, P<.001 at 16 weeks) among IMPACT users than among control group users. Participants in the intervention group attempted significantly more bystander interventions than those in the control group at 8 weeks (β=.82, SE 0.42; P=.02).

CONCLUSIONS

This remote app-based intervention for victims of cyberbullying was feasible and acceptable, increased overall well-being and bystander interventions, and decreased psychological stress. Our findings are especially noteworthy given that the trial took place during the COVID-19 pandemic. The use of Instagram to recruit adolescents can be a successful strategy for identifying and intervening with those at the highest risk of cybervictimization.

TRIAL REGISTRATION

ClinicalTrials.gov NCT04259216; http://clinicaltrials.gov/ct2/show/NCT04259216.

Weight teasing experienced during adolescence and young adulthood: Cross-sectional and longitudinal associations with disordered eating behaviors in an ethnically/racially and socioeconomically diverse sample

OBJECTIVE

This study assessed cross-sectional and longitudinal relationships between weight teasing and disordered eating in an ethnically/racially and socioeconomically diverse sample of young people and examined these relationships across sociodemographic characteristics.

METHOD

The EAT 2010-2018 study surveyed adolescents (n = 1,534) in the Minneapolis/St. Paul public schools (mean age = 14.4 years) and 8 years later (mean age = 22.2 years).

RESULTS

Weight teasing was prevalent in adolescence (34.1%) and young adulthood (41.5%). In analyses adjusted for sociodemographic characteristics and body mass index, weight teasing was cross-sectionally associated with a higher prevalence of all disordered eating behaviors during both adolescence and young adulthood. For example, 64.5% of young adults who reported being teased about their weight engaged in unhealthy weight control behaviors, compared with 47.9% among those not teased (p < .001). There were fewer observed associations in longitudinal analyses, although weight teasing still predicted prevalent overeating and both prevalent and incident dieting (incident dieting-teased: 48.4% vs. not teased: 38.0%, p = .016). Weight teasing and disordered eating were more prevalent among Black, Indigenous, and People of Color (BIPOC) young people and those from low socioeconomic backgrounds, and the relationship between weight teasing and disordered eating was similar across ethnic/racial, socioeconomic, and gender demographic groups.

DISCUSSION

Results indicate that weight teasing is strongly correlated with disordered eating in both adolescence and young adulthood regardless of ethnicity/race, socioeconomic status, or gender. Finding suggest that future research and policy interventions should address weight stigma and prioritize the needs of BIPOC young people and young people from low socioeconomic backgrounds.

Pediatric Surgery and School Nurse Attitudes Regarding Children with Obesity

PURPOSE

Weight bias towards individuals with obesity exists among medical professionals; yet, there is less evidence of the extent to which weight biases exist in different types of nursing professions. This study aimed to describe pediatric surgery and school nurses' weight biases towards children with obesity and examine factors associated with weight biases.

DESIGN AND METHODS

Pediatric surgery (n = 108) and school nurses (n = 177) completed a single online survey that assessed their attitudes towards weight regarding children with obesity. Responses were categorized as % agreement (responded "agree" or "strongly agree" to a given statement). Nurses also reported % time spent working with children who had obesity.

RESULTS

Almost all nurses (>93%) agreed it was important to treat patients with obesity with compassion and respect. However, many nurses endorsed statements stating that patients with obesity are often non-compliant with treatment recommendations (47%) and can be difficult to deal with (35%). Only about half of school nurses (53%) and surgical nurses (56%) felt professionally prepared to effectively treat patients with obesity. Nurses commonly reported hearing/witnessing other professionals in their field make negative comments (69%) or convey negative stereotypes (55%) about patients with obesity. School nurses who spent a greater % of time working with children with overweight had more positive weight attitudes (p = 0.04).

CONCLUSIONS

Negative attitudes towards patients with obesity were relatively prevalent in this population of pediatric surgery and school nurses.

PRACTICE IMPLICATIONS

There is a need for more educational opportunities, professional trainings, and policy initiatives to reduce weight bias among nurses.

First- and Second-Hand Experiences of Enacted Stigma Among LGBTQ Youth

Research on enacted stigma, or stigma- and bias-based victimization, including bullying and harassment, among lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender, and queer (LGBTQ) youth often focuses on one context (e.g., school) or one form (e.g., bullying or microaggressions), which limits our understanding of these experiences. We conducted qualitative go-along interviews with 66 LGBTQ adolescents (14-19 years) in urban, suburban, town, and rural locations in the United States and Canada identified through purposive and snowball sampling. Forty-six participants (70%) described at least one instance of enacted stigma. Three primary themes emerged: (1) enacted stigma occurred in many contexts; (2) enacted stigma restricted movement; and (3) second-hand accounts of enacted stigma shaped perceptions of safety. Efforts to improve well-being among LGBTQ youth must address the diverse forms and contexts of enacted stigma that youth experience, which limit freedom of movement and potential access to opportunities that encourage positive youth development. School nurses can play a critical role in reducing enacted stigma in schools and in collaboration with community partners.