"Pretty Pressure" From Peers, Parents, and the Media: A Longitudinal Study of Appearance-Based Rejection Sensitivity

Examining gender difference in disordered eating behaviour and its associated factors among college and university students in Sarawak

Background: Disordered eating is common among late adolescents and young adults who pursue an idealised body image. Aims: This study aims to determine the prevalence of disordered eating between males and females and its associated factors among college and university students in Sarawak. Methods: A cross-sectional study involving 20 public and private colleges and universities in Sarawak, from September 2017 to March 2020. Respondents completed self-administered questionnaires both in the English and Malay language. Data about sociodemographic characteristics, body mass index, eating attitude, body dissatisfaction, perceived sociocultural pressure, self-esteem, drive for muscularity and perfectionism were collected. Results: A total of 776 respondents (male: 30.9%; female: 69.1%) aged 19 to 25 years old took part in the study. The overall prevalence of disordered eating was 25.2% (95% confidence interval (CI) 21.9; 28.7) with females (28.6%, 95% CI 24.6; 32.9) higher than males (15.6%, 95% CI 10.5; 21.9). Multivariate analysis showed for both male and female models, perceived sociocultural pressure (male: β = 1.125, p < 0.01; female: β = 1.052, p = 0.003), drive for muscularity (male: β = 1.033, p = 0.017; female: β = 1.032, p < 0.01) and perfectionism (male: β = 1.098, p = 0.02; female:β = 1.119, p < 0.01) were predictors for disordered eating. Conclusion: The prevalence of disordered eating among college and university students in Sarawak was high. The findings suggest that although there were gender differences in the prevalence of disordered eating, its associated factors were the same. The findings of this study will be useful for designing and implementing disordered eating prevention and intervention programme.

Selfie-loving mothers and children in China: The relationship between the selfie-related behaviors of mothers and adolescents' cosmetic surgery consideration

The current study examined the relationship between mothers' selfie-related behaviors and adolescents' cosmetic surgery consideration, as well as the mediating effects of the adolescents' selfie-related behaviors, body surveillance, and facial dissatisfaction. A total of 541 mother-child dyads with adolescents averaging 16.55 years old, was recruited. The path analysis revealed that mothers' selfie-related behaviors were not directly related to adolescents' consideration of cosmetic surgery, but the link was mediated by the adolescents' selfie-related behaviors, body surveillance, and facial dissatisfaction. Specifically, there was a mediating effect of adolescents' facial dissatisfaction, as well as serial mediating effects of adolescents' selfie-related behaviors and facial dissatisfaction, of adolescents' selfie-related behaviors and body surveillance, and of adolescents' selfie-related behaviors, body surveillance and facial dissatisfaction. Additionally, we did not find a significant gender difference in the model. These findings provide further insights into the association between a mother's selfie activities and adolescent children's cosmetic surgery consideration.

A Pilot Evaluation of the Respect You Curriculum

BACKGROUND

The objective of this study is to evaluate the Respect YOU program's impact on students' eating expectancies, body image satisfaction levels, self-efficacy, and knowledge. A total of 444 (intervention cohort n = 348, control cohort n = 96) underclassmen enrolled in health or physical education courses from 7 high schools in the Midwest participated in the study.

METHODS

A repeated measure research design was utilized to assess students' eating expectancies, body image satisfaction levels, self-efficacy, and knowledge. More specifically, paired t-tests were conducted to compare outcome measurements to evaluate the efficacy of the intervention.

RESULTS

Among the students who received the intervention (n = 348), there was a statistically significant change in scores for eating expectancies (Z = -14.403, p < .001), body image satisfaction levels (Z = -14.114, p < .001), social media self-efficacy (Z = 14.868, p < .001), and knowledge scales (Z = -16.100, p < .001) at post-intervention and compared to the control group.

CONCLUSIONS

Results indicate that the Respect YOU program was effective in improving body image scores, eating expectancies, self-esteem, and knowledge-related outcomes among students post-intervention. These results can be used to further develop educational programming to address body image concerns and disordered eating among adolescents.

Parents and caregivers as key players in the prevention and identification of body image concerns and eating disorders among early adolescents

Early adolescence (ages 11-14 years) is a key period for the emergence of body image and eating concerns, and early identification and access to treatment are imperative for positive outcomes. Despite research identifying this critical developmental period, few prevention resources are available for early adolescents. Parents are key players for this age group and important socializing agents. As such, they are well positioned to help youth access resources or support where needed. However, programs to position and involve parents as interventionists are lacking. Our aims are two-fold. First, we review the evidence for the effectiveness of parents as body image interventionists and the existing data regarding parental needs. Second, we provide directions for future research and outline a framework for empowering parents as interventionists, identifying key domains in which parents may play a role in addressing body image and eating concerns among early adolescents. Based on the extent literature, these domains include facilitating engagement with or co-utilizing intervention content to decrease body image and eating concerns in at-risk children, which may also help to increase parents' effectiveness in their efforts to support youth. In addition, parents may deliver content to decrease or reverse risk-factors and early symptoms, or disrupt the early disorder phase of illness. To date, parents constitute an underutilized resource in eating disorder and disordered eating prevention, and efforts should be made to increase the evidence-based strategies to leverage their relationship with at-risk children.

Appearance-based rejection sensitivity mediates the relationship between Instagram addiction and dysmorphic concerns in young adult women

INTRODUCTION

Dysmorphic concerns refer to excessive preoccupations with one's physical characteristics. There is a need to better understand the factors associated with these experiences, especially in young adult women. Given emergent research suggesting a link between the use of Instagram, dysmorphic concerns, and appearance pressures, we tested a mediation model in which appearance-based rejection sensitivity mediated the relationship between Instagram addiction and dysmorphic concerns.

METHODS

In this cross-sectional study, 300 young adult women from Romania with mean age of 22.19 years (SD = 2.07) and who possessed an Instagram account were asked to complete an online survey consisting of measures of dysmorphic concerns, Instagram addiction, and appearance-based rejection sensitivity.

RESULTS

Correlational analyses revealed that all three variables were positively and moderately inter-correlated. Mediation analysis supported the hypothesis that appearance-based rejection sensitivity mediates the relationship between Instagram addiction and dysmorphic concerns.

CONCLUSIONS

Implications of this study are discussed in terms of the urgency of prevention and intervention strategies, especially given the link between dysmorphic concerns and more extreme manifestations of severity, such as body dysmorphic disorder.

Body image among adolescents: what is its relationship with rejection sensitivity and self-efficacy?

One of the significant development tasks of the adolescence period steps forth as the satisfaction and acceptance of one's own body. In the meantime, this period distinguishes by the adolescent's intensive need for approval and acceptance by their peers and adults. When adolescents are not accepted or rejected, they may encounter some difficulties. In this context, this study aimed at determining the relationship between body image, rejection sensitivity and self-efficacy among adolescents. The study was carried out based on the correlational design the study group consists of 749 adolescents. The measurement tools were administered to the students who were divided into groups according to grade level by the researchers. Based on the obtained data, a significant negative relationship was identified between body image and self-efficacy while a significant positive relationship was detected between body image and rejection sensitivity. Besides, it was found that body image among adolescents was predicted by rejection sensitivity and self-efficacy. Finally, it was determined that while the interaction effect of gender and self-efficacy on body image was significant, the interaction effect of gender and rejection sensitivity was not significant.

Psychological correlates of body dissatisfaction in Swiss youth over a one-year study-period

Introduction

It is well known that young individuals often report pronounced negative perceptions and attitudes towards their own body or intense fear of being not muscular enough. There is much less data available, however, on the role of psychological mechanisms on these perceptions and attitudes, such as emotion regulation difficulties, correlates of alexithymia, and appearance-related rejection sensitivity.

Methods

We therefore set out to assess associations between these psychological mechanisms, and body image as well as muscle dysmorphic symptoms. Our sample was recruited as part of a larger-scale study aiming at assessing correlates of mental health (with a focus on eating disorder symptoms) in German speaking Switzerland. The first wave (T1), starting in April 2021, included 605 participants (80% female, 19.6 ± 2.5 years) who completed the online-questionnaire and were reassessed in a second wave (T2), one year later.

Results

Results indicated that at both waves, emotion regulation difficulties [DERS-SF] and appearance-based rejection sensitivity [ARS-D] were both positively cross-sectionally associated with body dissatisfaction [BSQ-8C] and muscle dysmorphic symptoms [MDDI] at the first assessment time-point and one year later at follow-up assessment. Moreover, alexithymia [TAS-20] was positively cross-sectionally associated with muscle dysmorphic symptoms at both waves. We further observed high absolute and relative level stabilities for all variables involved across the one-year study period.

Discussion/Conclusion

Even though the effects for some associations were rather small, our findings underline the relevance of such mechanisms in the development of body dissatisfaction and to a lesser extent of muscle dysmorphia symptoms over the period of one year. Additional research is necessary to replicate these findings in other youth samples.

'I wish my body looked like theirs!': How positive appearance comments on social media impact adolescents' body dissatisfaction

Despite robust research evidence for the role of attractive-body portrayals in body image, the effect of positive appearance comments that endorse them on social media remains unclear. Therefore, using a between-subject experimental design and the data from 613 Czech adolescents (52% girls) aged 13-18 (M = 15.5, SD = 1.7), the present study examined exposure to positive appearance comments on body dissatisfaction, and the moderating roles of media-ideal internalization, appearance schematicity, body appreciation, and gender. Our data supported the presumed intensifying effect of the positive appearance comments on post-exposure body dissatisfaction, but only for adolescent girls. The impact of positive comments was not moderated by the media-ideal internalization, appearance schematicity, or body appreciation. However, the exploratory results showed that the displayed bodies' perceived attractiveness intensified the positive comments' effect on body dissatisfaction, which makes it a potentially important factor to target for the prevention of negative social media effects on body image. Furthermore, the individual characteristics that moderated the exposure to attractive images in the prior research may not determine the effects of the positive comments. Future research may need to capture factors that specifically influence the processing of such comments, such as susceptibility to peer feedback on physical appearance.

The relationship between personality traits and willingness to undergo cosmetic surgery in the non-clinical population - a systematic review and meta-analysis

Objective

Conducting a systematic review and meta-analysis to synthesize previously obtained results regarding the relationship between interest in cosmetic surgery and personality traits.

Methodology

A series of criteria were applied (at the level of design, independent variables, dependent variable, participants) in order to decide which existing studies could be considered eligible for inclusion in the meta-analytic procedure. The identification of research that met the eligibility criteria was carried out with the help of the electronic search function in the following databases: ScienceDirect, PsycInfo, Web of Science, Scopus, Springer, and PubMed. Following this approach left 13 studies that were then subjected to the final analysis and included in the meta-analysis.

Results

The researchers' expectations were partially supported by the results of the analyses, thus demonstrating the existence of a significant relationship between perfectionism (socially prescribed perfectionism; perfectionistic self-promotion), appearance-based rejection sensitivity, and interest in pursuing esthetic surgery.

Discussions

Identifying these relationships will allow cosmetic surgeons to understand both the mechanisms underlying this decision and the need for psychological assessment/counseling before patients undergo such procedures. It will also allow psychologists to develop best practice guidelines for how they relate to the patient before they perform cosmetic surgery. At the same time, psychotherapists will be able to devise targeted and personalized interventions for each personality profile, so that the decision to undergo an esthetic operation is not made based on a dispositional trait (fear of rejection, stress caused by body dissatisfaction).

Polycystic ovary syndrome and body image concerns during adolescence

PURPOSE

This study aimed to compare body image concerns in adolescents with and without PCOS.

DESIGN AND METHODS

This cross-sectional study included 1076 adolescents, including 344 with PCOS and 732 without PCOS. The participants were asked to complete a comprehensive questionnaire that included demographic and reproductive parameters and the body image concerns inventory (BICI) which comprised two factors (1-dissatisfaction and embarrassment about one's appearance and 2-social function due to appearance concerns). Linear regression analysis was conducted to evaluate the effect of hyperandrogenism and/or abnormal uterine bleeding (AUB) and/or obesity on BICI and its domains both before and after adjustment for potential confounders.

RESULTS

The result showed that adolescents with PCOS had a worse total BICI score and its domains (p < 0.05). In multivariable-adjusted regression models, adolescents with PCOS were more likely to have a high body image concern (β = 0.05, P < 0.001), while those with high household income were less likely to have body image concern (β = -0.08, P = 0.004). Considering hyperandrogenism status, those with high household income were also less likely to have high body image concern (β = -0.08, P = 0.004), and age of menarche (β = -0.01, P = 0.013) were also inversely associated with total BICI score. Likewise, considering obese status, only high household income (β = -0.08, P = 0.004) was inversely associated with total BICI score. Also, considering menstrual irregularity status, high household income (β = -0.08, P = 0.005), and age of menarche (β = -0.01, P = 0.01) were inversely associated with the total BICI score.

CONCLUSION

Adolescents with PCOS had higher body image concerns. Apart from the being PCOS label, abnormal uterine bleeding was also a predictor of body image concern.

PRACTICAL IMPLICATIONS

Clinicians should pay attention to the greater influence of the PCOS label on altered body image in adolescents.

Parental Pressure on Child Body Image, BMI, Body Image Dissatisfaction Associated with Eating Disorders in School-Age Children in China: A Path Analysis

Background

Children's eating behaviors, body shape and body image cognition may be more susceptible to the influence of their parents, but these influences may be weakened with age. There may be different association pathways between parental pressure on children's body image (PPCBI), body mass index (BMI), body image dissatisfaction (BID) and eating disorders (EDs) among children and adolescents at different developmental stages.

Methods

The stratified cluster sampling method (Stratified by grade, and took the classes as clusters) was used to select 486 students aged 8-15 years in two 9-year schools. Children's body height, weight, testicular volume and breast development were measured. PPCBI, BID, and EDs were investigated using the Appearance-related Social Stress Questionnaire, Body Size Questionnaire (BID-14), and EDI-1 scale, respectively.

Results

The boys before puberty initiation had significantly higher EDs score (182.3±50.8) than girls before puberty initiation (164.1±58.1) (P<0.05). There were significant association pathways of PPCBI→BMI→BID→EDs and PPCBI→BID→EDs in boys before puberty initiation (β=0.035, P<0.01; β=0.059, P<0.01), in boys after puberty initiation (β=0.032, P<0.01; β=0.175, P<0.001), and in girls after puberty initiation (β=0.026, P<0.01; β=0.172, P<0.001). There was a positive association pathway of PPCBI→EDs in boys before puberty initiation (β=0.30, P<0.001) and PPCBI→BID→EDs in girls before puberty initiation (β=0.176, P<0.01).

Conclusion

Parental pressure on children's body image may positively associate with children's eating disorders through BMI and body image dissatisfaction in boys and girls after puberty initiation and directly associate with eating disorders in boys before puberty initiation; however, it may indirectly associate with eating disorders only through BID in girls before puberty initiation.

The Relationship Between Parental Phubbing and Interpersonal Aggression in Adolescents: The Role of Rejection Sensitivity and School Climate

The impact of parental phubbing has attracted the attention of researchers, especially concerning adolescents' online behavior. However, limited research has studied the influence of parental phubbing on interpersonal aggression, including the underlying mechanism. Grounded in parental acceptance-rejection theory, the present study investigated the association between parental phubbing and interpersonal aggression as well as the mediating role of rejection sensitivity among adolescents. Additionally, school climate was explored as a moderator based on social ecological theory. The multiple questionnaires were completed by 914 Chinese adolescents (M = 12.61; SD = 1.73; 49.78% girls). The results revealed a positive correlation between parental phubbing and aggression, which was mediated by rejection sensitivity. That is, adolescents who experienced parental phubbing were more likely to exhibit rejection sensitivity, which further triggered aggression. Moreover, school climate acted as a moderator in the model. Specifically, we found no significant moderating effect of school climate on parental phubbing and aggression. However, school climate moderated the relationship between rejection sensitivity and aggression. A positive school climate buffered the associations of rejection sensitivity and aggression. Additionally, school climate moderated the relationship between parental phubbing and rejection sensitivity. The relationship between parental phubbing and rejection sensitivity became nonsignificant when adolescents were in a negative school climate, and those adolescents reported higher rejection sensitivity whether they experienced parental phubbing or not. Parental phubbing was more strongly associated with adolescents' rejection sensitivity in a positive school climate. With a lower level of parental phubbing, rejection sensitivity is sharply reduced. The results deepen our understanding of the relationship between parental phubbing and aggression and its underlying mechanisms. It also implicates preventative interventions to reduce the risk of parental phubbing in interpersonal aggression among adolescents.

Associations between Parents' Body Weight/Shape Comments and Disordered Eating Amongst Adolescents over Time-A Longitudinal Study

Parents are key influencers of adolescents' attitudes on weight, shape, and eating, and make more positive than negative comments, with negative comments most impactful. This study examined prospective unique associations of parental positive and negative comments in a community sample of adolescents with paediatric psychosocial quality of life (PED-QoL), Eating Disorder Weight/Shape Cognitions (EDEQ-WS), BMI percentile, and Psychological Distress (K10) scales. Data were from 2056 adolescents from the EveryBODY study cohort. Multiple regressions were conducted for the impacts of parental positive and negative comments on four dependent variables at one year after controlling for their stage of adolescence (early, middle, late). Multiple imputation and bootstrapping were used for handling missing data and violations of normality. Results indicated that positive maternal comments on eating were associated with increased EDCs and better quality of life at one year. Paternal positive weight shape comments were associated with a decrease in psychological distress, but positive eating comments saw a decrease in quality of life. Findings highlight the nuances of parental comments and how these are perceived and interpreted, and could alert health care workers and family practitioners who have weight, shape, and eating conversations to be aware of the potential influence of their communication.

Severity of Binge Eating Behavior among Overweight College Students in Taiwan and Associated Factors

BACKGROUND

Binge eating (BE) is considered a marker of obesity and overweight and a significant characteristic of feeding and eating disorders. Despite the high prevalence of obesity on college campuses, the issue of BE among college students in Taiwan has received little attention. The aim of this study was to investigate BE behavior among overweight college students in Taiwan and associated factors.

METHODS

This study utilized a cross-sectional survey. A total of 300 overweight college students were recruited through convenience sampling. Data were collected using a self-administered Binge Eating Scale (BES) and a body weight composition monitor (Model No. OMRON, HBF-126) and analyzed using descriptive statistics, correlation analysis, and regression analysis.

RESULTS

The average BES score was 10.67 (SD = 6.66, 0-34). With a BES score of 17 as the cut-off point, 17.3% (n = 52) of the participants were found to have moderate or severe BE behavior. Analysis of the demographic and psychosocial data using Spearman's rho rank correlation coefficient revealed that sex, body mass index (BMI), uncontrolled eating, weight loss diets, academic stress, peer competition, interpersonal distress, and unpleasant or major life events were significantly correlated with BE behavior and its probability (rs = -0.14-0.15, p < 0.05). Furthermore, logistic regression analysis indicated that the odds ratio of the BES scores of female participants and those who stated to have experienced uncontrolled eating, weight loss diets, peer competition, and interpersonal distress was 1.05-6.04 times those of male participants and those without such experiences (p < 0.05).

CONCLUSION

The study found that nearly one-fifth of participants presented moderate to severe levels of BE behaviors, and these were significantly correlated with sex and external environmental stress. This study suggests early intervention from campus psychological health personnel to provide proper therapy.

The impact of critical comments from teammates on athletes' eating and exercise psychopathology

Critical comments from parents or coaches about weight or shape have been associated with athletes' body dissatisfaction and disordered eating. However, research is yet to explore how critical comments from an athlete's teammates may impact on eating and exercise psychopathology. This study aimed to (1) explore whether athletes who reported receiving a teammate critical comment have higher eating/exercise psychopathology and poorer psychological wellbeing versus matched athletes who have not, (2) determine whether gender differences exist in the perceived severity of critical comments and (3) evaluate the moderating role of gender when establishing the relative importance of explicit teammate critical comments versus implicit teammate influences (e.g., modelling) on eating/exercise psychopathology. Athletes (N = 646, Mage=23 years, n = 391 female) completed a survey exploring explicit/implicit teammate influences, psychological wellbeing (self-esteem, anxiety, depression) and eating/exercise psychopathology. Athletes receiving a teammate critical comment (n = 323) had significantly higher eating/exercise psychopathology, anxiety, and lower self-esteem compared to those who had not (n = 323). Females (n = 196) perceived the severity of the comment to be significantly worse than males (n = 127). Explicit critical comments had a greater influence on athletes' eating/exercise psychopathology versus implicit teammate influences. Disordered eating/compulsive exercise prevention efforts with athlete populations should highlight the detrimental impact that athletes' comments can have on teammates' wellbeing and body satisfaction.

Are you looking at me? A longitudinal vignette study of adolescent appearance rejection sensitivity and coping with peer evaluation

Appearance rejection sensitivity (ARS) refers to anxiously over-expecting rejection because of perceived appearance flaws. ARS has been associated with poorer mental health, which suggests coping with stress may be negatively affected by ARS. In this study, we investigated if ARS was related to adolescents' emotions and ways of coping with negative appearance evaluation two years later (T2). Other potential correlates of emotions and ways of coping were also tested, including peer appearance teasing, social anxiety, and gender, as well as reports of victimization, social status, and attractiveness gathered from peers. At Time 1 (T1), 329 adolescents (M = 13.9 years, 54% girls) self-reported their ARS, experience of appearance teasing, and social anxiety. T1 appearance victimization, popularity, and attractiveness were measured using peer nominations, and peer likeability was measured with peer ratings. At T2, participants' emotions and coping were measured using vignettes portraying appearance evaluation by peers. In regression models, T1 ARS, appearance teasing, social anxiety and female gender were associated with more T2 negative emotions, social withdrawal, rumination, and (except for social anxiety) thoughts about appearance change. ARS was not significantly associated with T2 positive thinking or support seeking. No peer-report measure was significantly associated with T2 outcomes.

Adolescent girls' participation in sports is associated with lower negative effects of internalization of thin body ideals on self-objectification: findings from a cross-sectional study

PURPOSE

The aim of the present study was to test a partial sociocultural model of integrated tripartite influence and objectification theories in adolescent girls and to assess the moderating role of participation in sport.

METHODS

This study is part of a larger research that involved a sample of adolescent girls and boys from the 11^th grade. In the present study, data on 842 girls were analysed. The mean age of the sample was 16.9 ± 0.5 years. The adolescent girls completed online questionnaires assessing internalization of thin body ideals, disordered eating attitudes and behaviours, and self-objectification, as well as various aspects of participation in sports. To assess the primary hypotheses, moderated mediation models were tested.

RESULTS

Self-objectification mediated associations between internalization of thin body ideals and disordered eating attitudes and behaviours in adolescent girls. Participation in an achievement sport moderated the association between internalization of thin body ideals and self-objectification, but not between the latter and disordered eating attitudes and behaviours. Internalization of thin body ideals was not significantly associated with self-objectification in girls participating in achievement sport. The association between internalization of thin body ideals and self-objectification was stronger in adolescent girls not involved in any sports activities than in leisure-time exercisers.

CONCLUSION

It is important to promote involvement in sport for all adolescent girls, since it might help them to decrease the negative effect of internalization of thin body ideals on self-objectification and to value body functions over appearance. Decreasing self-objectification and teaching about body functionality might be an effective strategy in programmes aimed at decreasing disordered eating in adolescent girls participating in achievement sport.

LEVEL OF EVIDENCE

Level of evidence V, cross-sectional descriptive study.

Longitudinal study of social anxiety symptoms and appearance rejection in predicting body dysmorphic symptoms: Appearance-based rejection sensitivity as a mediator

Previous findings from cross-sectional studies suggest that social anxiety symptoms and negative peers' experiences regarding appearance were predictors of body dysmorphic symptoms through appearance-based rejection sensitivity. However, little is known about longitudinal relations and parental appearance rejection on body dysmorphic symptoms. Therefore, this study aims to examine the longitudinal mediation of appearance-based rejection sensitivity with social anxiety symptoms, remembered peers', maternal, and paternal appearance-based rejection as predictors, and body dysmorphic symptoms as an outcome. The study included 277 university students who completed questionnaires in two-measurements points 5 months apart. The results indicated that social anxiety symptoms predicted changes in body dysmorphic symptoms through appearance-based rejection sensitivity. In addition, remembered childhood peers' appearance-based rejection predicted both directly and indirectly changes in body dysmorphic symptoms over time. Maternal and paternal appearance-based rejection were not predictors of appearance-based rejection sensitivity or body dysmorphic symptoms. Findings support rejection sensitivity theory and the long-lasting impact of negative peers' experiences for impaired body dysmorphic symptoms. However, further research regarding remembered parental negative experiences is needed.

Exploring associations between positive and negative valanced parental comments about adolescents' bodies and eating and eating problems: a community study

BACKGROUND

Adolescence is a time of rapid emotional and physical development when foundational self-concepts (including beliefs about one's weight and shape) are established. Parents are key influencers of adolescent beliefs and behaviours. This study aimed to investigate associations between perceived positive and negative parental comments on weight/shape and eating, with sons' and daughters' psychological distress and eating disorder cognitions (EDCs).

METHODS

A representative mixed-sex sample of 2204 Australian adolescents (12-19 years) from the EveryBODY Study completed an online survey exploring eating behaviours, psychological wellbeing and experiences of parental comments regarding weight, shape and eating behaviours.

RESULTS

Correlation analyses revealed that adolescents' reports of perceived positive parental comments on shape/weight were significantly associated with lower psychological distress and EDCs only for daughters. All perceived negative parental comments on shape/weight or eating were associated with greater psychological distress and EDCs for both sons and daughters. In the final model of the regression analysis, only perceived parental negative shape/weight and maternal negative eating comments, adolescent stage and biological sex were significantly associated with EDCs. When known contributors such as BMI percentile and psychological distress were included in the regression model, adolescent stage and perceived negative paternal comments were no longer significantly associated with EDCs.

CONCLUSIONS

Overall, results show perceived negative comments were associated with poorer adolescent mental health, both their specific EDCs and general distress. Findings highlight the importance of raising awareness of potential negative impacts within family systems of comments around weight/shape and eating in these key formative years. Trial Registration The study was approved by the Macquarie University Human Research Ethics Committee (HREC 5201600312) and the New South Wales Department of Education.

Peer victimization and weight/shape concerns in adolescents: Examining the moderating role of appearance-based rejection sensitivity

Peer victimization has been related to weight/shape concerns in adolescents. However, a dearth of research has examined potential moderators of this association. The present study examined the concurrent and prospective associations between two types of peer victimization, appearance-based and non-appearance-based, and weight/shape concerns among adolescents, and whether these associations were moderated by appearance-based rejection sensitivity. Participants were 897 adolescents, aged 11-19 years (M = 14 years 8 months, SD = 1 year 4 months), who completed a range of self-report measures as part of the EveryBODY study, one year apart. Both forms of victimization were associated with concurrent, but not prospective weight/shape concerns. Additionally, the concurrent association between appearance-related victimization and weight/shape concerns was dependent on appearance-based rejection-sensitivity, with stronger associations at lower levels of appearance-based rejection-sensitivity. These findings support previous research linking peer victimization with concurrent weight/shape concerns in adolescents. However, the impact of peer victimization on increased weight/shape concerns was not observed.

An Evolutionary Perspective on Appearance Enhancement Behavior

Researchers have highlighted numerous sociocultural factors that have been shown to underpin human appearance enhancement practices, including the influence of peers, family, the media, and sexual objectification. Fewer scholars have approached appearance enhancement from an evolutionary perspective or considered how sociocultural factors interact with evolved psychology to produce appearance enhancement behavior. Following others, we argue that evidence from the field of evolutionary psychology can complement existing sociocultural models by yielding unique insight into the historical and cross-cultural ubiquity of competition over aspects of physical appearance to embody what is desired by potential mates. An evolutionary lens can help to make sense of reliable sex and individual differences that impact appearance enhancement, as well as the context-dependent nature of putative adaptations that function to increase physical attractiveness. In the current review, appearance enhancement is described as a self-promotion strategy used to enhance reproductive success by rendering oneself more attractive than rivals to mates, thereby increasing one's mate value. The varied ways in which humans enhance their appearance are described, as well as the divergent tactics used by women and men to augment their appearance, which correspond to the preferences of opposite-sex mates in a heterosexual context. Evolutionarily relevant individual differences and contextual factors that vary predictably with appearance enhancement behavior are also discussed. The complementarity of sociocultural and evolutionary perspectives is emphasized and recommended avenues for future interdisciplinary research are provided for scholars interested in studying appearance enhancement behavior.

Correlates of interpersonal emotion regulation problems in Loss of Control eating (LOC) in youth: study protocol of the combined online and App based questionnaire, laboratory and randomized controlled online intervention i-BEAT trial

BACKGROUND

Binge Eating Disorder (BED) represents a common eating disorder associated with marked health impairments. A subclinical variant, loss of control eating (LOC) is prevalent in youth. LOC is associated with similar mental distress as full-blown BED, increases the risk to develop a BED and promotes continuous weight gain. The etiology of LOC is not yet fully understood and specialized treatment for youth is scarce.

METHODS

The i-BEAT study includes a cross-sectional and longitudinal online questionnaire study (N = 600), an App based daily-life approach and a laboratory virtual reality study in N = 60 youths (14-24 years) with and without LOC as well as a controlled randomized online treatment trial to investigate the feasibility, acceptance and efficacy of a CBT and an interpersonal emotion regulation module for youth (N = 120). The primary outcomes include self-reported as well as measured (heart rate variability, gaze behavior, reaction times in stop signal task) associations between emotion regulation problems (such as dealing with RS), psychological impairment and binge eating in a healthy control group and youth with LOC. Secondary outcomes encompass general eating disorder pathology, social anxiety, body mass index, hyperscanning behavior and therapists' rating of patients' condition pre and post treatment. Epigenetic correlates of RS are assessed in healthy controls and youth with LOC and explored before and after treatment.

DISCUSSION

The expected findings will specify the role of interpersonal emotion regulation problems such as coping with the experience of social exclusion and rejection sensitivity (RS) in LOC and clarify, whether including a training to cope with RS adds to the efficacy of a cognitive behavioral treatment (CBT).

TRIAL REGISTRATION

German Clinical Trial Register: DRKS00023706. Registered 27 November 2020, https://www.drks.de/drks_web/navigate.do?navigationId=trial.HTML&TRIAL_ID=DRKS00023706.

A cascade of rejection and appearance preoccupation: Adolescents' body dysmorphic symptoms and appearance rejection sensitivity over 4 years

Adolescence is a high-risk period for body image disturbance and appearance concerns. In a cascade model, we examined interrelations of body dysmorphic symptoms (BDS) with appearance rejection sensitivity (ARS) and tested gender moderation. Participants were 397 Australian adolescents (T1 Mage = 11.7, SD = 0.91; 56% girls) who completed six surveys over 4 years. In a random-intercept cross-lag model, two (of five possible) paths showed ARS predicted higher subsequent BDS, and three (of five possible) paths showed BDS predicted higher subsequent ARS. Girls reported more BDS and ARS than boys, and random intercepts of BDS and ARS were correlated with the correlation stronger in girls than boys. Cross-lag BDD-ARS associations over the six waves were not significantly moderated by gender. Overall, girls are at higher risk of appearance concerns than boys, but BDD-ARS cascade effects do not differ between girls and boys.

Adolescents’ selfie-taking and selfie-editing: A revision of the photo manipulation scale and a moderated mediation model

‘Selfie practices’ (e.g., editing, filtering, sharing) have become adolescents’ daily behaviors. The increasing centrality of online visual self-presentation might increase adolescents’ appearance-related concerns, problematic monitoring, and photo manipulation (PM). However, few studies focused on body image control in photos (BICP) and PM, and no studies evaluated the influence of selfie-expectancies on photo-taking and photo-editing. Consequently, two studies were conducted. Study1 psychometrically evaluated the PM scale (N = 1353). Study2 evaluated the mediating role of BICP and the moderating role of gender in the relationship between selfie-expectancies and PM (N = 453). The revised PM scale showed good psychometric properties. BICP mediated the relationship between selfie-expectancies and PM and being male significantly affected the relationship between the variables. Implications for adolescents’ appearance-related issues are discussed.

Parental appearance teasing in adolescence and associations with eating problems: a systematic review

Background

The adolescent years see significant physical and emotional development that lay foundations for patterns of behaviour that can continue into adult life, including the shaping of eating behaviours. Given parents are key socio-environmental drivers and influencers of adolescent behaviours around physical health and wellbeing, it is critical to consider if specific forms of parental communication are potentially contributing to the associated emotional difficulties experienced in the adolescent years. The aim of this research was to systematically review the myriad of literature pertaining to the prevalence of parental weight or appearance-based teasing and adolescent eating problems to examine how the scientific and clinical community currently understands the relationship between these domains.

Methods

A systematic search of the literature, using the SCOPUS, APA PsycINFO, Medline, CINAHL databases, reference lists and Google Scholar, was undertaken to identify relevant literature for parental teasing and problem eating in adolescents aged 10–19 years, published between January 1980 to October 2020, in English or French.

Results

Six studies met criteria for inclusion, all were cross-sectional studies and two included additional prospective data. Although parents were not the most common perpetrators of teasing, often subsidiary to that of peers and siblings, the influence and impact of parental teasing remained significant, and in some cases, appeared to interact with sibling-based teasing. This teasing was associated with problem eating behaviours for adolescents.

Conclusions

There is evidence in the literature to suggest the existence of an association between ‘eating problems’ amongst adolescents and exposure to parental appearance or weight teasing. Parents are unlikely to be aware of the perception or impact of the words they use or the wider influence these words may have. Future research should employ representative longitudinal designs to develop a greater understanding of the relationships between parental communications around their adolescent’s appearance or weight and how that communication is perceived by adolescents within complex family processes.

Trial registration

PROSPERO 2018 CRD42018109623. Prospectively registered 15th October 2018.

Supplementary Information

The online version contains supplementary material available at 10.1186/s12889-021-10416-5.

Prevalence of Parental Comments on Weight/Shape/Eating amongst Sons and Daughters in an Adolescent Sample

Reports suggest that 12–76% of adolescents have experienced parental comments regarding their weight/shape and/or eating behaviours. Parents may engage in conversations about weight/shape and eating out of concern, even without any ill intent; however, the associations of these comments with subsequent problematic psychosocial and eating behaviours are evidenced. Therefore, an in-depth understanding of the content and prevalence of such comments is needed. To date, adolescent-reported prevalence estimates have not included differentiation between mother or father and sons or daughters, nor have they considered eating-focussed comments. This study considered the prevalence of positive and negative parental commentary regarding weight/shape and eating with a focus on parental origin. A total of 2287 Australian male and female adolescents participated via a self-report survey. Adolescents reported frequent positive comments on weight/shape and on eating, most commonly maternal positive comments on weight/shape (78%; 95% CI 77–80). Daughters reported significantly more maternal comments on weight/shape (positive and negative) as well as more negative eating comments from mothers than did sons. Sons reported significantly more negative weight/shape comments from fathers than did daughters. Some negative comments increased significantly with age. These findings support a notable prevalence of reported parental weight/shape and eating comments directed at their offspring, particularly from mothers.

Emotion regulation and support from others: Buffering of body dysmorphic symptoms in adolescent and young adult men but not women

INTRODUCTION

Adolescents and young adults who overemphasize the social values placed on an attractive appearance may develop body dysmorphic symptoms (BDS), defined as over-preoccupation with perceived appearance flaws and repetitive behaviors to conceal the flaws. Further, research has found that a heightened expectation of judgement and rejection by others because of appearance (i.e., appearance-based rejection sensitivity [appearance-RS]) is both a maintaining and an aggravating factor in BDS. This study focused on emotion regulation (ER), appearance-related support from others and self-acceptance, expecting they would buffer the negative impact of appearance-RS on BDS.

METHODS

Participants included 782 Australian high school and young university students, aged 14-28 years (M = 17.94 years, 40% male) who completed a survey to report their BDS, appearance-RS, ER, appearance-related support from others and self-acceptance.

RESULTS

Multiple regression analyses revealed that youth reported more BDS when they were higher in appearance-RS but reported less self-acceptance, ER, and support from others. Further, the association between appearance-RS and BDS was weaker when young people reported higher (relative to lower) ER and support from others. However, when three-way interactions with gender were tested, these buffering effects were only significant for young men.

CONCLUSION

Findings suggest that ER and appearance-related support from important others are promising targets for intervention, given they could mitigate the risk of appearance-RS in young men. However, further research is needed to consider additional factors that buffer against the negative effects of appearance-RS on BDS for young women.

Social capital, social cohesion, and health of Syrian refugee working children living in informal tented settlements in Lebanon: A cross-sectional study

BACKGROUND

Since 2011, the protracted Syrian war has had tragic consequences on the lives of the Syrian people, threatening their stability, health, and well-being. The most vulnerable are children, who face interruption of schooling and child labor. This study explored the relationship between social capital and the physical health and emotional well-being of Syrian refugee working children in rural areas of Lebanon.

METHODS AND FINDINGS

In this cross-sectional study, we surveyed 4,090 Syrian refugee children working in the Bekaa Valley of Lebanon in 2017. Children (8-18 years) gave direct testimony on their living and social environment in face-to-face interviews. Logistic regressions assessed the association of social capital and social cohesion with the health and emotional well-being of Syrian refugee working children; specifically, poor self-rated health, reporting a health problem, engaging in risky health behavior, feeling lonely, feeling optimistic, and being satisfied with life. Of the 4,090 working children in the study, 11% reported poor health, 16% reported having a health problem, and 13% were engaged in risky behaviors. The majority (67.5%) reported feeling lonely, while around 53% were optimistic and 59% were satisfied with life. The study findings suggest that positive social capital constructs were associated with better health. Lower levels of social cohesion (e.g., not spending time with friends) were significantly associated with poor self-rated health, reporting a physical health problem, and feeling more lonely ([adjusted odds ratio (AOR), 2.4; CI 1.76-3.36, p < 0.001], [AOR, 1.9; CI 1.44-2.55, p < 0.001], and [AOR, 0.5; CI 0.38-0.76, p < 0.001], respectively). Higher levels of social support (e.g., having good social relations), family social capital (e.g., discussing personal issues with parents), and neighborhood attachment (e.g., having a close friend) were all significantly associated with being more optimistic ([AOR, 1.5; CI 1.2-1.75, p < 0.001], [AOR, 1.3; CI 1.11-1.52, p < 0.001], and [AOR, 1.9; CI 1.58-2.29, p < 0.001], respectively) and more satisfied with life ([AOR, 1.3; CI 1.01-1.54, p = 0.04], [AOR, 1.2; CI 1.01-1.4, p = 0.04], and [AOR, 1.3; CI 1.08-1.6, p = 0.006], respectively). The main limitations of this study were its cross-sectional design, as well as other design issues (using self-reported health measures, using a questionnaire that was not subject to a validation study, and giving equal weighting to all the components of the health and emotional well-being indicators).

CONCLUSIONS

This study highlights the association between social capital, social cohesion, and refugee working children's physical and emotional health. In spite of the poor living and working conditions that Syrian refugee children experience, having a close-knit network of family and friends was associated with better health. Interventions that consider social capital dimensions might contribute to improving the health of Syrian refugee children in informal tented settlements (ITSs).

Risk factors and temporal patterns of disordered eating differ in adolescent boys and girls: Testing gender-specific appearance anxiety models

Adolescent dieting and disordered eating (DE) are risks for clinical eating disorders. In this five-wave longitudinal study, we tested gender-specific models linking early risk factors to temporal patterns of DE, considering appearance anxiety as a mediator. Participants were 384 Australian students (age 10 to 13; 45% boys) who reported their purging and skipping meals, experience with appearance-related teasing, media pressure, and appearance anxiety. Parents reported pubertal maturation and height/weight was measured. Gender differences in temporal patterns of DE were found and predictive models were tested using latent-variable growth curve and path models. Boys’ DE was generally stable over time; girls showed stability in purging but an average increase in skipping meals. Peer teasing, media pressure, and pubertal maturation were associated with more elevated initial DE in girls, and pubertal maturation was associated with a steeper increase in DE. For boys, body mass index had a direct positive association with DE. Appearance anxiety was associated with more DE, but there was only one significant indirect effect via anxiety, which was for boys’ pubertal maturation. Findings support the dominant role of social interactions and messages, as well as pubertal maturation, for girls’ DE and the prominence of physical risk factors for explaining boys’ DE.

Unique associations of social media use and online appearance preoccupation with depression, anxiety, and appearance rejection sensitivity

Social media (SM) can create a climate of social comparison and preoccupation with appearance, which can pose risks for emotional problems, such as depression and social anxiety. In this study, 763 adolescents and young adults reported time spent and intensity of social media use and preoccupation with both general and appearance-related (AR) social media activities and content. Associations were investigated with markers of depression and social anxiety symptoms and appearance sensitivities - appearance anxiety and appearance rejection sensitivity (appearance-RS). Social media use was positively associated with symptoms of depression, social anxiety, appearance anxiety, and appearance-RS. General and AR preoccupation had unique and positive associations with depression and social anxiety symptoms and with appearance sensitivities. AR preoccupation was also found to strengthen the relationship between time spent on social media and appearance-RS. Although there were gender differences on all measures, with young women scoring higher on all measures, there was no evidence that gender moderated the effects of AR social media preoccupation. Findings support emerging evidence that social media engagement and behavior, particularly activities involving appearance comparisons and judgements, may be more of a risk to depression and social anxiety symptoms and appearance sensitivities than simply the frequency of social media use.

A biopsychosocial-cultural model for understanding oral-health-related quality of life among adolescent orthodontic patients

Background

Based on previous theoretical oral-health-related quality of life (OHRQoL) models and most recently framework, as well as sociocultural model of body image dissatisfaction, the current study aimed to investigate the effect of individual (dental aesthetics and dental appearance social comparison) and sociocultural factors (social reinforcement from parents, peers and mass media on dental aesthetics) as well as their interaction on psychosocial dimension of OHRQoL among adolescent orthodontic patients.

Methods

In this cross-sectional study comprising 427 adolescent orthodontic patients (151 boys and 276 girls) aged between 11 and 16 years old, the psychosocial dimension of OHRQoL was measured by Psychosocial Impact of Dental Aesthetics Questionnaire. Individual predictor of dental aesthetics was defined by the Aesthetic Component of the Index of Orthodontic Treatment Need, and dental appearance social comparison was assessed by four items adapted from Physical Appearance Comparison Scale. Sociocultural predictor of social reinforcement was measured by six items adapted from Perceived Sociocultural Pressure Scale. Spearman correlations, path analyses, and structural equation modeling were used to build up several predictive models.

Results

As hypothesized, two direct pathways were observed that patients’ dental aesthetics and all three sources of social reinforcement directly predicted the psychosocial dimension of OHRQoL. Meanwhile, we observed one indirect pathway, that three sources of social reinforcement predicted the psychosocial dimension of OHRQoL, in part, through dental appearance social comparison.

Conclusions

This study provides preliminary evidence indicating that dental aesthetics, social reinforcement and dental appearance comparison are reliable predictors of psychosocial dimension of OHRQoL among adolescent orthodontic patients.

Validation of the Lithuanian Version of the Sociocultural Attitudes towards Appearance Questionnaire-4 (SATAQ-4) in a Student Sample

The Sociocultural Attitudes Towards Appearance Questionnaire-4 (SATAQ-4) is one of the most broadly used self-report tools that assess the general role of sociocultural influences on body image and appearance-related internalization. The present study aimed to examine the reliability, validity, and factor structure of the Lithuanian version of the SATAQ-4 (LT-SATAQ-4), as a screening self-report instrument for assessing the role of sociocultural influences on body image. A mixed-gender sample (N = 1850) of undergraduate students (88.7%) and graduate students (11.3%) from different state universities and colleges participated in this study (average age 21.6 ±5.0). The students completed a self-report online questionnaire. Intraclass correlation coefficients (ICCs) were calculated for assessing test-retest reliability. The construct validity of the Lithuanian Sociocultural Attitudes Towards Appearance Questionnaire-4 (LT-SATAQ-4) was studied performing exploratory factor analysis (EFA), and then confirmatory factor analysis (CFA). The mean scores for the LT-SATAQ-4 subscales ranged from 1.6 ± 0.9 (Pressure subscale: Peers) to 2.7 ± 1.2 (Internalization subscale: Thin/Low Body Fat). Test-retest reliability was good to excellent for the general and subscale scores (0.85-1.00) except for the Pressure subscale: Peers (0.60). The original 5-factor structure was confirmed by EFA and CFA. Good to excellent internal consistency for each subscale (attempted 0.9 and more) and for the LT-SATAQ-4 global scale (0.91) was obtained. The LT-SATAQ-4 scores had adequate concurrent validity with the measures of the body image, disordered eating, self-esteem, and body mass index. The results support the psychometric properties of the LT-SATAQ-4 and its' use in Lithuanian student samples. The Lithuanian SATAQ-4 is a useful measure to examine the pressures to internalize appearance ideals in Lithuanian-speaking samples of young individuals.

Sociocultural Attitudes towards Appearance, Self-Esteem and Symptoms of Body-Dysmorphic Disorders among Young Adults

Background: Beauty and an attractive body shape are particularly important during early adulthood, as both are related to greater mating success, positive social feedback, and higher self-esteem. The media may further influence common features of beauty. We tested whether higher body-dysmorphic disorder (BDD) scores were associated with sociocultural attitudes towards appearance. Additionally, we expected that a link between higher BDD scores and higher perceived media pressure would be mediated by lower self-esteem (SE). Method: 350 young Iranian adults (mean age: 24.17 years; 76.9% females) took part in the study. Participants completed questionnaires covering sociodemographic data, sociocultural attitudes towards appearances, and SE, while experts rated participants for symptoms of body dysmorphic disorders. Results: Higher BDD scores were associated with higher scores for sociocultural attitudes towards appearance, while SE was not associated with BDD or sociocultural attitudes towards appearance. Higher scores for sociocultural attitudes towards appearance and media pressure predicted higher BDD scores, while SE had no influence. Conclusion: Among young Iranian adults, sociocultural attitudes towards appearances and BDD scores, as rated by experts’, were related, while SE was not. The shared variance between symptoms of BDD and sociocultural attitudes towards appearance was low, suggesting that other factors such as mating and career concerns together with social feedback might be more important in explaining symptoms of body dysmorphic disorders.

Appearance Teasing and Mental Health: Gender Differences and Mediation Effects of Appearance-Based Rejection Sensitivity and Dysmorphic Concerns

Appearance teasing is a common phenomenon in social interactions, especially in adolescence. Several studies have shown its negative impact on mental health as well as on body image. While these findings prove stable in various contexts, less evidence is available for possible gender differences in these relationships. In particular, the role of two important body image variables - appearance-based rejection sensitivity (ARS) and dysmorphic concerns - and their contribution to mental health impairments has not been assessed in gender-specific process models. In a cross-sectional survey-study (N = 501; 407 f, 94 m), we retrospectively assessed early appearance teasing experiences, as well as current ARS, dysmorphic concerns, depression, anxiety, and self-esteem. We analyzed gender differences in these variables and their interrelations. We then examined the mediating role of ARS and dysmorphic concerns in explaining mental health variables in adulthood due to early appearance teasing in gender-specific serial-mediation models. The results show high ratios of early teasing experiences, but no significant gender difference regarding the frequency of early appearance teasing. While teasing experiences were significantly related to body image variables in adulthood in both genders (rs > 0.32; ps < 0.010), we observed significant relations with mental health outcomes in women (rs > 0.30; ps < 0.001) but not in men (rs < 0.20; ps > 0.250). Serial mediation models show that ARS and dysmorphic concerns mediate the effects of appearance teasing on mental health in all outcomes in women (ΔR2 > 0.17), but not in men (ΔR2 < 0.03). Findings remained stable when controlling for Body-Mass-Index, age, and relationship-status. The findings show similar frequencies of appearance teasing and associated negative effects on body image in men and women. Specifically, in women, the effects of teasing on mental health were stronger and mediated by ARS and dysmorphic concerns. Overall, the results point to the relevance of ARS for etiological models of body image disorders and female mental health. However, men did not show the same relationships of teasing and mental health. Differential resilience factors regarding the negative effects of early appearance teasing could be an important target for future research.

Body image and attitude to one's body in adolescent: family and sociocultural factors (based on foreign researches)

The article provides an overview of foreign studies published between 2014 and 2019 on the problem of body image and attitudes of adolescents to their bodies. The influence of social environment, social networks and family on the formation of body image and satisfaction with it is analyzed. The emphasis is on the studies that consider child-parent relations, parents' attitudes and behaviors towards adolescents, their own attitudes towards their parents and their own attitudes to their own bodies as the main factors convey their behaviors to children. It is shown that the attitude to the body can be a predictor of eating disorders, overweight, depressive symptoms, dysmorphia. The analysis of the presented studies leads to understanding of the necessity in awareness-raising work with the sociocultural and family environment of adolescents, primarily with their parents

Tween Television and Peers: Reinforcing Social Agents in Early Adolescents' Body Surveillance and Self-Objectification

Sociocultural models of body image posit that the media and peers play a role in early adolescents' body dissatisfaction. Introducing a sociocultural perspective on youth sexualization, the present three-wave panel study (N = 968, M_age  = 11.30) sought to examine the role of tween television and peer appearance conversations in early adolescents' body surveillance and self-objectification over time. Special attention was given to the mediating role of media internalization in these relationships. The results showed evidence for a reciprocal interaction between media internalization and peer appearance conversations and identified this reciprocal interaction as the underlying mechanism linking tween television exposure to higher levels of body surveillance and self-objectification 1 year later. Implications for body image and media literacy programs are discussed.

Relationship between Peer Pressure and Risk of Eating Disorders among Adolescents in Jordan

BACKGROUND

The prevalence of disordered eating behaviors (DEBs) have increased worldwide. It is estimated that about 31.6% of Jordanian adolescents developed DEB. Engaging in peer groups is a prominent event in which adolescents try to belong to peers as part of exploring their social identity.

PURPOSE

To assess the relationship between risk of eating disorders and peer pressure among adolescents.

METHODS

A descriptive, correlational, cross-sectional design utilized multistage cluster sampling technique was used to recruit students from 8th to 10th grades from both sexes from schools in northern Jordan. Data were collected from a self-administered, online questionnaire which was given to 738 participants.

RESULTS

The difference in overall mean of the Inventory of Peer Influence on Eating Concerns (I-PIEC) between adolescents with disordered eating behaviors and normal eating behaviors states was statistically significant. Scores for interaction peer pressure means were statistically higher for girls than for boys; conversely, likeability mean scores were statistically higher for boys than girls.

CONCLUSIONS

The current findings suggest that healthcare professionals are encouraged to conduct appropriate school-based primary prevention for disordered eating behaviors.

Early adolescents' body dysmorphic symptoms as compensatory responses to parental appearance messages and appearance-based rejection sensitivity

Body dysmorphic disorder (BDD) is marked by high distress and behavioral and functional impairments due to preoccupation with perceived appearance anomalies. Our aim was to examine parental correlates of offspring's symptoms characteristic of BDD, testing both direct associations and indirect associations via appearance-based rejection sensitivity (appearance-RS). Surveys were completed by 302 Australian adolescents (9-14 years) and their parents. Findings indicated parents' weight and appearance teasing and child-report (but not parent-report) of parental negative attitudes about weight and appearance were uniquely associated with offspring's heightened BDD-like symptoms, and associations were partially indirect via adolescents' appearance-RS. Findings support theory that identifies parents as socializers of children's appearance concerns, and show that BDD-like symptoms may be partly elevated because of the mediating role of appearance-RS. We propose that BDD symptoms could partly emerge as compensatory responses to parents' appearance messages, and the associated bias to expect and perceive rejection based on one's appearance.