Fear of negative evaluation and weight/shape concerns among among adolescents : the moderating effects of gender and weight status

N. Trompeter, K. Bussey, P. Hay, J. Mond, S. B. Murray, A. Lonergan, S. Griffiths, K. Pike, D. Mitchison

Research output: Contribution to journalArticlepeer-review

Abstract

Fear of negative evaluation has been linked with weight/shape concerns among adults, however, similar research among adolescents is lacking. We investigated the relationship between fear of negative evaluation and weight/shape concerns, including the moderating roles of gender and body mass index (BMI) in adolescents. Participant were 4045 Australian adolescents (53.7% girls) aged 11–19 years (Mage = 14 years 11 months), who completed a self-report questionnaire about weight/shape concerns, fear of negative evaluation, and weight and height. Results showed a positive association between fear of negative evaluation and weight/shape concerns, with the association being stronger among girls. Furthermore, the association between fear of negative evaluation and weight/shape concerns was stronger among adolescents with higher BMIs, especially so for boys. These results highlight the role of fear of negative evaluation in weight/shape concerns and suggest potential avenues for prevention programs.
Original languageEnglish
Pages (from-to)1398-1408
Number of pages11
JournalJournal of Youth and Adolescence
Volume47
Issue number7
DOIs
Publication statusPublished - 2018

Keywords

  • body image
  • eating disorders
  • sex role
  • social phobia
  • teenagers

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