This study aimed to determine whether negative coping styles and negative physical self sequentially mediate the relationship between peer teasing and restrained eating among Chinese university students. In total, 1127 participants (66.9% women, average age = 18.43 years; age range, 14-26 years) completed the Perception of Teasing Scale, Coping Style Questionnaire, Negative Physical Self Scale, and the Chinese version of the Restraint Scale. The mediational analysis showed that, after controlling for age, sex, and body mass index (BMI), peer teasing was related to restrained eating behaviors through (a) the mediating effect of negative coping styles, (b) the mediating effect of negative physical self, and (c) the chain-mediating effect of negative coping styles and negative physical self. This study showed for the first time that negative coping styles and negative physical self may chain mediate the association between peer teasing and restrained eating. It also provides suggestions for clinical practices as to strategies for controlling restrained eating.
Keywords: negative coping styles; negative physical self; peer teasing; restrained eating.