Role of peer support on the cycle of weight teasing, psychological distress and disordered eating in Taiwanese adolescents: A moderated mediation analysis

Duan-Rung Chen; Li-Yin Lin; Shu-Chen Hsiao

doi:10.1016/j.eatbeh.2023.101815

Role of peer support on the cycle of weight teasing, psychological distress and disordered eating in Taiwanese adolescents: A moderated mediation analysis

Eat Behav. 2023 Dec:51:101815. doi: 10.1016/j.eatbeh.2023.101815. Epub 2023 Sep 12.

Authors

Duan-Rung Chen¹, Li-Yin Lin², Shu-Chen Hsiao³

Affiliations

¹ Institute of Health Behaviors and Community Sciences, College of Public Health, National Taiwan University, Room 636, No. 17, Xu-Zhou Rd., Taipei 10055, Taiwan; Population Health Research Center, National Taiwan University, No. 17, Xu-Zhou Rd., Taipei 10055, Taiwan. Electronic address: duan@ntu.edu.tw.
² Department of Leisure Industry and Health Promotion, National Taipei University of Nursing and Health Sciences, 365 MingDe Road, Beitou District, Taipei 11219, Taiwan.
³ Institute of Health Behaviors and Community Sciences, College of Public Health, National Taiwan University, Room 636, No. 17, Xu-Zhou Rd., Taipei 10055, Taiwan.

PMID: 37748247
DOI: 10.1016/j.eatbeh.2023.101815

Abstract

Background: Several studies have reported the beneficial role of social support on adolescent health. However, few studies have explored the role of peer support on the cycle of weight teasing, psychological distress, and disordered eating.

Methods: A total of 689 adolescents aged between 13 and 16 years recruited from 37 classes in three middle schools in New Taipei City from March to June 2019 were included for analysis. Path analysis was performed using Hayes' PROCESS module.

Results: The study found that weight teasing is directly and indirectly associated with disordered eating through psychological distress. Peer support plays a role in moderating the relationship between weight teasing and psychological distress; however, it is not significantly associated with decreased risk of disordered eating among adolescents experiencing weight teasing.

Conclusion: While peer support can be used against the adverse effects of weight teasing, it is not the absolute solution, and additional interventions are warranted.

Keywords: Disordered eating; Moderated mediation; Psychological stress; Weight teasing.

MeSH terms

Adolescent
Body Image
Body Weight
Feeding and Eating Disorders*
Humans
Mediation Analysis
Peer Group
Psychological Distress*