| Title: |
Examination of bidirectional relationships between fear of negative evaluation and weight/shape concerns over 3 years: A longitudinal cohort study of Australian adolescents |
| Authors: |
Trompeter, N; Austen, E; Bussey, K; Reilly, EE; Cunningham, ML; Mond, J; Lonergan, A; Tame, J; Mitchison, D |
| Source: |
International Journal of Eating Disorders , 56 (3) pp. 646-653. (2023) |
| Publisher Information: |
Wiley |
| Publication Year: |
2023 |
| Collection: |
University College London: UCL Discovery |
| Subject Terms: |
adolescence; eating disorders; fear of negative evaluation; social anxiety; weight and shape concerns |
| Description: |
OBJECTIVE: Adolescents commonly experience both fear of negative evaluation and weight/shape concerns. However, evidence concerning the prospective associations between these constructs during adolescence is limited. The current study examined the bidirectional relationships between fear of negative evaluation and weight/shape concerns over a 3-year period in adolescents. METHOD: Australian high school students (n = 2073; 55% girls) completed self-report measures at three timepoints, each 1 year apart. RESULTS: Findings showed a bidirectional relationship, whereby increases in fear of negative evaluation predicted exacerbated weight/shape concerns, and vice versa. Results point towards a vicious maintenance cycle between fear of negative evaluation and weight/shape concerns. DISCUSSION: Findings from the current study highlight the importance of considering both fear of negative evaluation and weight/shape concerns in the development of health promotion and prevention programs designed to reduce the occurrence and adverse effects of body dissatisfaction or improve general mental health. PUBLIC SIGNIFICANCE: Many adolescents experience some level of fear of negative evaluation (i.e., worry about being judged by others) and worry about their weight and/or shape. This study examined the prospective relationship between both constructs. Findings showed a bidirectional relationship, whereby higher fear of negative evaluation predicted increased weight/shape concerns, and vice versa. Programs designed to reduce body dissatisfaction might be improved by targeting both fear of negative evaluation and weight/shape concerns. |
| Document Type: |
article in journal/newspaper |
| File Description: |
text |
| Language: |
English |
| Relation: |
https://discovery.ucl.ac.uk/id/eprint/10166835/2/Trompeter_FNE%20longitudinal_author%20copy.pdf; https://discovery.ucl.ac.uk/id/eprint/10166835/ |
| Availability: |
https://discovery.ucl.ac.uk/id/eprint/10166835/2/Trompeter_FNE%20longitudinal_author%20copy.pdf; https://discovery.ucl.ac.uk/id/eprint/10166835/ |
| Rights: |
open |
| Accession Number: |
edsbas.6AFE3886 |
| Database: |
BASE |