Citation

Sutin AR, Robinson E, Daly M, Terracciano A. Child. Obes. 2018; 14(8): 528-536.

Affiliation

1 Florida State University College of Medicine , Tallahassee, FL.

Copyright

(Copyright © 2018, Mary Ann Liebert Publishers)

DOI

10.1089/chi.2018.0096

PMID

30226995

Abstract

BACKGROUND: This study examines whether discrimination based on the body is associated with intentional self-harm and suicidal behavior in adolescence.

METHODS: Participants were from the Longitudinal Study of Australian Children (N = 2948; 48% female). Discrimination and items on self-harm and suicidal behavior were measured in the Wave 6 assessment, when study participants were 14-15 years old. BMI, depressive symptoms, peer victimization, and weight self-perception were also assessed.

RESULTS: Discrimination was associated with increased risk of thoughts of self-harm (OR = 2.41, 95% CI = 1.88-3.10), hurting the self on purpose (OR = 2.27, 95% CI = 1.67-3.08), considering suicide (OR = 2.17, 95% CI = 1.59-2.96), having a suicide plan (OR = 2.50, 95% CI = 1.81-2.47), attempting suicide (OR = 1.96, 95% CI = 1.30-2.96), controlling for sociodemographic factors, BMI, and depressive symptoms. These associations generally held adjusting for peer victimization or weight self-perception.

CONCLUSIONS: Weight discrimination has been associated consistently with poor outcomes in adulthood. The present research indicates these associations extend to adolescence and an extremely consequential outcome: the social experience of weight increases risk of intentional self-harm and suicidal behavior.

Language: en

Keywords

peer victimization; self-harm; social connection; suicide; weight discrimination; weight perception