Sutin, Angelina R. and Robinson, Eric and Daly, Michael and Terracciano, Antonio (2018) Perceived Body Discrimination and Intentional Self-Harm and Suicidal Behavior in Adolescence. Childhood Obesity, 14 (8). pp. 528-536. ISSN 2153-2168

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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.

Item Type:	Article
Keywords:	peer victimization; self-harm; social connection; suicide; weight discrimination; weight perception;
Academic Unit:	Faculty of Science and Engineering > Psychology
Item ID:	13158
Identification Number:	https://doi.org/10.1089/chi.2018.0096
Depositing User:	Michael Daly
Date Deposited:	31 Jul 2020 16:36
Journal or Publication Title:	Childhood Obesity
Publisher:	Mary Ann Liebert
Refereed:	Yes
URI:	Publisher
Use Licence:	This item is available under a Creative Commons Attribution Non Commercial Share Alike Licence (CC BY-NC-SA). Details of this licence are available here

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