Global and physical self-esteem and body dissatisfaction as mediators of the relationship between weight status and being a victim of bullying

Claire L. Fox, Claire V. Farrow

Research output: Contribution to journalArticlepeer-review

Abstract

Research has found evidence of a link between being overweight or obese and bullying/peer victimisation, and also between obesity and adjustment problems such as low self-esteem and body dissatisfaction. Studies have also found that adjustment problems can put children at an increased risk of being bullied over time. However, to date the factors that place overweight or obese children at risk of being bullied have been poorly elucidated. Self-report data were collected from a sample of 11-14 year olds (N=376) about their weight status, about their experiences of three different types of bullying (Verbal, Physical and Social), their global self-worth, self-esteem for physical appearance, and body dissatisfaction. Overweight or obese children reported experiencing significantly more verbal and physical (but not social) bullying than their non-overweight peers. Global self-worth, self-esteem for physical appearance and body dissatisfaction each fully mediated the paths between weight status and being a victim of bullying.
Original languageEnglish
Pages (from-to)1287-1301
Number of pages15
JournalJournal of Adolescence
Volume32
Issue number5
DOIs
Publication statusPublished - Oct 2009

Keywords

  • obesity
  • questionnaires
  • crime victims
  • self concept
  • humans
  • body image
  • child
  • aggression
  • adolescent
  • male
  • Great Britain
  • female
  • bullying
  • body dissatisfaction

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