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Eating Disorders

(PS14-29) Weight-based Teasing and Eating Disorders Symptoms: Exploring the Moderating Effect of Anxiety Sensitivity

Sunday, November 17, 2024
10:30 AM – 11:30 AM EST
Location: Franklin Hall, Level 4, Marriott Downtown
Abstract Text: Weight-based teasing is a prevalent form of peer victimization linked to adverse consequences such as negative affect and eating disorders (ED). Anxiety sensitivity refers to the fear of sensations related to the experience of anxiety. Heightened anxiety sensitivity is linked to the utilization of maladaptive coping skills, as seen in ED, in moments of distress. However, little is known about whether individuals with higher anxiety sensitivity exhibit more ED symptoms with experiences of weight-based teasing. The present study sought to examine the association between weight-based teasing and ED symptoms, and how this relationship differs by anxiety sensitivity. It was expected that anxiety sensitivity would moderate the relationship between weight-based teasing and ED symptoms. Five hundred and fifty-two undergraduate students (Mage=19.77±3.16; Female = 80.9%; White = 68.3%, Asian = 18.8%, Black = 9.1%, American Indian or Alaska Native = 0.9% ) were assessed for weight-based teasing (The Perception of Teasing Scale), eating disorders symptoms (Eating Disorder Examination Questionnaire, EDE-Q), and anxiety sensitivity (Anxiety Sensitivity Index-3). Linear regressions were conducted to examine the relationships between weight-based teasing, anxiety sensitivity, and EDE-Q global score, as well as each of the EDE-Q subscales (Restraint, Eating Concern, Shape Concern, Weight Concern) while controlling for gender. Anxiety sensitivity was then examined as a moderator of these linear regression models. In line with prior research, weight-based teasing was significantly associated with ED symptoms (EDE-Q global score and all four subscales; all p’s < .001). Similarly, anxiety sensitivity was also significantly associated with ED symptoms (EDE-Q global score and all four subscales; all p’s < .001). Contrary to the hypothesis, however, anxiety sensitivity did not moderate the relationship between weight-based teasing and ED symptoms (p’s > .05). In conclusion, the present study provided further support for weight-based teasing and anxiety sensitivity as risk factors for ED symptoms. However, anxiety sensitivity did not moderate the relationship between weight-based teasing and ED symptoms. It is possible that weight-based teasing is such a robust contributor to ED symptoms that one’s level of sensitivity to anxiety does not influence the relationship. Future research is needed to replicate the results with a broader population (e.g., adolescents) and to better understand the mechanisms of the relationship between weight-based teasing and ED symptoms.
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