Past body shaming experiences and food and alcohol disturbance in young adults: indirect effects via psychological distress

Abstract

Purpose: This study investigated the associations between retrospective reports of body image victimization (i.e. body shaming) perpetrated by peers and by parents during childhood or adolescence, and food and alcohol disturbance (FAD) in young adulthood, considering the possible mediating role of psychological distress (i.e. subthreshold symptoms of anxiety and depression). Methods: The study involved 1624 young adults aged between 18 and 30 (69% women), who completed an online survey. Results: Our findings revealed that participants who reported more frequent body image victimization episodes during childhood and adolescence exhibited higher levels of psychological distress and, in turn, higher scores of FAD in young adulthood. Conclusions: This result represents a novel contribution to understanding the psychological correlates of FAD in youths. Limitations and implications are discussed. Level of evidence Level V, descriptive study.