
This study examines whether discrimination based on the body is associated with intentional self-harm and suicidal behavior in adolescence.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.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.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.
Male, Adolescent, Endocrinology, Diabetes and Metabolism, 150, 610, Pediatrics, Suicidal Ideation, Endocrinology, Body Image, Humans, Pediatrics, Perinatology, and Child Health, Nutrition and Dietetics, Body Weight, Australia, Bullying, Social Discrimination, Perinatology, and Child Health, Diabetes and Metabolism, Cross-Sectional Studies, Female, Self-Injurious Behavior
Male, Adolescent, Endocrinology, Diabetes and Metabolism, 150, 610, Pediatrics, Suicidal Ideation, Endocrinology, Body Image, Humans, Pediatrics, Perinatology, and Child Health, Nutrition and Dietetics, Body Weight, Australia, Bullying, Social Discrimination, Perinatology, and Child Health, Diabetes and Metabolism, Cross-Sectional Studies, Female, Self-Injurious Behavior
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| influence This indicator reflects the overall/total impact of an article in the research community at large, based on the underlying citation network (diachronically). | Top 10% | |
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