Examination of bidirectional relationships between fear of negative evaluation and weight/shape concerns over 3 years: A longitudinal cohort study of Australian adolescents

• Published in: The International journal of eating disorders 2023-03, Vol.56 (3), p.646-653
• Main Authors: Trompeter, Nora, Austen, Emma, Bussey, Kay, Reilly, Erin E., Cunningham, Mitchell L., Mond, Jonathan, Lonergan, Alexandra, Tame, Jack, Mitchison, Deborah
• Format: Article
• Language: English
• Subjects: adolescence; Adolescent; Anxiety - psychology; Australia; Body Image - psychology; Body Weight; eating disorders; Fear - psychology; fear of negative evaluation; Feeding and Eating Disorders; Female; Humans; Longitudinal Studies; Male; social anxiety; weight and shape concerns
• ISSN: 0276-3478; 1098-108X
• DOI: 10.1002/eat.23881

Objective Adolescents commonly experience both fear of negative evaluation and weight/shape concerns. However, evidence concerning the prospective associations between these constructs during adolescence is limited. The current study examined the bidirectional relationships between fear of negative evaluation and weight/shape concerns over a 3‐year period in adolescents. Method Australian high school students (n = 2073; 55% girls) completed self‐report measures at three timepoints, each 1 year apart. Results Findings showed a bidirectional relationship, whereby increases in fear of negative evaluation predicted exacerbated weight/shape concerns, and vice versa. Results point towards a vicious maintenance cycle between fear of negative evaluation and weight/shape concerns. Discussion Findings from the current study highlight the importance of considering both fear of negative evaluation and weight/shape concerns in the development of health promotion and prevention programs designed to reduce the occurrence and adverse effects of body dissatisfaction or improve general mental health. Public Significance Many adolescents experience some level of fear of negative evaluation (i.e., worry about being judged by others) and worry about their weight and/or shape. This study examined the prospective relationship between both constructs. Findings showed a bidirectional relationship, whereby higher fear of negative evaluation predicted increased weight/shape concerns, and vice versa. Programs designed to reduce body dissatisfaction might be improved by targeting both fear of negative evaluation and weight/shape concerns.