Adolescent girls' and boys' weight-related health behaviors and cognitions: Associations with reputation- and preference-based peer status.

Abstract

In this study, the authors examined associations between preference- and reputation-based peer status and weight-related behaviors and cognitions for both adolescent boys and girls. Sociometric measures of peer like-ability and peer-perceived popularity, as well as self-reported measures of body size, dieting behavior, and weight-related cognitions were collected from a sample of 441 adolescents in Grades 11 and 12. Results revealed weight-related cognitions for girls (concerning obesity) and boys (concerning musculature/fitness). Peer-perceived popularity, but not like-ability, was significantly associated with both boys' and girls' body size and dieting. Lower levels of popularity were associated with heavier body shapes for girls and with both thin and heavier body shapes for boys. Findings suggest that peer status is an important source of social reinforcement associated with weight-related behaviors and cognitions.

Popularity, likeability, and risk-taking in middle adolescence

“…Given their normative nature, participation in these activities does not necessarily lead to elevated standing or increased social visibility among peers. As one study [24] found that popularity was associated with body size and dieting behaviours for students in grades 11 and 12, it would be beneficial to explore the less normative body image-related risk-taking behaviours, such as fasting or self-induced vomiting for those seeking thinness, and excessive weight-lifting and steroid use for those seeking muscularity, in future studies, particularly with older adolescents.…”

“…However, one study investigated popularity along with discrepancies between perceived actual body size and ideal body size in grade 11 and 12 students [24]. This study found that higher popularity was significantly associated with self-reported muscular body shapes for boys, and that lower popularity was associated with self-reported larger body shapes for girls [24].…”

“…However, one study investigated popularity along with discrepancies between perceived actual body size and ideal body size in grade 11 and 12 students [24]. This study found that higher popularity was significantly associated with self-reported muscular body shapes for boys, and that lower popularity was associated with self-reported larger body shapes for girls [24]. As both popularity and likeability have been associated with physical attractiveness [5], adolescents who are highly popular or liked may perceive a disproportionate pressure to fit societal norms regarding body shape and size given the attention they receive from others.…”

Drive for Muscularity and Drive for Thinness: The Impact of Pro-Anorexia Websites

“…Although media sources are a strong influence, research suggests that adolescents rely greatly on their friends when it comes to the development of body image and weight-related behaviors (Wang, Houshyar, & Prinstein, 2006). Shomaker andFurman (2009, 2010) found that interpersonal pressure from parents, romantic partners and friends are important sources of influence on attitudes or behaviors towards muscle gaining and on anorexic-like and bulimic-like behaviors such as drive for thinness, excessive dieting, excessive exercising, purging and binging.…”

Diet and physical activity environments in primary schools in Brunei Darussalam

“…Peer victimisation is very psychologically damaging to young children, as at this age, they need much support from their peers (Kawabata & Crick, 2011). Victimisation may include name-calling, spreading rumours, bullying and even loss of friendship due to embarrassment (Wang, Houshyar, & Prinstein, 2006).…”