dc.contributor.advisor | Steele, Ric G | |
dc.contributor.author | Elledge, Allison Renee | |
dc.date.accessioned | 2015-02-25T16:26:30Z | |
dc.date.available | 2015-02-25T16:26:30Z | |
dc.date.issued | 2014-08-24 | |
dc.date.submitted | 2014 | |
dc.identifier.other | http://dissertations.umi.com/ku:13574 | |
dc.identifier.uri | http://hdl.handle.net/1808/16846 | |
dc.description.abstract | The current study was an evaluation of one possible mechanism by which adolescent experience of weight-related teasing (WRT) exerts influence on body dissatisfaction, as well as how that process may function differently across weight status. Namely, self-perceived size was examined as a potential mediator of the effect of WRT on body dissatisfaction, and weight status (i.e., healthy weight vs. overweight) was investigated as a potential moderator of this process. Participants were 135 seventh and eighth grade students recruited from six Midwestern middle schools. Findings revealed a significant indirect effect of WRT on body dissatisfaction while controlling for body mass index (BMI) percentile and sex. As hypothesized, the effect of weight-related teasing on body dissatisfaction was mediated by perceptions of body size. Controlling for actual weight and sex, early adolescents who scored higher on a measure of weight-related teasing were more likely to perceive their body size as larger, which was associated with greater body dissatisfaction. Results from the current study did not support weight status as a moderator of this process; however, due to sample size limitations, strong conclusions about the true effect of weight status could not be drawn. The identified mediational relationship is a first-step in understanding mechanisms by which WRT exerts influence on body dissatisfaction. Findings highlight the importance of one's self-perceptions of size, in addition to satisfaction with one's body. Implications for deterring the effects of WRT and/or improving body dissatisfaction via self-perceived size are discussed. Additionally, several areas for future research are identified. | |
dc.format.extent | 52 pages | |
dc.language.iso | en | |
dc.publisher | University of Kansas | |
dc.rights | This item is protected by copyright and unless otherwise specified the copyright of this thesis/dissertation is held by the author. | |
dc.subject | Clinical psychology | |
dc.subject | Adolescence | |
dc.subject | Body Dissatisfaction | |
dc.subject | Body Image | |
dc.subject | Obesity | |
dc.subject | Self-Perceived Size | |
dc.subject | Weight-Related Teasing | |
dc.title | Weight-related teasing and body dissatisfaction in adolescents: Moderated-mediation by self-perceived size and weight status | |
dc.type | Dissertation | |
dc.contributor.cmtemember | Roberts, Michael C | |
dc.contributor.cmtemember | Fite, Paula J | |
dc.contributor.cmtemember | Colombo, John | |
dc.contributor.cmtemember | Hall, Jeffrey A | |
dc.thesis.degreeDiscipline | Clinical Child Psychology | |
dc.thesis.degreeLevel | Ph.D. | |
dc.rights.accessrights | openAccess | |