Developmental pathways between peer victimization, psychological functioning, disordered eating behavior, and body mass index: A review and theoretical model

Peer victimization, a high body mass index (BMI), and disordered eating behavior are all considered to be major health concerns afflicting today's youth. We bring together evidence from epidemiological, longitudinal, and meta-analytic research to propose a theoretical model of how peer victimization relates to psychopathology, which in turn, leads to misguided attempts to alter physical appearance through disordered eating behavior, and highlight how the pathway may vary as a function of BMI and gender. Specifically, we argue that, as a result of being victimized by peers: (1) overweight adolescents will be at high risk of psychological dysfunction and disordered eating behavior (particularly binge eating), and the effect will be stronger in girls; (2) average weight adolescents will be at high risk of psychological dysfunction and disordered eating behavior (particularly binge eating and bulimic symptoms), and the effect will be stronger in girls; and (3) underweight adolescents will be at high risk of psychological dysfunction and disordered eating behavior (particularly to increase muscle mass), and the effect will be stronger in boys. The identification and testing of comprehensive theoretical models may be beneficial for the targeting of interventions for children and adolescents affected by repeated aggressive behavior.