NCJ Number
227365
Journal
Journal of Early Adolescence Volume: 29 Issue: 3 Dated: June 2009 Pages: 357-375
Date Published
June 2009
Length
19 pages
Annotation
Using a cross-sectional design, this study examined associations between pubertal status, peer victimization, and their interaction with one another in association with weight concerns and symptoms of depression in a sample of early adolescent girls (n=261).
Abstract
The findings show that girls who are victimized in interactions with peers and are also experiencing advanced pubertal maturation are differentially vulnerable to high weight concerns and greater depression symptoms even when controlling for weight. Study participants were the entire female sixth-grade population (n=261) at 2 Northern California middle schools (grades 6-8) in the same school district. The mean age of the sample was 11.3. The Stanford Weight Concerns Scale measured girls' concerns about their weight and body shape compared to other girls their age; their fear of gaining 3 pounds; the last time they went on a diet; concern about weight compared to other aspects of their lives; and whether they ever felt fat. The short form of the Child Depression Inventory was used to assess depression symptoms in the prior 2 weeks. Victimization and positive peer treatment were assessed using the Social Experience Questionnaire. This questionnaire determined how often other kids would leave the respondent out of their activities intentionally, experiences of being pushed or shoved intentionally by another kid at school, and the frequency of feeling unhappy because of treatment by other kids. Pubertal status was measured by asking participants to select from line drawings with written descriptions that represented the five Tanner stages of frontal and lateral breast and pubic hair development, ranging from prepubescent to progressive pubertal development and finished puberty. Height and weight were measured. 3 tables, 1 figure, and 55 references