Perceived Body Discrimination and Intentional Self-Harm and Suicidal Behavior in Adolescence

Abstract

Background: This study examines whether discrimination based on the body is associated with intentional self-harm and suicidal behavior in adolescence. Methods: Participants were from the Longitudinal Study of Australian Children (N = 2948; 48% female). Discrimination and items on self-harm and suicidal behavior were measured in the Wave 6 assessment, when study participants were 14–15 years old. BMI, depressive symptoms, peer victimization, and weight self-perception were also assessed. Results: Discrimination was associated with increased risk of thoughts of self-harm (OR = 2.41, 95% CI = 1.88–3.10), hurting the self on purpose (OR = 2.27, 95% CI = 1.67–3.08), considering suicide (OR = 2.17, 95% CI = 1.59–2.96), having a suicide plan (OR = 2.50, 95% CI = 1.81–2.47), attempting suicide (OR = 1.96, 95% CI = 1.30–2.96), controlling for sociodemographic factors, BMI, and depressive symptoms. These associations generally held adjusting for peer victimization or weight self-perception. Conclusions: Weight discrimination has been associated consistently with poor outcomes in adulthood. The present research indicates these associations extend to adolescence and an extremely consequential outcome: the social experience of weight increases risk of intentional self-harm and suicidal behavior.