Body talk on social networking sites and restrained eating among adolescents: A test of a multiple mediation model

Abstract

The present study aimed to examine the link between body talk on social networking sites (SNS body talk) and restrained eating as well as the mediating roles of fear of negative appearance evaluation (FNAE) and body shame in this relationship. Furthermore, the moderating role of gender in the mediation model was also examined. A sample of 1481 Chinese middle and high school students (720 girls, mean age = 15.49 ± 1.84) completed self-reported measures of SNS body talk, FNAE, body shame, and restrained eating. Results showed that SNS body talk was positively associated with restrained eating. FNAE and body shame mediated the association between SNS body talk and restrained eating, separately and serially. Furthermore, gender difference emerged in the path from SNS body talk to body shame and the path from FNAE to body shame. Findings of the present study enrich the literature on social media and body image and eating behaviors, and have important implications for reducing negative body image and disordered eating among adolescents.