Int J Eat Disord. 2025 Sep 16. doi: 10.1002/eat.24550. Online ahead of print.
ABSTRACT
OBJECTIVE: To estimate the association between online harassment and same-day disordered eating among a sample of US-based transgender and/or gender diverse young adults.
METHOD: Participants (n = 150) were US residents aged 18-25 years, English-speaking, and identified as transgender, nonbinary, and/or another gender different than that assigned at birth. We collected data between September 2022 and August 2023 using a 10-day daily diary design. Multilevel models were employed to estimate the association between any/no online harassment in the past-24 h and odds of same-day disordered eating behavior (overeating, binge eating, weight-controlling behavior, coping-related eating, and body dissatisfaction).
RESULTS: The sample included 1192 diaries (mean per participant = 7.95, range = 1, 9). Online harassment was associated with greater odds of same-day overeating (adjusted odds ratio, aOR = 3.38, 95% confidence interval, CI = 1.02, 9.17), binge eating (aOR = 15.09, 95% CI = 2.73, 83.43), and coping-related eating behavior (aOR = 4.07, 95% CI = 1.51, 10.93).
DISCUSSION: Experiencing online harassment was associated with higher odds of same-day disordered eating behavior in a sample of transgender and/or gender diverse young adults. Clinical and public health interventions must focus on improving safety in online environments and mitigating potential harms arising from negative digital interactions.
PMID:40955674 | DOI:10.1002/eat.24550
