@article{ref1,
title="School safety among sexual and gender minority adolescents: implications for eating and weight control behaviors",
journal="Journal of school health",
year="2021",
author="Lessard, Leah M. and Wang, Ethan Y. and Watson, Ryan J.",
volume="ePub",
number="ePub",
pages="ePub-ePub",
abstract="BACKGROUND: Unhealthy weight control and disordered eating behaviors are prevalent among adolescents who identify as a gender and/or sexual minority (SGM). The current study examined how perceptions of school safety contribute to reduced negative weight control and eating behaviors across adolescents with diverse sexual and gender identities. <br><br>METHODS: Data on perceptions of school safety, as well as negative weight control and disordered eating behaviors (ie, binge eating, eating to cope), were drawn from a large national sample of SGM secondary school students (ie, grades 7-12; N = 17,112; LGBTQ National Teen Survey). <br><br>RESULTS: Differences in negative weight control and disordered eating behaviors emerged as a function of gender identity and sexual orientation. School safety was significantly associated with fewer negative weight control behaviors (B = -0.30, p < .001), reduced binge eating (B = -0.19, p < .001), and less eating to cope (B = -0.21, p < .001). Despite slight variation in the strength of these associations, the protective effects of school safety were significant across sexual and gender identities. <br><br>CONCLUSIONS: Findings suggest that efforts to support feelings of school safety among SGM students are likely to have positive implications for eating and weight-related behaviors, and emphasize the need for interventions to promote climates of safety and inclusion within the school setting.<p /> <p>Language: en</p>",
language="en",
issn="0022-4391",
doi="10.1111/josh.13069",
url="http://dx.doi.org/10.1111/josh.13069"
}