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Lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender, and queer (LGBTQ+) individuals report more experiences of healthcare discrimination and disordered eating behaviors (DEBs), and less trust in physicians than their cisgender and heterosexual counterparts. Although research supports a link between discrimination and DEBs among LGBTQ+ populations, few studies have specifically investigated healthcare discrimination and DEBs in this population. This study examined whether LGBTQ+ status moderated the relation between negative healthcare experiences and DEBs in undergraduates. Undergraduates (n = 322) from a Southeastern (United States) university completed measures of healthcare discrimination, trust in physicians, and DEBs. Analyses investigated whether LGBTQ+ status moderated the relation between healthcare discrimination and DEBs; trust in physicians and DEBs. LGBTQ+ individuals (35% of sample), reported less trust in physicians (p < .001), and more body dissatisfaction (p = .007) and shape/weight overvaluation (p = .008). Among all undergraduates, experiences of healthcare discrimination were associated with higher body dissatisfaction (p = .003) and shape/weight overvaluation (p = .008). Less trust in physicians was associated with greater shape/weight overvaluation (p = .005). LGBTQ+ status did not moderate either relation. It is important to reduce healthcare discrimination and foster patient–provider trust for all young adults. Future research should examine factors influencing patient–provider trust among LGBTQ+ individuals. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Introduction: The COVID-19 pandemic caused unprecedented levels of stress amongst pregnant women and new mothers. The current qualitative study explored the ways in which perinatal women made meaning of their experiences during the COVID-19 pandemic. Methods: Data came from a parent study in which 54 perinatal (pregnant and postpartum) women in the United States completed semi-structured interviews from October 2021 to January 2022 describing their experiences during the COVID-19 pandemic. The data was interpreted using a hermeneutic, phenomenological approach to delve deeply into the concept of meaning-making. Results: Despite high levels of stress and challenging circumstances, participants reported engaging in meaning-making through finding connection, focusing on gratitude, and identifying openings for change. Unique forms of meaning-making amongst this population include a sense of connection to women throughout history, connection to their baby, and recognition of the need for systemic change for perinatal women. Conclusions: Perinatal women coped with the stress of the COVID-19 pandemic by making meaning from their experiences. Future research should further explore the importance of these aspects of meaning-making to perinatal women and implement these findings to adapt prevention and treatment approaches to address perinatal stress, especially during times of crisis. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Social media has negative effects on adolescent body image and disordered eating behaviors, yet adolescents are unlikely to discontinue engaging with these platforms. Thus, it is important to identify strategies that can reduce the harms of social media on adolescent mental health. This article reviews research on social media and adolescent body image, and discusses strategies to reduce risks associated with social media use. Topics covered include interventions aimed at mitigating social media's negative impacts, the body-positivity movement, and policies regulating adolescents' social media use. Overall, this review highlights specific factors (such as staffing, duration, modality, facilitator training, and cultural sensitivity) to consider when designing and implementing social media interventions targeting adolescents. This review also discusses psychosocial outcomes associated with body positivity on social media. Finally, policy efforts to reduce the negative impact of social media on adolescents' body image and eating behaviors are described. In sum, there is a strong need to conduct further research identifying optimal approaches to reduce the harms of social media for adolescent body image and eating behavior. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

AbstractObjectiveParticipantsMethodsResultsConclusionsDieting is a known risk factor for disordered eating, yet many college women engage in this behavior. Given the popularity of diets, and the risks associated with dieting, it is important to enhance understanding of dieters’ experiences. This study utilized a qualitative approach to investigate college women’s experiences of dieting.Eighty-four woman-identifying undergraduates [42% White, 24% Asian, 20% Black, 14% other; Mage = 19.18 (1.77)] who endorsed dieting were included in the study.Participants provided short-answer responses to open-ended questions. Data were analyzed using a thematic analysis approach.The following themes were identified: A complicated relationship, variability of experiences, and social factors. Subthemes highlighted the complexity of college women’s dieting behavior.Results provide important insight into college women’s dieting experiences and their consequences. Future qualitative research should aim to understand how to apply these findings to eating disorder prevention efforts. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]