Weight-based bullying and compromised peer relationships in young adult bariatric patients
Journal of Health Psychology: An Interdisciplinary, International Journal
Published online on January 27, 2016
Abstract
The experience of weight-based bullying in young adult bariatric patients has not yet been examined. Thirteen young adults (age, 18–24) that were seeking or had undergone bariatric surgery participated in semi-structured in-depth interviews. A thematic analysis informed by grounded theory principles was conducted. Analysis revealed the following three major themes: (1) being the biggest kid, (2) coping through avoidance, and (3) compromised peer and intimate relationships. Victims of weight-based bullying often avoid and withdraw socially in response to persistent verbal abuse. The decision to pursue bariatric surgery at a relatively young age adds another dimension of difficulty when navigating peer relationships.