Body image dissatisfaction in US adolescents: Associations with adverse and positive childhood experiences

Body image dissatisfaction shapes well-being across the life course. This study examines associations between parent-reported childhood experiences-adverse (ACEs) and positive (PCEs)-and body image dissatisfaction in adolescents. Using data from the National Survey of Children's Health, a nationally representative survey of US adolescents, we performed adjusted logistic regressions to assess associations between childhood experiences and body image dissatisfaction. Experiencing 1-2 and 3+ ACEs was associated with body image dissatisfaction compared to experiencing no ACEs (aOR: 1.24, 95% CI: 1.03-1.49; aOR 1.86, 95% CI: 1.39-2.48). PCEs (family resilience and neighborhood support) were associated with lower odds of body image dissatisfaction (aOR 0.57, 95% CI 0.48-0.69; aOR 0.75, 95% CI 0.64-0.86), even in adolescents with ACEs. In adolescents with 3+ ACEs, only family resilience had protective associations against body image dissatisfaction. These findings highlight how relational support may promote positive body image, particularly in adolescents experiencing adversity.