Abstract
In this chapter, we review models of peer influence and discuss the role of peer relationships in the onset and maintenance of disordered eating and non-suicidal self-injury (NSSI) during adolescence. Evidence suggests that unhealthy dieting and NSSI may be engaged in as a direct response to criticism from peers. This type of peer victimization may also increase negative affect, making emotion regulation more challenging which could increase self-harm. In addition to peer victimization, self-harm may develop through modeling, reinforcement, attempts to gain popularity, or other social mechanisms. Homophily effects are well documented, but additional longitudinal research is needed to better understand the mechanisms of peer influence on self-harm. Future research is also needed to address whether the co-occurrence of disordered eating and NSSI may be due to shared mechanisms of peer influence. The protective effects of peer relationships are also discussed along with clinical implications including strategies for prevention and intervention.
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Hilt, L.M., Hamm, E.H. (2014). Peer Influences on Non-suicidal Self-Injury and Disordered Eating. In: Claes, L., Muehlenkamp, J. (eds) Non-Suicidal Self-Injury in Eating Disorders. Springer, Berlin, Heidelberg. https://doi.org/10.1007/978-3-642-40107-7_15
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