(PS4-D82) Prevalence of Appearance Related Peer Victimization Across Age Among Gender Certain and Gender Uncertain Preadolescents

Appearance related peer victimization encompasses the overall experiences of harassment related to physical traits such as weight, race, or perceived gender. Additionally, ARPV is highly prevalent among preadolescents (Waseem et al., 2013). Research suggests ARPV among preadolescents has a significant negative impact on biopsychosocial outcomes in adult life. Additionally, preadolescent ARPV is significantly associated with body dissatisfaction and emphasizes what is at stake for victims (Takizawa et al., 2014; Waseem et al., 2013). Sexual and gender minority (SGM) youth have been identified as high-risk for ARPV (Waseem et al., 2013). Future research is needed to determine if SGM preadolescent populations are at higher risk for ARPV. Participants (N=4951) aged 9-12 participated in a randomized control trial of the Amazing Me Program. Data was collected through self-reported online surveys. Gender was self-reported as female (n=2443), male (n=2304), and gender uncertain (n=204). Prevalence and related distress of ARPV was accessed through self-report measures: Physical Appearance Related Teasing Scale and Perception of Teasing Scale. Results showed gender uncertain children reported more ARPV than children identifying as boys or girls F(2, 4948) = 58.91, p < .001. There was no significant difference in age on ARPV. Future research should focus on determining factors influencing body dissatisfaction among gender uncertain youth experiencing ARPV to reduce negative related outcomes such as anxiety, depression, self-harm, and suicide-related behaviors (Bouris et al., 2016; Waseem et al., 2013).