Ecological momentary assessment of momentary loneliness, body dissatisfaction, and dysregulated eating in adolescents

JCPP Adv. 2026 May 28:e70132. doi: 10.1002/jcv2.70132. Online ahead of print.

ABSTRACT

BACKGROUND: This objective of this study was to use ecological momentary assessment (EMA) to investigate the relationships of momentary loneliness with body dissatisfaction and dysregulated eating in a diverse sample of adolescents as well as trait peer teasing as a moderator of associations.

METHODS: Seventy-four adolescents aged 13-17 completed a baseline measure of peer teasing and a 10-day EMA protocol, reporting momentary feelings of loneliness, affect, body dissatisfaction, and eating behaviors. Mixed models were used to examine within- and between-subject associations of loneliness with dysregulated eating and body dissatisfaction, including trait peer teasing as a moderator.

RESULTS: Models revealed that elevated momentary loneliness was significantly associated with higher concurrent body dissatisfaction (Estimate = 0.13, SE = 0.02, p < 0.001). Peer teasing moderated this relationship (Estimate = 0.12, SE = 0.03, p < 0.001), with stronger associations between momentary loneliness and concurrent body dissatisfaction among adolescents who experienced more teasing. Momentary loneliness was not significantly associated with subsequent dysregulated eating (LOCE: Estimate = -0.002, SE = 0.02, p = 0.90; Overeating: Estimate = -0.02, SE = 0.03, p = 0.48).

CONCLUSION: These findings highlight the acute relationship between loneliness and greater body dissatisfaction and emphasize the importance of targeting loneliness and peer teasing in ED prevention and intervention efforts. The effect of acute loneliness on dysregulated eating may be more complex, necessitating future research clarifying this association. Preventions for EDs that focus on increasing meaningful social connection may be useful for reducing body dissatisfaction.

PMID:42416676 | PMC:PMC13339536 | DOI:10.1002/jcv2.70132