The association between cyberchondria and eating disorder risk among adolescents: The mediating role of body image.

PURPOSE: This study was conducted to examine the relationships between cyberchondria, body image, and eating disorder risk in adolescents and to determine the mediating role of body image in this relationship.

DESIGN AND METHOD: Conducted using a descriptive-cross-sectional design, the study involved 365 adolescents. Data were collected using the Sociodemographic Information Form, the Cyberchondria Severity Scale, the Body Image Scale, and the Eating Disorder Examination Questionnaire. Structural equation modeling and bootstrap mediation analysis were applied.

RESULTS

Cyberchondria showed a significant positive association with eating disorder symptoms (β = 0.450, p < 0.001). In addition, cyberchondria was indirectly associated with eating disorder risk through its negative association with body image (β = -3.465, p < 0.001; indirect effect = 0.097, 95% CI [0.057-0.140]). The model demonstrated acceptable fit indices (χ2/df = 3.258, RMSEA = 0.03, CFI = 0.95).

CONCLUSION

Higher levels of cyberchondria among adolescents were associated with greater eating disorder risk, both directly and indirectly via body image. These findings suggest that adolescents' digital health information-seeking behaviors are associated with important implications for mental health and eating-related outcomes.

PRACTICE IMPLICATIONS: It is important for school health nurses to develop programs that support body image and increase media literacy, to expand family counseling services, and to conduct community-based awareness campaigns. Nurses play a critical role in preventive interventions by identifying cyberchondria and body image disorders in adolescents at an early stage.