Observed Peer Criticism Moderates the Longitudinal Relationship Between Adolescent Interpersonal Stress and Elevated BMI

Individuals who experience interpersonal turmoil are at risk for negative health outcomes. The present study employs behavioral coding of adolescent peer conversations to longitudinally examine the association between interpersonal stress and BMI. Findings reveal that interpersonal stress is associated with elevated BMI, and that peer criticism exacerbates this association.