Longitudinal association between cumulative ecological risk and eating disorders among Chinese adolescents during the COVID-19 pandemic: A Moderated Mediation Model

Abstract

Background The World Health Organization declared the ongoing COVID-19 outbreak a global pandemic on March 11, 2020. COVID-19 profoundly affects the work and life of individuals, and adolescents are no exception. Adolescents may experience risks from various sources, such as family and school; however, there is limited understanding of the mechanisms that connect these factors during the COVID-19 pandemic. This study aimed to investigate how cognitive avoidance mediates and intentional self-regulation moderates the link between cumulative ecological risk and adolescents’ eating disorders during the COVID-19 pandemic. Methods A sample of 769 Chinese adolescents completed questionnaires, including the Cumulative Ecological Risk Questionnaire, the Cognitive Avoidance Questionnaire, the Intentional Self-Regulation Questionnaire, and the Eating Attitude Test Questionnaire. Result Cumulative ecological risk had a direct predictive effect on eating disorders among Chinese adolescents. Cognitive avoidance partially mediated the link between cumulative ecological risk and eating disorders among Chinese adolescents. Intentional self-regulation moderated both the direct and indirect effects between cumulative ecological risk and eating disorders among Chinese adolescents. Conclusion Cumulative ecological risk and cognitive avoidance both increase the likelihood of Chinese adolescents’ eating disorders during the COVID-19 pandemic. And, intentional self-regulation serves as a protective factor in the relationship between cumulative ecological risk and cognitive avoidance in eating disorders.