Influencing factors of negative evaluation fear and its correlation with eating behaviors among junior high school students in Chongqing

Wu Rongxin; Zhou Ailin; Deng Jiaxin; Yang Shuang; Zhang Yu; Mou Youtao; Zhao Yong

doi:10.11986/j.issn.1673-873X.2025.01.05

Abstract：Objective This cross-sectional study aims to explore the influencing factors of negative evaluation fear and its re-lationship with eating behaviors among junior high school students in Chongqing,providing a basis for integrated mental health and eating behavior management strategies.Methods A stratified cluster sampling method was used to survey 533 students.The survey included demographic characteristics,the Brief Fear of Negative Evaluation Scale(BFNES),and an eating behavior scale with subscales for restrictive,emotional,and external eating.Univariate analysis was performed using t-tests or ANOVA,and multivariate analysis using linear regression.Results The average BFNES score was 36.75±7.84,with an average item score of 3.06±0.65,slightly above the theoretical mean of 3.Univariate analysis showed significant differences in BFNES scores among students of different genders,grades,family residences,primary guardians,and those serving as class committee members or being only children(P<0.05).Eating behavior scale scores were 54.92±13.88 for the total,15.32±5.99 for the restrictive subscale,19.51±9.40 for the emotional subscale,and 20.09±5.98 for the exter-nal eating subscale.BFNES scores correlated positively with all eating behavior scores(P<0.05).Multiple linear regres-sion indicated that being female,rural residence,and having non-parental guardians significantly increased BFNES scores,while not being an only child significantly decreased scores(P<0.05).BFNES scores were also positively correlated with all three eating behaviors(P<0.05).Conclusion Negative evaluation fear of Chongqing junior high school students is not optimistic at all,and impacts eating behaviors.Mental health improvements require targeted interventions among high-risk populations,especially in eating behaviors and psychological support,to foster healthy self-perceptions and reduce the nega-tive effects of fear of negative evaluation.