ABSTRACT
Objective@#To explore the relationship between body image and adverse childhood experiences (ACEs) in adolescents.@*Methods@#A total of 1 701 adolescents in grade 6-8 in three middle schools in Shanghai were selected by stratified cluster sampling, and were investigated anonymously using computer assisted self interview approach. Information including demographic characteristics, body image satisfaction, and ACEs were collected. The Chi square test and multivariate Logistic regression were used to explore the relationship between adolescent body image satisfaction and types of ACEs.@*Results@#About 60.73% of the respondents were satisfied with their body image, with higher satisfaction among boys(66.16%) than among girls(55.13%)( χ 2= 21.70 ， P <0.01). About 79.19% of the respondents had experienced at least one ACE, and respectively 61.61%, 65.14% and 21.58 % of them had experienced abuse, neglect and family dysfunction. Multivariate Logistic regression analysis indicated that experiencing at least one ACE, abuse, neglect and family dysfunction were all related with low body image satisfaction among girls( OR =0.33- 0.57 , P <0.01), while among boys neglect,having 3 or more than 4 ACEs were found to be associated with body image satisfaction ( OR =0.54-0.64, P <0.05). The cumulative effects of ACEs on adolescent body image were observed.@*Conclusion@#Different types of ACEs are associated with body image in adolescents, ACEs have cumulative effects on adolescent body image, which shows gender differences.Screen of ACEs and improvement of family nurturing environment should be highlighted among adolescents, especially among girls.