Does It Hurt More To Be Called "Gay" or "Pizza Face"?: Gender Differences in Teasing Content and Associated Harm

Gender differences in the content and impact (e.g., perceived harm) of peer teasing are documented but not well understood. Males tend to tease on a broader range of topics, but females anticipate more negative impacts from teasing. Yet, little research has investigated the complex associations between gender, content, and the impact of teasing. Our study explored these associations via qualitative interviews, asking postsecondary participants (N = 27; 63% female) to retrospectively recount teasing experiences (Grades K-12). Using thematic analysis, we found that males were predominantly teased about their physical appearance, identity, and ability, whereas females were teased about physical appearance, personality, and their relationship interests. Men found teasing about their identity particularly harmful. In contrast, women more frequently identified appearance-based teasing as more harmful. Practical implications include offering educators' insights into which teasing topics may elicit more negative responses from adolescents and emerging adults, as well as how the impact of teasing may vary by gender. In the broader social context, understanding associations between gender, content, and the impact of teasing can help inform a gender-sensitive intervention framework, ultimately reducing negative impacts associated with peer teasing.