Body image and dissatisfaction among rhythmic gymnastics practitioners: A systematic review and meta-analysis

Body Image and Televised Images of Thinness and Attractiveness: A Controlled Laboratory Investigation

Seeing both sides: Examining profiles of negative and positive body image among Italian adolescents using a person-centered approach.

People manifest a growing concern with their bodies due to health-related or esthetic reasons which contributes to increase their body dissatisfaction and distortion. To analyze weight gain, body image dissatisfaction and distortion among employees of a university restaurant in Juiz de Fora, Minas Gerais, Brazil. Cross-sectional study in which we analyzed the participants' body weight, height and body mass index. Body image dissatisfaction and distortion were investigated with a figure scale. We administered a questionnaire to investigate weight gain and changes in dietary habits since starting in the job. Sample characteristics and factors related to body image dissatisfaction are described as frequencies and were compared by means of the χ2 test with software SPPS version 17.0. We analyzed 46 employees (82.61% female) 63% of whom gained weight since starting in the job, 3.4 kg on average. Women reported having acquired poorer dietary habits. About 68.4% of the women and 75% of the men exhibited overweight. All the women (100%) and 50% of the men reported body image dissatisfaction and 76.3 and 50% respectively a desire to lose weight. We found a high prevalence of body image distortion, of 94.7% for the women and 100% for the men. Weight gain, changes in dietary habits, body image distortion and dissatisfaction point to the need for dietary and nutritional educational programs which promote healthy eating habits and changes in behavior relating to diet and body image.

Black women are at high risk for obesity and obesity-related health problems (1). Nearly 50% of black women compared to 30% of white women are obese (2,3). While many women who attempt to lose weight do so through caloric restriction and/or physical activity, smoking has been identified as an alternate strategy used for weight loss among black women with weight concerns or body image concerns (4). Nicotine’s suppression of body weight facilitates initiation and maintenance of smoking among women (5–7). Despite the deadly health risks associated with tobacco use, 23.1% of women smoke (8). Female smokers are more likely to report smoking cigarettes to control weight (6,9) and less likely to quit smoking due to weight concern (10). Perkins

This study delves into the profound impact of social media on body image perceptions and overall dissatisfaction among young adults at Quaid-i-Azam University, Islamabad. In today's digital age, social media pervades the lives of young people, shaping their self-perceptions and influencing their social interactions. This research aims to understand how the constant exposure to curated and often idealized images on social media platforms contributes to the development of unrealistic body standards, fostering feelings of inadequacy and pressure to conform to societal beauty ideals. Employing a quantitative research approach, the study focused on a sample of 200 undergraduate and postgraduate students aged 18 to 30 years. Data collection utilized systematic sampling techniques and involved the administration of questionnaires via Google Forms. The study drew upon Social Comparison Theory to understand how individuals evaluate their own appearance by comparing themselves to the seemingly flawless images and physiques presented on social media platforms. Data analysis was conducted using IBM SPSS Statistics. The findings revealed a significant correlation between social media usage and body image dissatisfaction among young adults. Frequent comparisons with idealized images of influencers and celebrities on social media platforms were found to be a major contributor to negative body image perceptions, leading to a range of negative emotional and psychological outcomes, including anxiety, depression, and low self-esteem. These findings underscore the urgent need for interventions that address the detrimental effects of social media on young adults' mental health. This may include the development and implementation of comprehensive media literacy programs designed to equip young people with the critical thinking skills necessary to navigate the complexities of the digital world and resist the pressures to conform to unrealistic beauty standards. Furthermore, fostering a more inclusive and diverse representation of body images on social media platforms is crucial to promoting healthier body image perceptions and enhancing the overall well-being of young adults in the digital age. References Abi-Jaoude, E., Naylor, K. T., & Pignatiello, A. (2020). Smartphones, social media use and youth mental health. Cmaj, 192(6), E136-E141. Aichner, T., Grünfelder, M., Maurer, O., & Jegeni, D. (2021). Twenty-five years of social media: a review of social media applications and definitions from 1994 to 2019. Cyberpsychology, behavior, and social networking, 24(4), 215-222. Ali, R. (2016). 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Body image disturbance has permeated Western society and is experienced by women and men of all ages and life stages (Grogan, 2016). Further, body dissatisfaction is associated with behavioural, psychological, physical, and interpersonal consequences (Cash, 2012; Grogan, 2016; Thompson, Heinberg, Altabe, & Tantleff-Dunn, 1999). Accordingly, body image literature has expanded exponentially over the past 30 years. However, prominent gaps remain within the literature, three of which are considered in this thesis. These are: the trajectory, prevalence and cohort effects of body image disturbance across the adult lifespan for women and men, body dissatisfaction in midlife women, and the role body image disturbance plays in romantic relationships. The first of the three empirical papers examined patterns of developmental change and cohort effects in body image across the male and female adult lifespan. Body satisfaction was assessed in longitudinal data spanning six years, from 2010 to 2015. Cohort sequential latent growth curve modelling was utilized to assess patterns of mean-level change due to both aging and cohort effects in 15264 participants (62.9% women) aged between 19 – 74 years (M= 46.55, SD= 14.24). Results demonstrated a slight increase in body satisfaction across the lifespan for both men and women. Examination of cohort effects revealed that for women aged 54 years and below, all but two cohorts (24 – 29 & 34 – 39 years) displayed an upward trajectory in their body satisfaction over the 5-year period of assessment. No consistent cohort effects were evident for men. Finally, men consistently displayed higher levels of body satisfaction compared to women across the lifespan. This study provided insights into the trajectory of body image across the lifespan for men and women. The findings also suggest that body image may be improving for women in recent years. The second of the three empirical papers investigated the applicability of the Tripartite Influence Model (TIM) to midlife women. Female participants (N=206) aged 40-55 years (M = 46.75, SD = 4.54) completed measures related to sociocultural pressures, thin-ideal internalisation, appearance comparison, body dissatisfaction, bulimic symptoms, restrained eating, and psychological distress. Structural equation modeling was used to evaluate the model. As predicted, greater peer and media pressure were associated with greater appearance comparison which in turn was associated with greater body dissatisfaction. Also as predicted, greater body dissatisfaction was associated with greater restrained eating and bulimic symptoms, which in turn were associated with greater psychological distress. Contrary to predictions, none of the sociocultural influences were associated with thin-ideal internalization, and family pressure was not associated with appearance comparison. Furthermore, appearance comparison was not associated with body dissatisfaction. A number of unpredicted associations also emerged. Family and media pressure were directly associated with body dissatisfaction, and peer pressure was directly associated with psychological distress. Furthermore, unpredicted direct associations were also found between thin-ideal internalisation and disordered eating, and between appearance comparison and both bulimic symptoms and psychological distress. Overall, the findings provided partial support for applicability of the TIM for midlife women. The third of the three empirical papers sought to advance understanding of the associations between body image and relationship outcomes within heterosexual romantic relationships. In two studies (Study 1: N = 197 couples, Mage = 22.99; Study 2: N = 97 couples, Mage = 25.36), both members of dating and/or married couples reported on their body image, perceptions of partner’s attraction to the self, own attraction toward the partner, and relationship satisfaction. Study 2 also incorporated measures of participants’ body mass index (BMI) and sexual satisfaction. Across both studies, women who had poorer body image perceived their partner to be less attracted to them (irrespective of their partners’ actual attraction to them or how attracted they were to their partner), which in turn was associated with lower relationship and sexual satisfaction. For men, attraction to their partner was consistently associated with their own relationship satisfaction. Results demonstrated that projection biases are a possible mechanism through which body image is associated with romantic relationship outcomes. In sum, the results of this compendium of research speak to important aspects within the body image literature. Namely, results suggest that body dissatisfaction appears to improve across the female and male lifespan, and appears to be improving in younger cohorts. Further, we find that the Tripartite Influence Model (Thompson et al., 1999) is partially applicable to midlife female populations. Finally, the last two studies suggest that projection biases are a potential mechanism through which body image may impede upon romantic relationship outcomes.

Structural injustice and the Requirements of Beauty

Background: In current society adolescents are concerned about body image. The relationship between body dissatisfaction and obesity is not clear in developing countries. This study sought to describe body image size perception and dissatisfaction, and their relationship with body weight status in adolescents. Methods: Objective measures of weight and height were undertaken on 1109 schoolchildren aged 10-18 (504 girls and 605 boys). BMI z-scores, and weight status were calculated based on the 2007 WHO growth reference charts. Figure rating scales were used to assess perceptions of current and ideal body size and dissatisfaction difference between these perceptions. Multivariate analyses were used to assess the relationship between the perceptions and dissatisfaction with body weight status. Results: Perceived body image size was positively associated with weight status (partial regression coefficient for overweight/obese vs non-overweight/obese was 0.63 (95% CI 0.26-0.99) and for BMI z-score was 0.21 (95% CI 0.10-0.31), adjusted for sex and age). Body dissatisfaction was also associated with weight status, with overweight and obese children more likely to select thinner ideal body size than healthy weight children (adjusted partial regression coefficient for overweight/obese vs nonoverweight/ obese was 1.47 (95% CI 0.99-1.96) and for BMI z-score was 0.54 (95% CI 0.40-0.67). Conclusions: Awareness of body image size and increasing body dissatisfaction with the higher weight status is established at a young age in this population. This needs to be considered when designing interventions to reduce obesity in young children, in terms of both benefits and harms.

STUDY QUESTIONWhat are the profiles of body image (both negative and positive) and their associations with health-related quality of life (HRQoL) and endometriosis-related symptoms in women with endometriosis?SUMMARY ANSWERThree distinct body image profiles were identified, which significantly differed in HRQoL dimensions and both number and types of endometriosis-related symptoms.WHAT IS KNOWN ALREADYEndometriosis is a chronic health condition characterized by multiple symptoms, which lead to a diminished HRQoL. Body image is a critical concern for women with endometriosis due to the impact of the illness and its treatments on their bodies.STUDY DESIGN, SIZE, DURATIONThis cross-sectional study involved 270 Italian women who self-reported a diagnosis of endometriosis. They were recruited through the social media pages of Italian endometriosis organizations between March and September 2023.PARTICIPANTS/MATERIALS, SETTING, METHODSThe mean age of the participants was 36.4 years (SD = 7.46, range = 18–56), while the mean time since diagnosis was 347 months (SD = 80). The main endometriosis diagnosis was deep endometriosis (58.1%), and the main method of diagnosis was a clinical method (70.7%). The participants completed a socio-demographic and medical history schedule, as well as the following self-report questionnaires: Functionality Appreciation Scale, Body Appreciation Scale-2, Endometriosis Health Profile-30, and Body Image Scale. Latent Profile Analysis (LPA), ANOVA, and chi-square tests were employed to analyze the data. In particular, given the data-driven nature of LPA, no a priori hypotheses were formulated regarding the number or pattern of the profiles.MAIN RESULTS AND THE ROLE OF CHANCEThe LPA revealed three profiles: ‘Low body appreciation and strong body dissatisfaction’ (47.8%), ‘Strong body appreciation and low body dissatisfaction’ (17%), and ‘Moderate body appreciation and body dissatisfaction’ (35.2%). ANOVA showed differences in all HRQoL dimensions and number of endometriosis-related symptoms among profiles, with women in the ‘Strong body appreciation and low body dissatisfaction’ profile exhibiting better HRQoL and fewer endometriosis-related symptoms compared to the other profiles (P<0.001). Finally, chi-square tests revealed that participants in the ‘Low body appreciation and strong body dissatisfaction’ profile were significantly more likely to report painful and a-specific symptoms compared to participants in the other profiles.LIMITATIONS, REASONS FOR CAUTIONThe study’s cross-sectional design precludes any conclusions about causality. Furthermore, the absence of a control group of women without endometriosis makes it unclear whether the identified body image profiles are specific to endometriosis or represent broader patterns in the general population. Also, since LPA is inherently exploratory, these results offer only preliminary insights into how negative and positive body image may interact and relate to HRQoL and endometriosis-related symptoms in women with endometriosis. Additionally, the use of self-referral through endometriosis organizations, combined with the absence of sexuality-based demographics and other potentially relevant psychological and biological variables, may limit both the generalizability and the comprehensiveness of our results. Finally, the exclusive use of self-report questionnaires, which are subject to biases, and the inclusion of a small proportion of participants who reported seeking psychological consultation for a possible eating disorder may have influenced the results.WIDER IMPLICATIONS OF THE FINDINGSPositive body image may act as a protective buffer against negative HRQoL outcomes and these results may be useful for developing psychological interventions aimed at promoting psychological and physical well-being in women with endometriosis.STUDY FUNDING/COMPETING INTEREST(S)This research received no specific funding. The authors report no conflicts of interest.TRIAL REGISTRATION NUMBERN/A.

Since the 90's, body image has become an important theme of research in social scientists' eyes. Both domestic and international research has found that people tend to feel more and more frustrated with their body image, and much more people feel dissatisfied with their own body and distort their own body shape. However, most studies focus solely on college students, teenagers and females. This study is based on a large representative survey sample of almost 2000 adults conducted by Academia Sinica at Taiwan in 2003. It reexamines Taiwanese body images (including three components: body distortion, body satisfaction, and body change) and its influencing factors and path. Results showed that the mean objective body shape (Body Mass Index, BMI) of the sample was within standard health ranges, but people tended to overestimate their body shape (especially females and young people). In addition, gender and age were found to have significant influence on body images. On average, females and young people showed more body distortion, body dissatisfaction and more desire for body change. Older adults showed less body distortion and dissatisfaction and less impact of interpersonal pressure. Moreover, interpersonal pressure was the most significant mediating factor between gender and age, and body image. Romantic partners' and intimate others' criticism of the body was the first priority of concern for females under 35, and clothes clerks' criticism was second. The influence of media and gender consciousness was not as strong as expected. Finally, using body images as dependent variables, gender and age as independent variables, and interpersonal pressure and media agreement as mediating variables; a structural equation model (SEM) was constructed and found to have an acceptable fit with the data. Objectification theory is applied to illustrate the significant differences between body images according to gender and age; Chinese social orientation is used to explain how interpersonal pressure is an strong effective mediator of gender and age differences; the trade-off between trusting and criticizing media results in a weakening the influence of media, and finally, distinguishing explicit attitudes from implicit attitudes is used to explain the lack of mediation effects for gender consciousness.

Introduction: The collegiate environment may exacerbate body image issues and eating disorders (EDs) among dancers. This study seeks to evaluate the complex relationships between body image perceptions, risk of EDs, and nutrition knowledge among collegiate dancers. Methods: A convenience sample of collegiate dancers was recruited via announcements, flyers, and email to complete the Body Image Assessment Scale-Body Dimensions (BIAS-BD), anthropometrics, and an electronic survey evaluating ED risk (Eating Attitudes Test; EAT-26), nutrition knowledge, and dietary habits. Body distortion (perceived vs actual size) and dissatisfaction (perceived vs ideal size) were measured. Data analysis included descriptive statistics and t-tests for group and gender-specific data. Results: Thirty-eight collegiate dancers (82% female, 79% with a healthy BMI) participated in the body image assessment. Females (n = 31) exhibited body distortion (P = .006) with a mean BMI = 22.05, mean perceived BMI = 23.27, and a mean ideal BMI = 21.78. Body dissatisfaction was identified but not statistically significant. Males' perceptions of females' ideal BMI = 25.16 were significantly higher than the females' own perceptions (BMI = 21.78, P = .033). No significant body distortion or dissatisfaction was observed among males (n = 7). Female perceptions of the ideal male BMI = 23.96 aligned closely with males' self-views. On the EAT-26, females (n = 28) average score was 11.82, indicating higher risk than males (n = 4), whose average score was 7.75. High ED risk was identified in 18.75% of participants (EAT-26 scores ≥ 20). Nutrition knowledge was limited, with <50% correct responses. The majority sought dietary advice from peers (65.7%) or friends (57.1%), with 37.1% following restrictive diets (eg, vegan, pescatarian, lactose-free). Conclusion: Collegiate female dancers demonstrated body distortion and ED risk despite maintaining a healthy BMI. The limited nutrition knowledge, reliance on non-expert nutrition advice, and tendency towards restrictive eating patterns observed with increased ED risk is worrisome. Thereby necessitating educational interventions focused on nutrition and body image to maintain the dancers' health.

Background: Although the positive effects of sports on body image perception are well described in the literature, rhythmic gymnasts have been reported to be at greater risk of developing body dissatisfaction and possibly eating disorders. The reason is that athletes engaged in aesthetic sports may be subject to greater pressure to be thin in order to adhere to the norms of that sport. Objectives: The aim of the present study was to evaluate body image perception and body composition in a sample of pre-menarcheal rhythmic gymnasts and to assess the influence of sport practice. Methods: A cross sectional study was carried out on a total sample of 135 girls: 64 were preadolescent rhythmic gymnasts (10.1 ± 1.8 years) divided into competitive and non-competitive athletes, while the other 71 schoolgirls (11.4 ± 0.3 years) were included as a control group. Anthropometric traits were directly collected, and BMI and body composition parameters were calculated. Body image perception and body image satisfaction were evaluated through body image indexes. Data were analyzed using ANCOVA adjusted for age and multiple linear regression analysis. Results: Anthropometric traits and body composition parameters varied significantly between gymnasts and controls and between competitive and non-competitive subgroups, especially when adiposity indicators were compared. In general, rhythmic gymnasts showed a perception of their body consistent with their anthropometric characteristics and low body dissatisfaction, with competitive girls choosing a thinner silhouette as their ideal. A new index, FIDSPORT, developed by us as a simple measure of what gymnasts believe is the ideal gymnast figure compared to their actual figure, reported higher dissatisfaction between their perceived body and the body considered ideal for their sport. Moreover, rhythmic gymnasts showed a desire for a skinnier body than the control group. Practice of rhythmic gymnastics and BMI were negatively correlated with general ideal figure. Conclusions: All participants wanted to be thinner, but the ideal body image of gymnasts was thinner than that of schoolgirls. In addition, as a result of body satisfaction transiency, the ideal gymnast body image showed even lower values than the general ideal body image. This trend was well quantified by the FIDSport when compared to the FID(Feel-minus-Ideal-Discrepancy).

Background The drive for thinness (DFT), an indicator of disordered eating, is strongly predicted by body dissatisfaction (BD). In early adolescence, there are other predictors of DFT which rise from the mother-child relationship such as maternal psychological control (PC) and the motheŕs pressure on the child's body image (MP). The explanation of DFT by the child's self-perception of BD and PC as well as the mother’s perception of MP among early-adolescent boys and girls has great importance for public health and is therefore the aim of this study. Methods The research sample consisted of 191 Slovak adolescents (53.4% of girls, Mage=12.54, SD = 0.58) who completed the Children’s Body Image Scale, DFT subscale of Eating Disorders Inventory, Psychological Control Scale-Youth Self-Report; and their mothers (Mage=40.45, SD = 4.71) who completed the Parental Influence Subscale. Structural equation modelling was performed. Results A hypothesized model was tested to explain DFT by PC and BD, associated with four sources of MP. The tested model did not fit the data well enough. A modified model, where three insignificant sources of MP were excluded, fitted the data well (SRMR=.06, CFI=.95, RMSEA=.04, PCLOSE=.74) and explained 22% of the variance in DFT. The model was statistically equivalent for both genders. DFT was associated with BD (β=.42; &amp;lt;.001), PC (β=.2; &amp;lt;.05) and indirectly with the source of MP - child's body image preoccupation (CBI) (β=.15; &amp;lt;.05), through BD. CBI was associated with BD (β=.27; &amp;lt;.05). Conclusions The results point to the importance of BD, PC and CBI - a factor reflecting motheŕs direct pressure on the child's body image, in explaining DFT among early adolescent boys and girls. Other sources of MP (reflecting the motheŕs concern about her own body image) were not significant in this context. BD and disordered eating prevention strategies for adolescents indicate a respectful mother-child relationship, avoiding pressure and control. Key messages A motheŕs direct pressure on child's body image, psychological control and body dissatisfaction are significant in explaining the drive for thinness among early adolescents. Body dissatisfaction and disordered eating prevention strategies for adolescents indicate a respectful mother–child relationship, avoiding pushing a child to think, feel, or act as the mother wants.

Parents can influence sons’ body image and eating behaviors both directly (e.g., through comments) and/or indirectly (i.e., through modeling). However, available studies still lack in addressing parents’ influence on their sons. This study aimed to explore parental indirect influence by investigating the associations between mothers’ and fathers’ body dissatisfaction, disordered eating, and corresponding dimensions in their sons. Moreover, we examined the relation between mothers’ and fathers’ social anxiety symptoms, low self-esteem, and perfectionistic traits, and their sons’ body dissatisfaction and disordered eating. Group differences (sons, mothers, and fathers) in the above-mentioned variables were also investigated. A hundred and twenty-eight Italian males (Mage = 23.88 years ± 3.13, range 18–31) from various regions of Italy and their parents completed questionnaires investigating the above-mentioned variables. Analyses of Covariances were conducted, controlling for participants’ age. Group differences emerged in relation to body dissatisfaction and disordered eating. Multiple regressions showed that sons’ drive for thinness and body dissatisfaction were associated with mothers’ body dissatisfaction, dysfunctional eating behaviors, and perfectionism, while bulimic symptoms were associated with fathers’ perfectionism and with the living condition of sons (i.e., living with their parents). The present findings underscore the significant role that mothers may play in shaping their sons’ body- and eating-related behaviors, as mothers’ behavioral and cognitive dimensions related to body dissatisfaction and disordered eating are shown to be more strongly associated with their sons’ body dissatisfaction and drive for thinness than fathers’ dimensions. Moreover, our findings highlighted that fathers’ influence might be limited to sons’ bulimic symptoms, as fathers’ perfectionism and the living condition of sons (i.e., sharing the house with parents) emerged as associated with sons’ bulimic symptoms. This study further supports the importance of considering the parental role when addressing men’s body image and eating behaviors.

Body image disturbance is associated with several mental disorders. Previous research on body image has focused mostly on women, largely neglecting body image in men. Moreover, only a small number of studies have conducted gender comparisons of body image over the lifespan and included participants aged 50 years and older. With regard to measurement, body image has often been assessed only in terms of body dissatisfaction, disregarding further aspects such as body appreciation or the importance of appearance. The aim of this cross-sectional study was to explore different aspects of body image in the general German-speaking population and to compare men and women of various ages. Participants completed an online survey comprising questionnaires about body image. Body dissatisfaction, importance of appearance, the number of hours per day participants would invest and the number of years they would sacrifice to achieve their ideal appearance, and body appreciation were assessed and analyzed with respect to gender and age differences. We hypothesized that body dissatisfaction and importance of appearance would be higher in women than in men, that body dissatisfaction would remain stable across age in women, and that importance of appearance would be lower in older women compared to younger women. Body appreciation was predicted to be higher in men than in women. General and generalized linear models were used to examine the impact of age and gender. In line with our hypotheses, body dissatisfaction was higher in women than in men and was unaffected by age in women, and importance of appearance was higher in women than in men. However, only in men did age predict a lower level of the importance of appearance. Compared to men, women stated that they would invest more hours of their lives to achieve their ideal appearance. For both genders, age was a predictor of the number of years participants would sacrifice to achieve their ideal appearance. Contrary to our assumption, body appreciation improved and was higher in women across all ages than in men. The results seem to suggest that men’s and women’s body image are dissimilar and appear to vary across different ages.