The influence of body mass index and learned resourcefulness skills on body image and lifestyle practises

Abstract

We examined the importance of body mass index (BMI-light, medium, heavy) and learned resourcefulness skills (low, medium, high) on body image perceptions and lifestyle practises in 184 undergraduate women who were of relatively normal weight. Significant main effects were observed for the BMI and the learned resourcefulness variables. Supporting previous literature, the heavier and medium weight groups of women were more dissatisfied with their weight and appearance in comparison to the lighter weight group, but all groups shared similar eating attitudes and lifestyle practises. Also as predicted, women with low resourcefulness skills had more eating disturbances, perceived less control over their lifestyle, were more preoccupied with their weight in comparison to the high and, to a lesser extent, the medium groups. Contrary to prediction, heavier weight women with low resourcefulness skills were neither the most dissatisfied with their body shape nor the most susceptible to acquiring unhealthy lifestyle practises and disturbed eating attitudes. Implications for lifestyle counselors are discussed.