Appearance Anxiety Inventory Research Articles

Profiling and assessing the risks of image- and performance-enhancing drugs use during the COVID-19 lockdown.

Image and Performance-Enhancing Drugs (IPEDs) can enhance mental and physical capabilities and impact one's overall health. Initially confined in sport environments, IPEDs use has become increasingly widespread in a high-performing society. The present study was aimed at profiling IPEDs use during the COVID-19 lockdown among an international sample of young adults. A cross-sectional observational study was carried out in eight countries (United Kingdom, Italy, Lithuania, Hungary, Portugal, Spain, Brazil, and Japan) between April and May 2020. The survey questionnaire included validated measurements such as Exercise Addiction Inventory (EAI), Appearance Anxiety Inventory (AAI), and Self-Compassion Scale (SCS) as well as questions about the type of IPEDs, purchasing methods and socio-demographic information. A total of 736 IPEDs users were included in the survey. Their mean age was 33.05 years (±SD = 10.06), and 64.2% were female participants. Overall, 6.8% were found at risk of exercise addiction (EAI >24), 27.6% presented high levels of appearance anxiety, and 24.9% revealed low levels of emotional regulation's self-compassion. Most participants (55.6%) purchased IPEDs through pharmacies/specialized shops, while 41.3% purchased IPEDs on the Internet. Online IPEDs buyers were mainly men who had higher scores on the Exercise Addiction Inventory. One or more IPEDs classifiable as "potentially risky" were used by 66.3% of the sample. Users of "potentially risky IPEDs" were younger and primarily men. They showed higher scores both on the Exercise Addiction Inventory and Appearance Anxiety Inventory. This study profiled users of IPEDs when the most restrictive COVID-19 lockdown policies were implemented in all the participating countries. More targeted post-COVID 19 prevention strategies should be implemented according to the emerged socio-demographic and psychopathological traits and cross-cultural differences emerged. Longitudinal studies will also be needed to determine the long-term effect of the COVID-19 lockdown on IPEDs consumption.

Appearance Anxiety and Loneliness among Young Adults

Abstract: This study aims to investigate the connection between young adults' feelings of loneliness and appearance anxiety . It also examines whether there is a gender difference in males and females when it comes to appearance anxiety and feeling of loneliness. However, there is an evident lack of relevant data in the Indian context. This is a quantitative study administered in 150 participants. Convenient sampling method was used to collect data. The participants for the current study were 72 males and 78 females of age between 18 to 25. Appearance anxiety was measured using the 10 item scale, the appearance anxiety inventory. Loneliness was measured using UCLA loneliness scale which has 20 items. The findings indicated a connection between young individuals' feelings of loneliness and appearance anxiety. Additionally, it demonstrates that there is no gender difference in loneliness and appearance anxiety in men and women.

Appearance Anxiety and Self-Esteem Among Young Adults

Abstract: The purpose of the study is to assess the relationship between appearance anxiety and self-esteem among young adults. The study also assesses whether there are significant differences in gender with respect to appearance anxiety and self-esteem. A sample of 300 young adults aged between 18-25 years participated in the study. The Appearance Anxiety Inventory (AAI) by Veale et al. and The Rosenberg’s Self-Esteem Scale (RSES) by Rosenberg M. were used to measure the variables in the study. The data was statistically analysed using the independent sample t-test and spearman rank correlation. According to the results, appearance anxiety and self-esteem have a moderate positive correlation. Appearance anxiety and self-esteem in males and females does not significantly differ based on gender

Fear of Negative Evaluation, Appearance Distress and Inferiority Complex among University Women Having Acne Problem

This study was designed to investigate the relationship between fear of negative evaluation and inferiority complex in university women with acne problems. Study also explored the mediating role of appearance distress between the variables. A correlational survey research designed was employed to execute the research. Data was collected through purposive sampling and the sample was of university women (n= 220) with acne problem. The tools for the study were ‘Brief Version of the Fear of Negative Evaluation Scale (Leary,1983), Appearance Anxiety Inventory Scale (David Veale, 2011), COMPIN Scale (Djordje Ceklija, 2017) for Inferiority Complex. For data analysis, Partial least square-structural equation modelling (PLS-SEM) was applied via statistical software, i.e. Smart-PLS (version-4 M4). The measurement model showed high reliability and validity and the structural model revealed positive and significant direct and indirect effect of appearance distress between the fear of negative evaluation and inferiority complex among women having acne problem. Practical and societal implications have been discussed for the women having acne, counselors and clinicians.

Body Dysmorphic Disorder: A Decade of Mandatory Psychiatric Evaluation in Cosmetic Rhinoplasty Aspirants.

The aim of rhinoplasty is to make the patient happier with their nose. The patient's perception plays a substantial role in their outcome satisfaction. Body dysmorphic disorder (BDD) is an obsessive-compulsive disorder concerning body image, which negatively distorts the patient's perception, rendering them dissatisfied with the outcome even if the results are close to the defined objectives. In this paper, we present a protocol with a two-specialist approach (rhinoplasty surgeon and a psychiatrist) to standardize BDD diagnosis using the DSM-5 criteria. The patients deemed suitable for cosmetic rhinoplasty by the rhinoplasty surgeon's first consultation were sent for Mandatory Psychiatric Evaluation (MPE) for further consultation and second opinion. MPE was employed with a semi-structured clinical interview by a psychiatrist incorporating the Cosmetic Procedure Screening Questionnaire and Appearance Anxiety Inventory. From 2010 to 2023, 1,602 patients attended our practice seeking cosmetic rhinoplasty, out of which, 892 were sent for MPE to the same psychiatrist. The MPE identified 2.5% (22/892) patients as having mild BDD; out of which, 15 were considered suitable for surgical intervention and underwent successful rhinoplasty (follow up: 1-10 years, M = 4.33 years). Although BDD is considered a contraindication in rhinoplasty, our experience shows that borderline and mild BDD can be offered surgery with good insight and support system. Moderate to severe BDD in our practice was filtered out at the first stage and was not offered surgical intervention. BDD among rhinoplasty aspirants is not as prevalent as previously reported. Standardized diagnostic protocols and studying the severity of BDD when present has clarified management of BDD in rhinoplasty aspirants in our practice. MPE is not easy to incorporate in every rhinoplasty practice, but we aim to present guidelines arising from our ongoing experience to help management of BDD in rhinoplasty.

Psychometric evaluation of the appearance anxiety inventory in adolescents with body dysmorphic disorder

ABSTRACT The Appearance Anxiety Inventory (AAI) is a self-report measure assessing the typical cognitions and behaviours of body dysmorphic disorder (BDD). Despite its use in research and clinical settings, its psychometric properties have not been evaluated in young people with BDD. We examined the factor structure, reliability, validity, and sensitivity to change of the AAI in 182 youths with BDD (82.9% girls; Mage = 15.56, SD = 1.37) consecutively referred to two specialist outpatient clinics in Stockholm, Sweden (n = 97) and London, England (n = 85). An exploratory factor analysis identified three factors, namely “threat monitoring”, “camouflaging”, and “avoidance”, explaining 48.15% of the variance. The scale showed good internal consistency (McDonalds omega = 0.83) and adequate convergent validity with the Yale-Brown Obsessive-Compulsive Scale Modified for Body Dysmorphic Disorder for Adolescents (BDD-YBOCS-A; r s = 0.42) and the Clinical Global Impression-Severity Scale (r s = 0.32). Sensitivity to change was adequate, with AAI total scores and individual factor scores significantly decreasing over time in the subgroup of participants receiving multimodal treatment for BDD (n = 79). Change of AAI scores over treatment showed a positive statistically significant moderate-to-good correlation (r = 0.55) with changes in BDD symptom severity, measured by the BDD-YBOCS-A. The study provides empirical support for the use of the AAI in young people with BDD in clinical settings.

Social Media Use and Body Dysmorphia among Adolescents in Western Mindanao, Philippines: A Cross-sectional and Case Series Study

Abstract Introduction: The widespread use of social media has raised concerns about its impact on mental health among the youth. Body dysmorphic disorder (BDD) is a debilitating mental disorder, involving an excessive fixation on the belief that certain body parts are distorted. The study sought to determine the relationship between social media use and body dysmorphia symptoms and explore reasons influencing these. Subjects and Methods: A cross-sectional study design and a case series were utilized. The participants (n = 154) were adolescents 15–19 years old in Zamboanga City, Philippines. Self-administered questionnaires were utilized to measure social media use, and the Appearance Anxiety Inventory (AAI) questionnaires were used to screen for BDD. A case series was done through key informant interviews among the three highest-scoring participants on the AAI. Descriptive statistics, Chi-square test, t-test, Pearson correlation, and Spearman correlation were utilized in the study. Results: Positive BDD screening was significantly associated with increased time spent on TikTok and was correlated with posting text-based comments on one’s profile, looking at photos and posts on others’ profiles, and editing photos before posting. Increased time on Facebook, TikTok, and total time spent on all platforms positively correlated with AAI scores, while time on Threads exhibited a negative correlation. Conclusion: The study presents the concerning impact of social media on the mental health of young people, associating significant use to increased symptoms of BDD. It underscores the importance of fostering digital literacy and responsible social media usage to mitigate these negative effects among adolescents in Zamboanga City.

Appetitive Traits and its Association with Body Composition, Anthropometric Indices and Appearance Anxiety in Adults: A Cross-sectional Study

Introduction: Obesity, a major health hazard in both developed and developing countries, is greatly influenced by an individual’s eating behaviour or appetitive trait. While eating disorders are known to be associated with abnormal body composition and cardio-metabolic risks, on par with metabolic syndrome, knowledge regarding the relationship between appetitive traits and body composition and anthropometric indices is very limited. Aim: To assess the appetitive traits of young and middle-aged individuals and correlate them with their body composition, anthropometric indices, and appearance anxiety. Materials and Methods: Sixty-eight healthy volunteers aged 19-45 years were included in this cross-sectional study. The appetitive traits, appearance anxiety, and perceived body shape of the study participants were assessed using the Adult Eating Behaviour Questionnaire (AEBQ), Appearance Anxiety Inventory (AAI), and Contour Drawing Rating Scale (CDRS). Body composition was assessed using Bioelectrical Impedance Analysis (BIA). The correlation between appetitive trait scores and the study parameters was assessed using the Pearson or Spearman correlation coefficient test. Comparison of appetitive traits between males and females was done using the Independent t-test or Mann-Whitney U test. A p-value <0.05 was considered statistically significant. Results: There were 43 males and 25 females. Significant negative correlations were observed between food avoidance scores and body composition parameters such as BMI, waistto-height ratio, lean mass, dry lean weight, body cell mass, basal metabolic rate, and Fat-Free Mass Index (FFMI). While food approach behaviour was similar between females and males, the overall food avoidance behaviour trait (53.4±11.2 vs. 47.26±9.09, p=0.016) and satiety responsiveness (12.28±3.2 vs. 10.51±2.93, p=0.024) were significantly more pronounced in females than in males. Moreover, the food avoidance behaviour of females revealed significant negative correlations with BMI, fat mass, lean mass, body cell mass, basal metabolic rate, Body Fat Mass Index (BFMI), free-fat mass index, and CDRS scores. Conclusion: The food avoidance trait is associated with abnormal changes in specific body composition parameters in adults. Satiety responsiveness and body dis-satisfaction related to being overweight are more common among young females and are associated with abnormal changes in their body composition.

Exercise and Health: Examination of the Relationship between Gym Attendance, Mental Health, and Perceptions of Body Image

The present study examined the relationship between frequency of gym attendance, workout length, happiness, and perceptions of self-esteem, appearance, and the benefits of exercise. A total of 85 participants (48 females, 37 males) completed eight self-report measures, including the Rosenberg Self-Esteem Scale (Rosenberg, 1989), the Subjective Happiness Scale (Lyubomirsky & Lepper, 1999), the Appearance Anxiety Inventory (Veale et al., 2013), the Body Dysmorphic Disorder Questionnaire (Phillips, 2005), the Muscle Dysmorphic Disorder Inventory (Zeeck et al., 2018), the Exercise Benefits/Barriers scale (Sechrist et al., 1987), and two additional measures reporting weekly gym attendance and duration. Results showed that the frequency of weekly gym attendance and time spent in the gym had no relationship to Body Dysmorphic Disorder (BDD), Muscle Dysmorphia (MD), and appearance anxiety. Time spent in the gym had no relationship to BDD, MD, and appearance anxiety. However, both frequency of gym attendance and workout duration had a strong positive relationship to beneficial views of exercise and self-esteem. Lastly, happiness was found to have no relationship with the frequency of gym attendance but had a positive relationship with the amount of time spent at the gym. Overall, it was concluded that gym attendance in general helps to improve certain aspects of mental health, perhaps through creating a more positive self-perception and increased subjective happiness

Prosthodontic Rehabilitation's Role in Alleviating Anxiety and Depression in Mucormycosis-Induced Maxillectomy Patients Post-COVID-19.

BACKGROUND The aim of this study was to assess the influence of maxillofacial prosthodontic rehabilitation on anxiety/depression severity in patients with rhino-orbital cerebral mucormycosis (ROCM) after maxillectomy. MATERIAL AND METHODS Sixty post-mucormycotic patients treated with maxillectomy (33 males, 27 females) were divided into 5 groups based on maxillectomy types (unilateral/bilateral, subtotal/total) and treatment given (psychotherapy/obturator/implant/orbital/ocular prosthesis). Anxiety and depression symptoms were assessed using appearance anxiety inventory (AAI) and patient health questionnaire (PHQ9). Data were collected at 4 time intervals [T0 (before prosthesis), T1 (2 weeks after prosthesis), T2 (6 months) and T3 (1 year). Frequency distribution and mean values were determined for individual group/subgroups/total cohort. Differences between groups were determined using one-way ANOVA (single-factor/Friedman's) followed by post hoc correction (Bonferroni) and t test for unequal variance with probability P value being statistically significant at <0.05. RESULTS The mean scores for appearance anxiety were 29.13±4.72 (diagnostic for existing body dysmorphic disorder) at T0, which decreased to 16.88±3.02 at T3 for the total cohort. The differences for the gender-based cohort, its various groups, and respective subgroups were significant (P<0.05) at various time intervals. The mean scores in the total cohort for depression symptom severity were 16.81±4.89 (moderately severe) at T0, which increased to 18.5±4.94 at T1, followed by reduction at T2 (12.0±4.43; moderate) and T3 (7.38±3.37; mild). Gender differences for both variables were found to be statistically significant (P<0.05). CONCLUSIONS Comprehensive rehabilitation that included a diagnosis of psychological symptoms followed by psychotherapeutic/pharmacotherapeutic/prosthodontic intervention reduced the anxiety/depression symptom levels to normal at 1 year.

Correlation between body image disturbance and psychological distress among burn patients.

Objective: To evaluate relationship between body image disturbance and psychological distress in burn patients of Jinnah Burn and Reconstructive Surgery Center. Study Design: Cross Sectional study. Study Setting: Jinnah Burn and Reconstructive Surgery Center, Lahore. Period: July 2022 to January, 2023. Material &amp; Methods: Correlation research design was used in the study to check the relation between the variables. Purposive sampling was used. The population of research was burn patients. Appearance Anxiety Inventory (AAI) and Kessler Psychological Distress Scale (K-10) were used to access the Body image disturbance and Psychological distress. Descriptive of demographic, reliability analyses, Pearson’s product moment correlation analysis, regression analysis, t-test and ANOVA analysis were conducted. Results: Among 150 subjects mean age was 28.532+ 12.345. 117 (78.0%) were females and 33 (22.0%) male. A positive correlation exits between Body image disturbance and Psychological distress r (149) =.37, p = .00 and Body image disturbance is negatively correlated with age r (149) = -.18. (p = .02.). Conclusion: We concluded that there is a strong correlation between body image disturbance and Psychological distress. Psychological distress increased with increasing body image disturbance and psychological distress is negatively predicting, gender, family system and surgical intervention.

The severity of psychosocial and functional morbidity among facially disfigured untreated noma cases in Ethiopia

ObjectivesNoma is a facially disfiguring disease that affects the oral cavity and midface structures. If left untreated, the disease is fatal. Noma causes severe cosmetic and functional defects in survivors, leading to psychiatric and social problems. However, there are limited data on psychosocial and functional sequelae associated with this disease. This cross-sectional study aimed to investigate psychosocial and functional morbidity among facially disfigured untreated Noma cases. Study participants were volunteer patients diagnosed with noma and awaiting surgery at two noma treatment centers in Ethiopia. A questionnaire derived from the APA’s DSM-5, the DAS59, and the Appearance Anxiety Inventory protocol was used to measure the psychosocial and functional morbidity of the cases between September 16 and October 10, 2022.ResultsA total of 32 noma cases (19 women and 13 men) awaiting the next surgical campaigns were involved in the study. Study participants reported severe social (Likert score = 2.8) and psychological (Likert score = 3.0) morbidity. Functional limitation was moderate (Likert score = 2.9). This study has shown that psychosocial and functional morbidity in untreated noma cases in Ethiopia is substantial. Therefore, policymakers, clinicians, and researchers need to pay sufficient attention to providing adequate health care and preventing the occurrence of the disease in the long term.

Influence of Prosthodontic Rehabilitation Using Zygomatic Implants in Covid 19 Related Mucormycosis (Rhino-Orbital-Cerebral) Maxillectomy Patients Upon Post-Operative Stress, Anxiety and Functional Impairment: A Prospective Cohort Study.

To determine the influence of prosthodontic rehabilitation using zygomatic implants in partial maxillectomy upon post-operative stress, anxiety and functional impairment, due to covid 19 associated rhino-orbital-cerebral mucormycosis (ROCM). Twenty maxillectomy patients fulfilling study criterion, received zygomatic implants (ZI) (quad zygoma) (ZDI Simpladent, Switzerland) retained/supported complete maxillary denture. Assessment of stress, anxiety, masticatory performance and speech were determined using diurnal salivary cortisol level, Appearance Anxiety Inventory, multiple sieve technique and auditory perception analysis, respectively. Data were recorded at 6 different stages of rehabilitation (after maxillectomy, implant placement, and after prosthesis delivery (1 week, 1 month, 6 months and 1 year)). Demographic data were expressed as frequency distribution, while mean values were used to find differences between various rehabilitation stages using Friedman and chi-square test with statistical significance value at p < 0.05. Average daily salivary cortisol levels declined from post maxillectomy (22.80 ± 0.902) to 1 year after prosthesis wearing (8.65 ± 0.985), indicating stress reduction after ZI rehabilitation. Mean scores for appearance anxiety reduced from pre-prosthetic rehabilitation (27.350 ± 3.030) to 1 year (8.950 ± 0.887) following prosthesis wearing. Functional parameters for mastication and speech also improved significantly during the course of rehabilitation. All differences between pre-prosthetic to 1-year stage after prosthesis wearing were found to be statistically significant at p < 0.05. Post ROCM maxillectomy cases after prosthetic rehabilitation using zygomatic implants showed significant improvement in the psychological (stress and anxiety) as well as function (mastication and speech) characteristics. Rehabilitation post ROCM maxillectomy with the present approach of fixed prosthesis using zygomatic implants mitigates deficient mastication and speech. It also impacts positively on patient psychology by decreasing stress and anxiety.

Appearance anxiety and loneliness: the mediating role of rejection sensitivity in patients with alopecia areata in Lahore Pakistan.

To investigate the association involving appearance anxiety, rejection sensitivity and loneliness in patients with alopecia areata. The correlational study was conducted from February to September 2020 at public-sector and private-sector hospitals in Lahore, Pakistan, and comprised alopecia areata patients of either gender aged 20-40 years. Data was collected using the Appearance Anxiety Inventory, the Appearance-based Rejection Sensitivity Questionnaire and the University of California-Los Angeles Loneliness Scale. Data was analysed using SPSS 23. Of the 240 patients, 120(50%) each were males and females. The overall mean age was 28.39±3.87 years. Appearance anxiety and rejection sensitivity were positive predictors of loneliness (p<0.000), while rejection sensitivity was positively significantly mediated between appearance anxiety and loneliness (p<0.000). The association involving appearance anxiety, rejection sensitivity and loneliness was found to be significant.

Povezanost između depresije, anksioznosti, stresa i simptoma tjelesnog dismorfnog poremećaja i medijacijske uloge samopoštovanja u estetskoj kirurgiji

Objectives: The objectives of the study were to examine the relationship between symptoms of body dysmorphic disorder (body image) and depression, anxiety, and stress as well as the mediating role of self-esteem in explaining this relationship in people undergoing cosmetic surgery. Methods: The following measurement instruments were used: (a) Sociodemographic variables; (b) The scale of depression, anxiety, and stress (DASS); (c) The Rosenberg Self-Esteem Scale (RSS); Appearance Anxiety Inventory; (AAI). Results: The results of the Pearson correlation coefficient showed that depression, anxiety, and stress were associated with the symptoms of Body dysmorphic disorder, and depression was the most significant. The results of hierarchical regression analysis, as well as mediation analysis, showed that self-esteem has a mediating role in the relationship between depression, anxiety, stress, and symptoms of Body dysmorphic disorder. Conclusions: This research opens new directions for research in the areas of depression, anxiety, stress, self-esteem, and body image in people who have undergone cosmetic surgery. It is also necessary to provide various psychoeducation programmes for the development of healthy ways of dealing with daily and life stressors, as well as support from psychotherapists whether it is anxiety, stress, depression, preoccupation with body image, or self-esteem.

Examination of Social Appearance Anxiety Levels of University Students

Aim: The aim of this study is to investigate the social appearance anxiety levels of university students taking physical education course according to various variables. Material and Methods: In the research, descriptive scanning model was used. The study group of this research consists of 929 participants who took compulsory physical education and sports lessons in the preparatory and first year of Kyrgyzstan Turkey Manas University in the 2020-2021 academic year. In order to determine the social appearance anxiety levels of individuals and the "Personal Information Form" prepared by the researcher, the data of the research; The "Social Appearance Anxiety Inventory (SAAI)," developed by Hart et al. (2008) and validated and reliable in Turkish by Doğan (2010) was used. The study was carried out in SPSS 22 statistical package program and the degree of significance was taken as 0.05. Independent-Samples T test was used in pairwise comparisons, and One-Way Anova test was used in multiple comparisons. Results: In the study, no significant difference was found between the social appearance anxiety levels of university students and the variables of gender, class, age, father's education level and mother's education level. Keywords: Social Appearance Anxiety, Physical Education and Sports, Manas University

An international cross-sectional investigation on social media, fitspiration content exposure, and related risks during the COVID-19 self-isolation period

With the global COVID-19 pandemic, governments from many countries in the world implemented various restrictions to prevent the SARS-Cov-2 virus's spread, including social distancing measures, quarantine, in-home lockdown, and the closure of services and public spaces. This led to an in-creased use of social media platforms to make people feel more connected, but also to maintain physical activity while self-isolating. Concerns about physical appearance and the desire to keep or reach a muscular and toned ideal body, might have further reinforced the engagement in fitness-related social media activities, like sharing progresses in training achievements or following more fitness contents on popular profiles. To better understand the underlying relation among these factors, the present study investigates 729 responses to the Exercise Addiction Inventory (EAI), the Appearance Anxiety Inventory (AAI), the Self-Compassion Scale (SCS) and their association to social media usage and compares the results cross-culturally in five countries (Spain, Lithuania, United Kingdom, Japan, and Hungary). Findings highlight significant differences between males and females, espe-cially in regard to the time spent online (U = 477.5, p = 0.036). Greater levels of appearance anxiety were associated with the exposure to fitness-related contents on social media. These results strongly confirm the previously highlighted association between fitspiration media and body image anxiety predominantly in females. Clinical implications and future considerations in terms of prevention and treatment in a situation of global emergency are also discussed.

A Comparative Study of Appearance Anxiety and Self-Esteem Among Indian Classical Dancers and Non-Dancers

India has a rich cultural heritage and more than thousand years of tradition of arts, classical and folk music and dance. Dance is considered as the medium of expression. It is the symbol of different cultural aspects of a civilization. Classical dance, in particular, is not just seen as an entertainment medium but it is considered as a form of meditation or yoga through which a dancer can reach the supreme Lord. It has a more spiritual rather a mere entertainment base. Dance is a good form of exercise that burns calories and builds muscles along with the release of endorphins. Hence there is instant happiness that is experienced by the dancers. Dance also influences the mind by contributing to the experience of satisfaction. Everyday a dancer may not achieve a specific goal in the process but through dancing they feel they have worked towards their goal by practicing which gives them satisfaction. An article in Scientific American Magazine 2008, a Columbia University neuroscientist put forth the fact that brain’s reward centers are stimulated by music, sensory and motor circuits are activated by dance. Dancers benefit from the physical exercise, increased heart and lung capacities and the overall feeling of wellbeing which increases their self-esteem. Many studies have indicated that dance can increase confidence and self-esteem level of the dancer. On the other hand, dancers are believed to be concerned about body image and they constantly worry about becoming thin or putting on weight to look presentable on the stage. Concerns with body image will lead to low self-esteem of the dancers as they negatively evaluate their body shape. So, there are conflicting results regarding self-esteem. On one hand, dance increases self-esteem but on the other hand, the presence of appearance concerns decreases dancers’ self-esteem. Hence, the objective of this study was to understand the appearance anxiety and self-esteem among dancers specifically among Indian Classical dancers and also to understand the interaction between appearance anxiety and self-esteem. The study adopted a quasi-experimental between-groups research design where in training in Indian classical dance form was the quasi-independent variable and the group of dancers were compared to non-dancers on appearance anxiety and self-esteem. A sample of 65 participants was chosen. The sample consisted of 35 Indian classical dancers and 30 non-dancers between the age group 16-30 years. Sample was selected through the method of purposive sampling. Participants were then given the Appearance Anxiety Inventory (AAI) (Veale, D., Eshkevari, E., Kanakam, N., Ellison, N., Costa, A., & Werner, T., 2014) and Rosenberg Self-esteem Scale (Rosenberg, 1965). It was found that that there was a negative correlation between appearance anxiety and self-esteem which means higher the appearance anxiety lower is the self-esteem. Indian classical dancers and non-dancers did not differ significantly with respect to appearance anxiety and Self-esteem.

Exploring the Relationship Between Mental Well-Being, Exercise Routines, and the Intake of Image and Performance Enhancing Drugs During the Coronavirus Disease 2019 Pandemic: A Comparison Across Sport Disciplines.

Introduction: Physical distancing under the coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) pandemic had a significant impact on lifestyles, including exercise routines. In this study, we examined the relationship between mental health and addictive behaviors, such as excessive exercise and the use of image and performance enhancing drugs (IPEDs) across 12 sport disciplines.Materials and methods: A large cross-sectional sample of the adult population (N = 2,295) was surveyed. The mean age was 33.09 (SD = 11.40). The number of male participants was 668 (30.0%). The use of IPEDs was assessed in conjunction with psychometric measures such as the Exercise Addiction Inventory (EAI) and the Appearance Anxiety Inventory (AAI). The participants were grouped into activity group (AG) and non-activity group (NAG) according to the presence or absence of their exercise habits. The results were compared between these groups, as well as across sport disciplines, while taking into account the relationship between different psychological measures and IPEDs consumption.Results: The frequency of IPEDs use was higher among AG (34.6%) than NAG (14.6%), although AG participants reported less history of addictions (7.1%) than NAG (11.8%). The logistic regression analysis revealed that scores equal to or above cutoff points, in both the EAI and AAI, predicted the IPEDs use. Regarding the differences across the various sport disciplines, those who were involved in practicing Weight Lifting and Cross Fit were found to be more at risk of excessive exercising and more inclined to use a wide range of IPEDs.Conclusions: Although exercise could help to increase well-being and prevent addictions during the COVID-19 pandemic, our results show that those in the AG are particularly vulnerable to excessive IPEDs use. Sport disciplines associated with higher EAI and AAI scores have also shown a higher tendency to excessive IPEDs use. Furthermore, the factor of having above the cutoff scores in EAI or AAI in each sport could indicate larger IPEDs consumption regardless of the discipline. In light of the current findings, it is necessary to better define the “non-excessive” levels of exercise in various sport disciplines and an adequate intake of IPEDs to ensure the safety and well-being of people during a pandemic.

Perceived stress and appearance anxiety among people with acne vulgaris

BACKGROUND: Acne vulgaris is a chronic inflammatory, pilosebaceous condition. It is one of the world's most common skin diseases, affecting millions of patients. The frequency and length of the acne may not represent explicitly the psychological condition of a patient. This research was aimed at measuring perceived stress and anxiety of appearance among people with acne vulgaris. MATERIALS AND METHODS: It is a cross-sectional, observational study, carried out at tertiary care teaching hospital following approval by the Institutional Ethics Committee. Seventy-five outpatients with acne vulgaris were included in the study and the perceived stress scale (PSS) and appearance anxiety inventory (AAI) administered to them. RESULTS: There were 55 females and 20 males among the 75 acne patients. The mean age of the study patients was 23.55 ± 3.83. The mean duration of the acne was 3.35 years. The mean PSS was 19.48 ± 6.44 among the patients. The total AAI score among all the patients was 13.67 ± 5.67. The avoidance AAI score was 7.09 ± 4.5 and the threat AAI score was 5.82 ± 3.35. As the mean duration increased, the level of the stress was also increased. CONCLUSION: The results show that the PSS and AAI have psychometric properties to decide whether improvements in cognitive processes and behaviors mediate outcomes in patients. The duration of acne vulgaris had a direct positive association with the higher PSS and AAI score.