Assess Body Image Research Articles

Assessing Body Image in Young Children

The purpose of this study was to examine body image discrepancies in elementary-age children in a racially diverse sample. Body image and body image discrepancy were measured in elementary school children ( N = 58) of various racial groups (35% Hispanic, 33% African American, 16% Caucasian, 14% other). Each participant was shown a set of silhouette figure drawings and reported current and ideal body sizes. Children’s body discrepancies appear to change between Grades 1 and 2. Notable discrepancies between their current and ideal figures, and their current figure and those that they believe are most attractive, are largely absent in Grade 1, but are evident in Grade 2 and older children. No substantive racial or gender differences in body image perceptions or dissatisfaction were observed in this sample. Body image dissatisfaction may begin as early as second grade in both girls and boys of various racial and ethnic backgrounds. These findings provide preliminary evidence that body discrepancies may begin much earlier than previously thought.

The Korean Version of the Body Image Scale-Reliability and Validity in a Sample of Breast Cancer Patients

ObjectiveThe Body Image Scale (BIS) developed in collaboration with the European Organization for Research and Treatment of Cancer (EORTC) Quality of Life Study Group is a brief questionnaire for measuring body image concerns in patients with cancer. This study sought to assess the reliability and validity of the Korean version of the Body Image Scale (K-BIS).MethodsThe participants consisted of 155 postoperative breast cancer patients (56 breast conserving surgery, 56 mastectomy, and 43 oncoplastic surgery). Subjects were evaluated using the K-BIS, the Body-Esteem Scale for Adolescents and Adults (BESAA), the Rosenberg Self-Esteem Scale (RSES), the Hospital Anxiety and Depression Scale (HADS), and the World Health Organization Quality of Life Scale Abbreviated Version (WHOQOL-BREF). Test-retest reliability and internal consistency were examined as a measure of reliability and validity was evaluated by convergent validity, discriminant validity and factor analysis.ResultsCronbach's α value was 0.943. The total score of the K-BIS was negatively correlated with the BESAA (r=0.301, p<0.001) and the body image facet in the WHOQOL-BREF (r=0.315, p<0.001). The total score of K-BIS positively correlated with the HADS (HAD-A: r=0.501, p<0.001, HAD-D: r=0.466, p<0.001). As for determining discriminant validity, scores were compared between the BCS subgroup, mastectomy subgroup, and oncoplastic surgery subgroup. Difference between the mastectomy subgroup and oncoplastic surgery subgroup was statistically significant (p=0.017). Factor analysis resulted in a single factor solution in three out of four anlyses, accounting for >59% variance.ConclusionThe K-BIS showed good reliability and validity for assessment of body image in Korean breast cancer patients.

Prevalence of body image dissatisfaction and associated factors among physical education students.

To determine the prevalence of and factors associated with body image dissatisfaction among physical education students enrolled in a public university. This study evaluated 236 students and assessed body image perception (silhouette scale), sociodemographic variables (sex, age, parental education, marital status, university course, work, living arrangement, study shift, and income), physical activity level (International Physical Activity Questionnaire - Short Version), dietary habits, tobacco use, excessive intake of alcohol (questions from the tobacco, alcohol and drugs, and nutrition domains of the FANTASTIC instrument), and nutritional status (body mass index [BMI]). Descriptive analysis, the chi-square test, Fisher's exact test, and crude and adjusted multinomial regression were used. The prevalence of body image dissatisfaction was 69.5%; 44.1% were dissatisfied with excess weight. BMI ≥ 25.0 kg/m² was associated with dissatisfaction with excess weight; factors associated with dissatisfaction with slimness were being male, eating an unhealthy diet, and smoking tobacco. Our findings suggest that female college students with a BMI ≥ 25.0 kg/m² are more likely to present dissatisfaction with excess weight. Being male, eating an unhealthy diet, engaging in physical activity for < 739.61 min/week and smoking tobacco were the variables associated with dissatisfaction with thinness.

Instrumentos de avaliação da imagem corporal e dos hábitos alimentares na anorexia nervosa: análise da produção científica

Este estudo é uma revisão integrativa da literatura que tem o objetivo de descrever os instrumentos de mensuração utilizados na avaliação da imagem corporal e dos hábitos alimentares na anorexia nervosa. As bases consultadas foram LILACS e SciELO. Das 98 referências levantadas, oito foram selecionadas e recuperadas na íntegra para extração dos dados, constituindo o corpus da pesquisa. Constatou-se o predomínio de publicações na última década, principalmente a partir de 2000. Em termos gerais, os resultados indicaram que há poucos instrumentos que avaliam a imagem corporal e os hábitos alimentares de forma aprofundada, sendo que a maioria dos instrumentos encontrados visava a avaliar os sujeitos e a estabelecer o diagnóstico de transtorno alimentar (TA). Evidenciou-se, assim, a necessidade de mais estudos na área de elaboração e de validação de testes, escalas e inventários que tratem das síndromes parciais dos TAs, tais como a distorção da imagem corporal.

Weight loss expectations and body dissatisfaction in young and older obese women attempting to lose weight

Unrealistic weight loss expectations (WLEs) have been linked to greater treatment attrition rates and worse long-term weight loss (WL) outcomes in young and middle-aged obese subjects. We aim to investigate 1) the link between WLEs and body image dissatisfaction in young and older obese women attempting to lose weight; 2) the relationship between WLEs, current body weight and recommended WL targets (5%, 10% and 20% of baseline body weight). Twenty-six young age (mean = 23.3; SD = 6.0 years), with a mean body weight of 81.7 (SD = 9.3) kg, and mean BMI of 32.5 (SD 2.0) kg/m 2 ; and thirty-three older age (Mean = 65.7, SD = 4.2 years), with a mean body weight of 81.7 (SD 8.3) kg, and mean BMI of 35.0 (SD3.4) kg/m 2 obese women were recruited. Eating behaviour was assessed using the Eating Attitude Test-26 (EAT-26) (1) . The body dissatisfaction subscale of the Eating Disorder Inventory (EDI_BD) (2) and the Body Image Assessment for Obesity (3) were used to assess body image concern. WLEs were categorised according to personal, lifestyle and social factors. The two groups were matched for body weight (p >0.05). Older women identified a significantly larger current (p <0.001) and ideal (p <0.001) body size than younger women. Young women reported significantly greater levels of dieting (p <0.001), bulimia (p <0.001) and oral control (p <0.001). The largest WLEs were perceived as coming from the mass media in young women, and the achievement of career success in older women. Young women with lower expected ‘happy’ (p = 0.003), ‘reasonable’ (p = 0.004) and ‘fitness’ (p = 0006) body weights had higher levels of bulimic symptoms, whilst older women did not. The association between body size and WLEs in obese women was modified by age. The attitudinal constructs underlying these differences may be useful in clinical practice to improve WL outcomes.

Body image in recently diagnosed young women with early breast cancer

To assess body image concerns among young women following a breast cancer diagnosis. A total of 419 women with recently diagnosed stage 0-III breast cancer were surveyed following enrollment as part of a prospective cohort study of women age 40 or younger at diagnosis. Body image was assessed using three items from the psycho-social scale of the Cancer Rehabilitation Evaluation System (CARES). CARES scores range from 0 to 4, with higher scores indicative of greater image concerns. Mean CARES scores were calculated and compared between treatment groups using t-tests and analysis of variance. Multiple linear regression models were fit to evaluate the relationship between physical and psychological factors and body image. Mean time from diagnosis to completion of the baseline survey was 5.2 months. The mean CARES score for all women was 1.28. Mean CARES scores in the mastectomy-only group (1.87) and in the mastectomy with reconstruction group (1.52) were significantly higher (p < 0.0001) compared with the scores in the lumpectomy group (0.85), indicating that radical surgery was associated with more body image concerns. Radiation (p = 0.01), anxiety (p = 0.0001), depression (p < 0.0001), fatigue (p = 0.04), musculoskeletal pain symptoms (p < 0.0001), weight gain (p = 0.01), and weight loss (p = 0.02), in addition to surgery type (p < 0.0001), were all associated with more body image concerns in the multi-variable analysis. This analysis highlights the impact of treatment, along with physical and psychological factors, on body image early in the survivorship period. Our findings provide targets for potential future intervention and may aid young women in the surgical decision-making process.

Body Image, Sexual Function and Satisfaction in Women with Breast Cancer

BACKGROUND: The diagnosis of breast cancer includes not only physical but also social and psychological factors that also influence body image and sexuality of women. MATERIAL AND METHODS: We performed an observational cross-sectional study with 77 women over 18 years of age and who had completed radiation therapy and/or chemotherapy. The socialdemographic and clinical data were obtained through a clinical assessment form and the clinical data from medical records. We used the subscales of the EORTC QLQ BR 23 questionnaire to assess body image, sexual desire, sexual frequency and satisfaction. RESULTS: 59. 8% of the women are aged between 40 and 59. 66. 2% are housewives and/or retired.57. 1% have no partner and 53. 2% have only primary education. Regarding clinical data, 90. 9% had 10 or more lymph nodes dissected and 46% had no lymph nodes. 66. 2% underwent conservative surgery and only two patients (2. 6%) underwent breast reconstruction. The main therapeutics used were radiotherapy (90. 9%) and/or chemotherapy (87%). The seroma formation was the most frequent postoperative complication (46. 8%), followed by dehiscense (23. 4%). Low scores were observed regarding body image (63.57), sexual desire (34. 63), sexual frequency (32. 03) and sexual satisfaction (45. 91). Younger women with no partner and with a higher educational level had higher sexual desire (p <0. 001, p <0. 001 and p = 0. 006 respectively) and higher sexual frequency (p = 0. 027, p <0. 001 and p = 0. 023 respectively). There was no correlation between body image and the context of sexual activity. DISCUSSION: Conservative surgery prevailed and the age group data show women in a highly productive age. However, their body image is changed. Low scores related to sexual desire, sexual frequency and satisfaction were observed. According to Santos and Vieira (2011) breast surgery, whether conservative or not, as well as other treatments interferes on body image and sexuality. It is observed that the fact of having cancer alters the woman’s perception of herself as a woman and that the breast is the organ that is mostly associated with femininity and sexuality (BERTERO, 2002, GOMES et al, 2002, VAZIRI and KASHANI 2012). Younger women, with no partner and with higher education levels had better sexual function. These results are corroborated by Rebelo et al (2007). Other studies, however, show that younger women with no partners had worse scores in relation to sexuality (HUGUET et al, 2009, GANZ et al, 2003). CONCLUSION: The body image and sexuality of those women are altered. Younger women with no partners and with more schooling have better sexual functioning. For professionals, these data represent a challenge both in evaluation and in the assessment of strategies that address body image and sexual function.

Thought&amp;ndash;shape fusion and body image in eating disorders

PurposeThe aim of this study was to analyze the relationships among thought–shape fusion (TSF), specific instruments to assess body image disturbances, and body image quality of life in eating disorder patients in order to improve the understanding of the links between body image concerns and a specific bias consisting of beliefs about the consequences of thinking about forbidden foods.Patients and methodsThe final sample included 76 eating disorder patients (mean age 20.13 ± 2.28 years; 59 women and seven men). After having obtained informed consent, the following questionnaires were administered: Body Appreciation Scale (BAS), Body Image Quality of Life Inventory (BIQLI-SP), Body Shape Questionnaire (BSQ), Eating Disorders Inventory-2 (EDI-2), State-Trait Anxiety Inventory (STAI), Symptom Checklist-90-Revised (SCL-90-R) and Thought-Shape Fusion Questionnaire (TSF-Q).ResultsSignificant correlations were found between TSF-Q and body image-related variables. Those with higher scores in TSF showed higher scores in the BSQ (P < 0.0001), Eating Disorder Inventory – Drive for Thinness (EDI-DT) (P < 0.0001), and Eating Disorder Inventory – Body Dissatisfaction (EDI-BD) (P < 0.0001). The same patients showed lower scores in the BAS (P < 0.0001). With respect to the psychopathological variables, patients with high TSF obtained higher scores in all SCL-90-R subscales as well as in the STAI.ConclusionThe current study shows the interrelations among different body image-related variables, TSF, and body image quality of life.

Sexuality After Sigmoid Vaginoplasty in Patients With Mayer-Rokitansky-Kuster-Hauser Syndrome

The primary cause of vaginal aplasia is the Mayer-Rokitansky-Kuster-Hauser (MRKH) syndrome. The infertility and the lack of normal sexuality associated with this syndrome have a profound impact on body image and self-esteem; one third of patients suffer from depression. In the last 2 decades, numerous techniques creating a neovagina in patients with MRKH syndrome have been investigated. Treatment methods used include both surgical and nonsurgical techniques of vaginal reconstruction. Among these, the nonsurgical Frank method must be considered as first-line therapy and used where possible. Because of the lack of prospective randomized trials, there is no consensus as to the best surgical treatment. The sigmoid graft, which uses a bowel graft to create a neovagina, was long considered a second-line treatment because of its associated morbidity. With advances in antibiotic prophylaxis and colorectal anastomosis, it can now be considered as first-line surgical therapy for MRKH. This prospective study assessed the functional and sexual outcome of sigmoid vaginoplasty in patients with MRKH syndrome. Participants were 59 women with the syndrome who had been referred to a university hospital between 1992 and 2010; 11 of these patients were treated by the Frank method, and 48 by sigmoid vaginoplasty. Two standardized questionnaires, the Female Sexual Function Index (FSFI) and the revised Female Sexual Distress Scale (FSDS-R), were used to evaluate the primary study outcome measures, functional results, and sexuality. Additional questions assessed body image perception, desire for motherhood, and signs of depression. Of the 40 patients (68%) who completed and mailed the questionnaire, 35 (73%) underwent surgery, and 5 (45%) were treated by the Frank method. There was no significant difference between groups in the mean total FSFI (P < 0.13) and FSDS-R (P < 0.72) scores: FSFI scores for the surgical group and Frank group were 28 ± 3.1 and 30.3 ± 6.2, respectively, and FSDS-R scores were 21.4 ± 12.1 and 18.4 ± 15.4, respectively. These findings show that sigmoid vaginoplasty provides nearly normal sexual function in patients with vaginal aplasia. Whatever technique is chosen, appropriate management requires a multidisciplinary team, because sexually related psychological distress persists in most patients.

An Evaluation of Body Image Assessments in Hispanic College Women: The Multidimensional Body‐Self Relations Questionnaire and the Appearance Schemas Inventory–Revised

The authors evaluated the utility of the Multidimensional Body‐Self Relations Questionnaire (MBSRQ; Brown, Cash, &amp; Mikulka, 1990) and the Appearance Schemas Inventory–Revised (ASI‐R; Cash, Melnyk, &amp; Hrabosky, 2004) by administering the instruments to Hispanic female college students. Results indicated that the means of the MBSRQ and the ASI‐R differed significantly from previously published norms but evidenced adequate internal consistency reliability. However, further research is needed to examine these constructs within this population.

Use of Mirrors as a Nursing Intervention to Promote Patients' Acceptance of a New Body Image

Body image in oncology is a relatively unexplored field. Recent interventions have focused on the use of the mirror in assessing body image. The purpose of this narrative is to increase oncology nurses' awareness of the need to adopt such interventions based on expert judgment and practice when empirical evidence is limited.

Confiabilidade teste-reteste de escalas de silhuetas de autoimagem corporal no Estudo Longitudinal de Saúde do Adulto

We applied silhouette scales for assessing body image on two occasions with a 7 to 14 day interval in 281 participants in the Brazilian Longitudinal Study of Adult Health (ELSA-Brasil). Intraclass correlation coefficient (ICC) was used to measure test-retest reliability. The item "how participants see their current body size" showed ICC from 0.92 to 0.97, with no difference by gender, age, or schooling. "Ideal body size" showed ICC from 0.86 to 0.92 and was lower among men. Temporal stability was satisfactory, allowing for use of the scales in studies on body image in the ELSA-Brasil and similar populations.

Body image in adolescents with and without visual impairment

The present study assessed body image in 177 German adolescents with visual impairment and 531 peers with normal sight. On average, adolescents with visual impairment were less satisfied with their body than sighted adolescents, but this difference was mainly based on results drawn from female adolescents. In addition, adolescents with visual impairment, and female adolescents in particular, showed stronger associations of body image with bullying and psychological well-being. The results indicate that female adolescents are more susceptible to body dissatisfaction than male adolescents when not being able to meet the societal standard of the “perfect” body.

Effectiveness and Feasibility of a Cognitive‐Behavioral Group Intervention for Body Image Disturbance in Women With Eating Disorders

The present study investigated the effectiveness and feasibility of a cognitive-behavioral group intervention for the treatment of body image disturbance in women with eating disorders. The study used a multiple-baseline design and enrolled 38 participants with a range of eating disorders. The intervention targeted attitudinal and behavioral components of body image disturbance using psychoeducation, self-monitoring, systematic desensitization, and cognitive restructuring. Primary outcomes included multidimensional body image assessment (effectiveness) and treatment adherence and satisfaction (feasibility). Participants undergoing manualized group treatment reported significantly less body image disturbance than participants randomized to a waitlist control condition. However, differences disappeared after both groups had been through intervention. Participants also reported less depression and eating disorder pathology from baseline to posttreatment, however this difference was not considered statistically significant. Feasibility outcomes suggest the intervention was well received and highly acceptable to participants. Findings emphasize the importance of adding an evidence-based body image component to standard eating disorder treatment.

Am I My Avatar? A Tool to Investigate Virtual Body Image Representation in Adolescence

The assessment of body image in adolescence plays a key role in investigating self-esteem development and social adjustment. In particular, these days, adolescents use more and more online tools to communicate with other people, and virtual body image represents a critical aspect for understanding the avatar development. This study aims at investigating the virtual body representation by using the "Drawing Me" graphical test with a group of Italian adolescents. Specifically, we compared body image representation in real (drawings) and virtual (avatar) life by taking gender differences into consideration. Results show that virtual body representation is more characterized by the sexual features related to body, face, and clothes and by a major number of context elements than real body representation. Gender differences confirm that girls tend to represent themselves in greater detail than boys and their avatars are rich with sexual characters. To conclude, our study illustrates that the Drawing Me test is an effective tool that analyzes the virtual body representation in an unobtrusive way, and intervention implications are discussed.

Pre-pregnancy Body Size Dissatisfaction and Excessive Gestational Weight Gain

Body size dissatisfaction has been documented as a risk factor for obesity, but little is known about the effect of body size dissatisfaction on excessive gestational weight gain. The objective of the study was to determine the association of pre-pregnancy body size dissatisfaction with excessive gestational weight gain in Iranian pregnant women. This case-control study compared pre-gravid body satisfaction status in 182 women with excessive gestational weight gain and 180 women who gained weight within the guidelines of the Institute of Medicine. All the participants of the study were 35-41 weeks gestational age and received prenatal care in Shahid Akbarabadi Hospital. The women were asked to think back to their pre-pregnant state and report their body size satisfaction status measured by the Body Image Assessment for Obesity (BIA-O). According to this measurement, the women were divided into three categories: dissatisfied women with a thinner body size preference, dissatisfied women with a heavier body size preference and satisfied women. Among women with excessive gestational weight gain, 56.6% preferred a thinner body size, while 53.9% of those with adequate gestational weight gain were satisfied with their pre-gravid body sizes. After adjusting for cofounders, those with a thinner body size preference were more likely to gain weight excessively during pregnancy when compared to satisfied women (OR: 2.17, 95% CI: 1.17-4.02). Our result showed that thinner body size preference was associated with excessive gestational weight gain. Further studies are needed to investigate whether changes in women's feelings about their body sizes will decrease the proportion of women with excessive gestational weight gain.

Propiedades psicométricas de una Escala Breve de Evaluación de la Insatisfacción Corporal infantil = Psychometric properties of a Brief Scale for the Assessment of Children Body Dissatisfaction

Introduction. The assessment of body image and body dissatisfaction has become a main aim in psychological research because of its strong links with the study of the etiology and definition of eating disorders. However, there are few children assessment instruments adapted to the Spanish population. The aim of this paper is to present the results of a pilot study on the design and evaluation of a new instrument for Spanish children called Escala Breve de Insatisfacción Corporal Infantil (EBICI) [The Children Body Dissatisfaction Brief Scale]. Method. The EBICI, a Likert scale, was designed and administered to a sample of 62 children from two Primary Schools whose mean age was 11.53 (SD = .73). Likewise, They provided their Self-reported Body Mass Index (BMI) and filled in the Children's Body Image Scale (CBIS) used to study the validity of the EBICI. Results. According to the discriminant analysis no item was considered to be removed. The reliability analysis yielded an adequate Cronbach's alpha (.738). The concurrent validity analysis yielded statistically significant correlations with the Self-reported BMI (.250, p &lt; .05) and the CBIS (.497, p &lt; .01). Conclusions. The EBCIN scale could be a suitable instrument for a rapid assessment of body dissatisfaction in Spanish children at the expense of further studies using larger samples from a wider range of locations.

Further Investigation of the Validity and Reliability of the Photographic Figure Rating Scale for Body Image Assessment

Previous studies have not fully investigated the psychometric properties of the Photographic Figure Rating Scale (PFRS). In 2 studies, we report on the test–retest reliability and convergent validity of ratings derived from the PFRS. In Study 1, 322 female university students in Britain provided self-ratings on the PFRS and objectively measured body mass index (BMI); a subsample of 132 women also completed the task after 5 weeks. In Study 2, 243 women from the community in Austria completed the PFRS along with a battery of other body image scales. Results of Study 1 showed that ratings on the PFRS had good test–retest reliability (all rs > .87) and good convergent validity in relation to BMI. Results of Study 2 showed that PFRS-derived body dissatisfaction scores were significantly correlated with a range of body image variables. These results provide evidence for the convergent validity and good test–retest reliability of the PFRS.

Body Image and Modifiable Weight Control Behaviors Among Black Females: A Review of the Literature

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

Assessing the body image: relevance, application and instruments for oncological settings

Body image is the sum of physical, cognitive, emotional, and relational elements that, when integrated, allow the development of a whole, healthy self-identity. Even though body image is normally studied in relation to eating disorders, it can also be influenced by other pathologies, including cancer. In oncology, an effective body image assessment is fundamental. The physical effects of cancer and cancer treatments are important and frequently irreversible also on a functional and emotional level; however, only few surveys have investigated body image in this peculiar context. An extensive literature review was carried out in PubMed and PsycINFO. We considered articles published from 1990 to 2010. Two hundred sixty-three papers matched the search criteria. Assessment methodologies included clinical interviews, self-report measures, questionnaires, symptom check lists, and graphic tests and projective techniques. After excluding the instruments that referred to eating disorders, validated only for adolescents, and/or projective and graphic tests, we found 81 articles with six questionnaires specifically dedicated to body image assessment in oncology. From our systematic review, we could identify six instruments specifically designed for assessing body image in the oncological area. In this paper, we discuss their general characteristics, psychometrics properties and the clinical implications, and body image relevance on the quality of life in cancer patients.