Assess Body Image Research Articles

Body image perception and attempts to change weight among female medical students at Mangalore

Background:Assessing body image self-perception has used BMI as an indicator of nutritional status. The visual analogue scale is a highly effective instrument for assessing people’s level of dissatisfaction with their body weight while evaluating the perceptual component of body image.Objective:By knowing body mass index of female medical students, to find out their pattern of body image perception and any attempts done to change their weight.Materials and Methods:All the students residing in MBBS ladies hostel were included in this study and a questionnaire regarding body image perception, diet, physical activity and attempts to change weight was instituted. Their responses were collected, tabulated, analyzed and interpreted.Results:Among 147 study subjects, according to BMI, 25(17%) were undernourished while 111(75.5%) and 11(7.5%) were normally nourished and overweight respectively. 35(23.8%) of the subjects felt they were lean, 95(64.6%) felt they were normal and 17(11.6%) felt they were overweight. Regarding image satisfaction, 98(66.7%) of them were satisfied with their image and out of 49 who were not satisfied 30 (20.4 %) wanted to reduce weight. Skipping meals was practiced by 42 (28.6%) of subjects.Conclusion:About 75.5% of the study group were having normal BMI. Most of them perceived their image correctly regarding to their weight. Most of the underweight and all overweight females were not satisfied. Underweight females preferred to gain weight and overweight females preferred to lose weight.

What Have the Difference Scores Not Been Telling Us? A Critique of the Use of Self—Ideal Discrepancy in the Assessment of Body Image and Evaluation of an Alternative Data-Analytic Framework

Difference scores are often used as a means of assessing body image satisfaction using silhouette scales. Unfortunately, difference scores suffer from numerous potential methodological problems, including reduced reliability, ambiguity, confounded effects, untested constraints, and dimensional reduction. In this article, the methodological problems are outlined and an alternative framework is discussed. The alternative consists of a minimum of testing the constraints implied by the difference score model, and at most evaluating more exact body image hypotheses by incorporating nonlinear terms in a regression and testing features of the response surface. Two empirical examples are used to illustrate the utility of these methods. The first example uses both polynomial regression and response surface methods to examine eating disorder outcomes, whereas the second example uses polynomial regression to examine the outcomes related to muscle dysmorphia. Directions for future research related to assessment of body image are discussed.

Assessment of body image in patients undergoing surgery for colorectal cancer

This study tested the scale properties and validity of the ten-item body image scale (BIS) in patients undergoing surgery for colorectal cancer (CRC). Patients completed the BIS and a validated measure of health-related quality of life (European Organisation for Research and Treatment of Cancer (EORTC) QLQ-C30) after open or laparoscopic resection. A sample of the patients had also previously completed questionnaires before and after surgery. Multi-trait scaling and factor analysis were used to examine the questionnaire scaling, and tests of reliability, clinical and construct validity were performed. Eighty-two patients (48 male, 59 open, 23 laparoscopic) participated. Scaling analyses suggested a nine-item scale and one single item. This revised scale structure demonstrated good test-retest reliability (r = 0.94) and no overlap with the key domains of the EORTC QLQ-C30 (r < 0.40). Patients with a stoma reported significantly poorer BIS scores than those undergoing simple resection (p = 0.005). This study provides psychometric and clinical evidence for a revised scale structure for the BIS in CRC, and the questionnaire is suitable to assess body image in CRC clinical trials.

Understanding body image in African American and Caucasian first-graders: a partnership with the YMCA.

Research suggests that body dissatisfaction can develop by first grade or 6 years of age. Few studies have examined the relationship between parental body image factors on child body image among this population using a CBPR approach. We sought to examine parental influence on body image in African American and Caucasian first-graders through a community-based participatory research (CBPR) partnership with the YMCA of Metropolitan Washington, DC. Quantitative data were collected by after-school teachers and academic researchers. Children were administered a silhouette measure to assess body image. Body image and eating behavior measures were given to parents. Correlational and descriptive analyses were employed to examine the association and characteristics of child body image factors. Participants were 58 child-parent dyads attending YMCA after-school programs in the Washington, DC, area. Descriptive analyses found significant body dissatisfaction among first graders. Only 12.1% of first graders were satisfied with their bodies, and among the 38 children of normal weight, 89.5% were dissatisfied with their current body size. No significant correlations emerged between child body image and parental eating factors. However, correlations did emerge between child and parent body image indices. Findings from this study were used to develop programming focused on promoting positive body image and self-esteem for young children in YMCA sites in the DC metro area. Additionally, future studies should further delineate body image among young children and the clinical and educational implications of early onset of body dissatisfaction in this population using a CBPR approach.

The Male Body Attitudes Scale: A confirmatory factor analysis with a sample of gay men

The Male Body Attitudes Scale (MBAS; Tylka, Bergeron, & Schwartz, 2005) is a recently created instrument which assesses males’ attitudes regarding their muscularity, body fat, and height. Although the MBAS was created via exploratory and confirmatory factor analyses, its factor structure has yet to be replicated with more diverse samples. The aim of the current study was to conduct a confirmatory factor analysis of the MBAS with a sample of gay men. Results from an online sample of 207 self-identified gay men revealed that the original three-factor structure of the MBAS, as well as a two-factor structure, consisting of muscularity and body fat, displayed strong factorial validity. These findings suggest that either a two- or three-factor structure may be used when assessing body image concerns in gay men.

Multidimensional analysis of body image concerns among newly diagnosed patients with oral cavity cancer

Body image is a critical psychosocial issue for patients facing treatment for oral cancer, yet there is limited research conducted in this area. This study uses a multidimensional approach to body image assessment and evaluates relationships between body image, demographic, health, and psychosocial variables. Newly diagnosed patients with oral cancer completed self-report questionnaires and a structured clinical interview. Most participants identified current and/or future body image concerns primarily related to impending surgery. Adequate psychometric properties were demonstrated on a range of body image measures. Depression was the strongest and most consistent predictor of body image outcomes. Preliminary evidence supports the importance of evaluating body image concerns in oral cancer patients prior to surgical intervention. Our findings have implications for developing validated body image tools and can be used to guide psychosocial interventions targeting body image disturbance.

The assessment of body image distortion in female adolescents with anorexia nervosa: The development of a Test for Body Image Distortion in Children and Adolescents (BID-CA)

The purpose of this study was to develop an instrument (Test for Body Image Distortion in Children and Adolescents, BID-CA) suitable for adolescents to detect and quantify body image distortion. Participants were patients with anorexia nervosa (AN; N=75), healthy age-matched control participants (N=268) and age-matched thin female athletes (N=50) with a mean age of 15.2 (standard deviation =2.0) years. We assessed body image distortion (arm, waist, and thigh) using the BID-CA and two scales of the Eating Disorder Inventory-2 (EDI-2; Drive for Thinness, Body Dissatisfaction). Diagnostic validity of the BIDCA was analyzed with receiver operating characteristic (ROC) curves. Additional regression analyses revealed the variables BID-CA thigh and EDI-2 Drive for Thinness to be the best at predicting body image distortion among AN patients. In conclusion, the BID-CA showed good diagnostic validity. It is efficient, language independent, time-saving and seems appropriate for children and adolescents.

Body Image Perceptions Among Female Weight Lifters

Muscle Dysmorphia (MD) has been recognized as a disorder associated with body dissatisfaction and is especially prevalent among the exercising/athletic population, however, little is known about MD among female weight lifters. PURPOSE: The purpose of the study was to measure body image perceptions particularly comparing the levels of MD among competitive and non-competitive female weight lifters. METHODS: The Muscle Dysmorphia Inventory (MDI) was used to assess body image perceptions and the characteristics of muscle dysmorphia among the groups. This 27-item self-report survey has been validated in previous research and was designed for the assessment of behavioral and psychological characteristics associated with MD. The MDI contains 6 subscales and each subscale uses a 6-point Likert scale ranging from "never" (=1) to "always" (=6). Higher subscale scores represent a greater association with MD characteristics. Participants included 15 competitive and 15 non-competitive female weight lifters (mean age = 22). Data collection was done using a combination of paper and web-based surveys. MANOVA was used to measure differences between groups in all subscales. RESULTS: Results indicated significant differences between competitive and noncompetitive weightlifters on the diet and exercise subscales (p<.01)*.TABLECONCLUSIONS: Results of this study indicate that competitive female weight lifters exhibit greater behavioral characteristics associated with MD than do their non-competitive counterparts and suggest they may be at risk for this disorder. Awareness of the behavioral signs associated with MD by coaches, trainers, and health professionals is important for communication and intervention purposes.

Sexual Adjustment and Body Image Scale (SABIS): A New Measure for Breast Cancer Patients

The purpose of this study was to develop and validate a self-report measure of body image and sexual adjustment in breast cancer patients: the Sexual Adjustment and Body Image Scale (SABIS). Three hundred and fifty three women diagnosed with primary breast cancer that had completed initial surgical treatment completed the SABIS and five measures of psychological, psychosocial, and sexual functioning. Psychometric properties of the SABIS were examined and it was found to be a reliable and valid means of assessing body image and sexuality in breast cancer patients following surgery.

Body Image Perceptions Related To Muscle Dysmorphia Among Competitive And Non-competitive Male Weight Lifters

Muscle Dysmorphia (MD) is a psychological disorder associated with body dissatisfaction. The current literature shows a prevalence of MD among competitive male weight lifters, however, little is known about MD among non-competitive male weight lifters. PURPOSE: The purpose of this study was to measure and compare body image perceptions related to MD among competitive and non-competitive male weight lifters. METHODS: The Muscle Dysmorphia Inventory (MDI) was used to assess body image perceptions and the characteristics of muscle dysmorphia among men in both competitive and non-competitive groups. Each subscale score of the MDI was calculated by summing all item scores within the subscale. Higher scores were associated with greater risk for MD. Participants included 38 competitive and 38 non-competitive male weight lifters (mean age = 24). MANOVA was used to measure differences between groups in all subscales. RESULTS: Both competitive and non-competitive male weightlifters exhibited relatively high MDI subscale scores and no significant differences in MDI subscale scores were found between groups (alpha = 0.05, see table below).TABLECONCLUSION: All weightlifters in this study had similarly high MDI subscale scores which place them at risk for MD. Additionally, no apparent differences in MDI subscale scores between competitive and non-competitive male weightlifters were found indicating that both groups have similar MD risks. These findings should encourage coaches, trainers, and fitness and health professionals to become aware of the behavioral signs associated with MD and to look for these signs in all male weight lifters under their supervision.

Cross cultural adaptation and reliability of the Turkish version of Amputee Body Image Scale (ABIS)

The Amputee Body Image Scale (ABIS) is a self assessed questionnaire with 20 items created to measure body image perception of amputees. The questions assess how an individual perceives and feels about his or her body experience. But no Turkish version is available. The aim of this study was to cross-culturally adapt the ABIS for use with Turkish speaking lower limb amputees and to determine reliability. The sample consisted of 50 transtibial amputees. The mean age of the participants was 43.14, SD: 14.66. The ABIS has been filled by the patients for two times. Internal consistency of the ABIS was very high (Cronbach alpha 0.834 for test and 0.842 for retest). The test-retest reliability was excellent for the ABIS (ICC = 0.939, 95% CI 0.895-0.965). The Turkish version of the ABIS is a reliable instrument to assess body image in lower limb amputees.

A comparison of body size ideals, body dissatisfaction, and media influence between female track athletes, martial artists, and non-athletes

Objectives In assessments of body image among athletes, there remains an important discrepancy between studies reporting, on one hand, increased body dissatisfaction among athletes and, on the other, lower body image concerns. In order to help resolve this contradiction, the present study examined body size ideals, body dissatisfaction, and media influence among female recreational athletes and non-athletes. Method Forty-one track athletes (a judged sport in which leanness is actively promoted), 47 women involved in Taek Won Do (a martial art with little or no emphasis on leanness), and 44 non-athletes completed self-report measures of ideal body size, body dissatisfaction, and media influence, and provided their demographic details. Results Results showed that, after controlling for participants' body mass index (BMI), there were no significant between-group differences in ideal body size. By contrast, track athletes reported the highest body dissatisfaction scores and the highest internalisation of athletic media messages. Results of a regression analysis showed that, for the total sample, participants' BMI and internalisation of athletic media messages predicted body dissatisfaction over-and-above involvement in the different sports. Conclusion These results support the suggestion that women participating in leanness-promoting sports experience greater body dissatisfaction than women in other sports or non-athletes.

Body image and C-reactive protein in adolescents

The association between inflammation and obesity is well documented; however, there is little evidence linking physiological markers of inflammation and psychosocial factors such as body image. This study examined the relation between body image and C-reactive protein (CRP). Data were available for 1503 adolescents aged 13 and 16 years in a province-wide survey of a representative sample of youth in Quebec, Canada. Participants completed questionnaires assessing body image indicators of social pressures to lose weight and personal body shape discrepancies, provided a fasting blood sample for CRP, and had height and weight measured. In separate multivariable logistic regression models for girls and boys, body shape discrepancy was positively associated with CRP (boys: OR=2.6, 95% CI=1.4-4.8; girls: OR=2.2, 95% CI=1.2-4.3) independent of body mass index, puberty status and socio-demographic variables. Adverse biological markers of cardiometabolic risk and negative body image are associated in adolescence. These findings suggest that, in addition to the well-known psychological problems, negative body image perceptions may also threaten adolescent's physical health.

Body Image Assessment in the Computer Aided Psychological Support for Eating Disorders

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Factor Structure of the Arthritis Body Experience Scale (ABES) in a U.S. Population of People with Osteoarthritis (OA), Rheumatoid Arthritis (RA), Fibromyalgia (FM) and Other Rheumatic Conditions

ObjectiveTo examine the psychometric properties of the Arthritis Body Experience Scale (ABES) in a US sample of people with osteoarthritis, rheumatoid arthritis, fibromyalgia and other rheumatic conditions.MethodsThe ABES, with the scoring direction modified, was phone-administered to 937 individuals who self-identified as having one or more arthritis conditions based on a validated, US, national survey assessment tool. Descriptive statistics of demographic variables and factor analysis of scale items were conducted. Scale dimensionality was assessed using principal component analysis (PCA) with oblique rotation. Criteria for assessing factors were eigenvalues > 1, visual assessment of scree plot, and structure and pattern matrices.ResultsThe predominantly female (74.2%) and Caucasian (79.9%) sample had a mean age of 61.0 ± 13.1 years, and a mean BMI of 30.2 ± 7.1. Major arthritis conditions reported were rheumatoid arthritis, osteoarthritis and fibromyalgia. A three-factor structure with cronbach alpha values of .84, .85 and .53 was elicited, and accounted for 72% of the variance.DiscussionCompared to the two-factor structure evidenced by the original ABES scale in a sample of UK adults, the data from this sample evidenced a three-factor structure with higher variance. The third factor’s cronbach alpha of .53 was low and could be improved by the addition of salient questions derived from further qualitative interviews with patients with arthritis and other rheumatic conditions and from current literature findings.ConclusionThe observed psychometrics indicate the scale usefully assesses body image in populations with arthritis and related conditions. However, further testing and refinement is needed to determine its utility in clinical and other settings.

Development and validation of a new figural drawing scale for body‐image assessment: the BIAS‐BD

This study describes the development and validation of a new and improved body-image assessment tool, the BIAS-BD, based on known body dimensions. The scale's construction consisted of 17 male and 17 female contour-line drawings that used known anthropometric body dimensions of shoulder, chest, waist, hip breadth, thigh breadth, and upper leg breadth. The figural drawings correspond to a series of body weights ranging from 60% below the known average to 140% above average. Differences between figural drawings represented a 5% change in body weight. Participants were 207 undergraduates, including 66 men and 141 women, who selected drawings that reflected their perceived size and their ideal size. Retesting occurred after a 2-week interval and resulted in test-retest reliability values of r=.86 for actual perceived size, r=.72 for ideal size, and r=.76 for body dissatisfaction (p<.005). There were no significant differences in reliability values between genders. Mean differences in perceived size, ideal size, and body dissatisfaction between the two test administrations were small. Concurrent validity, measured as the correspondence between perceived and reported size, was r=.76 (p<.005). Participants slightly overestimated their perceived body size, with women overestimating significantly more. Unlike existing scales, the present scale uses figural drawings based on known body dimensions and has better reliability and validity. It avoids several problems inherent in existing scales, including scale coarseness, the presence of ethnic facial and body features, and the lack of documented reliability and validity values.

Relationship of body image to breast and skin self-examination intentions and behaviors

Breast self-examinations (BSE) and skin self-examinations (SSE) represent cost-effective and time-efficient approaches to cancer detection. Given their utility, it is important to determine who is likely to perform these behaviors regularly and why. Because BSE and SSE require close examination of one's body, women who are less satisfied and less comfortable with their bodies may perform these behaviors less often. This study sought to determine if a relationship exists between body image and BSE and SSE behaviors and intentions. Ninety-three women completed measures assessing body image, past performance of and future intentions to perform BSE and SSE. Results indicated that body image was related to past performance of SSE. Having greater body-areas satisfaction and more favorable global evaluations of appearance were related to having performed SSE more frequently in the past year. Future research should further examine this relationship utilizing longitudinal designs and more diverse populations.

Tevreden met het uiterlijk, maar de perfectie lokt

Appearance satisfaction, but aspiring to perfection Previous body image research has mainly focused on adolescent girls and female college students. However, few studies have examined body image in adulthood. This study sought to determine body image in adult men and women. Therefore, we examined multiple dimensions of body image. A sample of 36874 Dutch men and women ranging in age from 18 to 89 years completed a questionnaire assessing body image evaluation, body image perception, body importance, wish for cosmetic alteration and dieting behavior. With regard to the multiple dimensions of body image, we found that perceived discrepancy between actual body size and ideal body size and high body importance were common, especially among women. Positive body evaluation was also common, particularly among men. Furthermore, we found that the majority of adults had a wish for cosmetic alteration and almost half of them reported current dieting behavior. It was concluded that the men and women in this sample are in general satisfied with their appearance, but they keep on aspiring to their ideal body.

Assessing and supporting body image and sexual concerns for young women with breast cancer: a literature review

AbstractBackground: Breast cancer is the most common cancer and most common cancer cause of death in women aged 20–49 years in Canada. Developing a functional definition of ‘young’ is imperative in assessing and providing appropriate emotional support to the unique body image and sexuality concerns facing ‘young’ women with breast cancer. These concerns require proper assessment in order to provide appropriate interventions.Aims and objectives: To seek a functional definition of ‘young’ and to determine what body image and sexuality assessment tools and interventions are the most appropriate for young women with breast cancer.Methods: A literature search was undertaken to determine what body image and sexuality assessment tools and interventions are available and relevant to young women with breast cancer. Also, the assessment and interventions available to this patient cohort in the author's clinic were explored.Conclusions: Body image and sexuality questionnaires encourage young women and health-care providers (HCPs) to openly discuss these issues. Annon's PLISSIT model is an assessment and intervention strategy that enables HCPs to adequately assess and refer young women to suitable programs such as support groups and counsellors. The multi-disciplinary team should provide continuous emotional assessment and support throughout the cancer journey by collaborating to develop the best interventional strategies to the patient and her family.

Factor structure of the Body Appreciation Scale among Malaysian women

The present study examined the factor structure of a Malay version of the Body Appreciation Scale (BAS), a recently developed scale for the assessment of positive body image that has been shown to have a unidimensional structure in Western settings. Results of exploratory and confirmatory factor analyses based on data from community sample of 591 women in Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia, failed to support a unidimensional structure for the Malay BAS. Results of a confirmatory factor analysis suggested two stable factors, which were labelled ‘General Body Appreciation’ and ‘Body Image Investment’. Multi-group analysis showed that the two-factor structure was invariant for both Malaysian Malay and Chinese women, and that there were no significant ethnic differences on either factor. Results also showed that General Body Appreciation was significant negatively correlated with participants’ body mass index. These results are discussed in relation to possible cross-cultural differences in positive body image.