Body Perception Research Articles

Effects of Safe and Sound Protocol on self-reported autonomic reactivity, anxiety, and depression in speech therapy clients with voice, throat, and breathing complaints

Medically unexplained oto-rhino-laryngeal symptoms (MUORLS) may have a pathophysiology related to brain-body state regulation. We use predictions from the Polyvagal Theory to investigate whether clients with voice problems have increased autonomic reactivity, anxiety, and depression. Study 1 included 54 clients with MUORLS, and a comparison group of 26 individuals without MUORLS. Outcome measures were anxiety and depression (Hospital Anxiety and Depression Scale, HADS), autonomic reactivity (Body Perception Questionnaire Short Form, BPQ-SF), and extent of voice handicap (The Voice Handicap Index, VHI) for the clients. The client group scored higher than the control group in supra-diaphragmatic reactivity, but there were no group differences in other measures. To extend the findings of Study 1, a feasibility study (Study 2) evaluated the effects of the Safe and Sound Protocol (SSP), a Polyvagal-informed protocol, on the same outcome measures. Study 2 included 33 clients with self-reported voice and throat complaints. Outcome measures assessed pre- and post-SSP were anxiety and depression (HADS) and autonomic reactivity (BPQ-SF). Results demonstrated a significant decrease in anxiety, depression, and autonomic reactivity post-SSP. In conclusion, a better understanding of the mechanisms that underlie MUORLS may provide guidance for using neurophysiologically based interventions, such as SSP, that target autonomic state regulation.

Changes in younger stroke survivors’ body perception as indicated in body drawings: A comparison between Expressive Arts-based Intervention and control groups

ABSTRACT Stroke-related deficits affect stroke survivors' perception of their bodies and possibly impede their progress in rehabilitation and well-being. This study adopted a pre-and post-test design to compare the changes in body perception among younger stroke survivors after participating in an 8-week Expressive Arts-based Intervention (EABI) (n = 32) with the control group (n = 30). Each participant partook in structured drawing interviews at baseline (T0) and 8-week follow-up/post-intervention (T1). The data were analyzed using content analysis. More EABI (n = 27) than control (n = 14) participants reported positive changes in body perception and applied lighter colours or created a more symmetrical drawing at T1. They shared that EABI promoted these positive changes by facilitating the reconnection with one's body and self. While some control participants experienced positive changes in body perception, others tended to apply darker colours or the same colour to show negative or no changes in body perception. More control (n = 8) than EABI (n = 3) participants reported negative thoughts about their bodies and negative influences from other individuals and the environment. The findings suggested that EABI can change stroke survivors' body perception. EABI can be considered one of the interventions that may help foster positive changes in body perception.

Personality expression in body motion dynamics: An enactive, embodied, and complex systems perspective

We studied body motion dynamics and personality differences using complex systems methods. 105 adults (aged 18–33, 70% women) completed a 15-minute laboratory task covering three self-referencing topics (self-introduction, bodily perception/sensory life, socio-emotional life). Body motion dynamics were extracted from videos using a frame-by-frame differentiation method. Recurrence Quantification Analysis derived the measures of Determinism, Entropy, Laminarity, and Mean-Line. Multilevel models estimated personality (IPIP-NEO-120) and situational effects. Neuroticism predicted lower determinism and fluctuating dynamics in bodily perception and socioemotional life; less complexity and stability during socioemotional topics, and increased negative affect. Extraversion predicted regular/deterministic dynamics during bodily perception. Conscientiousness predicted lower determinism and increased variability. Agreeableness predicted lower post-task negative affect. Findings are discussed within embodied, enactive, complex systems, and personality frameworks.

Subjective experiences of tertiary student pianists with playing-related musculoskeletal disorder: a transcendental phenomenological analysis.

The literature suggests that the medical community needs musicians to provide an insider's perspective to understand the physical and psychological dimensions of playing an instrument, and healthcare providers need to understand musicians' experiences in order to develop coping strategies. Compared with professional pianists, student pianists are a neglected group. However, student and professional pianists both want to maintain their playing careers and have the experience of giving up playing because of playing-related musculoskeletal disorder (PRMD). There are a few studies conducted on student pianists' experiences with PRMD, but none have been conducted in the Chinese context. Given the distinctive characteristics of higher music education in China and Chinese piano students, this study aims to investigate the lived experiences of tertiary student pianists with PRMD. Phenomenology is the most suitable qualitative method for investigating lived experiences. This study employed a transcendental phenomenological approach to investigate the experiences of student pianists, collecting data through one-on-one interviews and focus group discussions. Since phenomenological research emphasizes the homogeneity of research subjects, all 25 participants in this study are tertiary student pianists from seven Chinese higher education institutions. Four themes and ten sub-themes were identified in this study. They are as follows: Theme one, Perceptions of PRMD, with sub-themes of body perceptions, negative thought, and emotional changes; Theme two, Complex Identity, with sub-themes of future pianists' identity, nuanced identity of student pianists, and the dual identity between student pianist and patient; Theme three, Coping Strategies, with sub-themes of self-regulation and actively seek help from social relations; Theme four, Influences and Meanings, with sub-themes of negative influences of PRMD and positive meanings of PRMD. This study explores the experiences of tertiary student pianists with PRMD, including their subjective thoughts and feelings. It also highlights the importance of understanding tertiary student pianists' experiences in developing health education and healthcare measures tailored to them.

Smartphone Addiction and Related Factors among Athletes.

Smartphone addiction (SA) is increasing worldwide. The aim of this study is to determine the level of SA in athletes affiliated to the Turkish Handball Federation in Izmir and to examine its relationship with factors such as sociodemographic status, health status, eating attitude, and body perception. This cross-sectional study was conducted in March-April 2021 in Izmir Province. The sample of the study consisted of 212 licensed handball athletes. The short SA scale, three-factor nutrition scale, and body perception scale were used. A chi-square test was used for bivariate comparisons and logistic regression analysis was used for multivariate comparisons. The study was completed with 202 individuals (the coverage rate was 95.3%). The prevalence of SA was found to be 27.7%. The risk of SA increased 2.49-fold (CI: 1.17-5.31, p = 0.018) in female participants, 2.01-fold (CI: 1.01-4.06, p = 0.048) in participants with alcohol use, 2.17-fold (CI: 1.04-4.58, p = 0.042) in participants with low nutritional scores, 2.65-fold (CI: 1.15-6.10, p = 0.022) in individuals with high-income status, and 2.66-fold (CI: 1.07-6.64, p = 0.036) in individuals with high body perception scale score. In total, 27.7% of the athlete sample had scores above the SA threshold. These results point out that a behavioral addiction such as SA can occur even in professionals of an activity such as sports, known for beneficial effects in terms of healthy life.

Tactile Location Perception Encoded by Gamma-Band Power.

The perception of tactile-stimulation locations is an important function of the human somatosensory system during body movements and its interactions with the surroundings. Previous psychophysical and neurophysiological studies have focused on spatial location perception of the upper body. In this study, we recorded single-trial electroencephalography (EEG) responses evoked by four vibrotactile stimulators placed on the buttocks and thighs while the human subject was sitting in a chair with a cushion. Briefly, 14 human subjects were instructed to sit in a chair for a duration of 1 h or 1 h and 45 min. Two types of cushions were tested with each subject: a foam cushion and an air-cell-based cushion dedicated for wheelchair users to alleviate tissue stress. Vibrotactile stimulations were applied to the sitting interface at the beginning and end of the sitting period. Somatosensory-evoked potentials were obtained using a 32-channel EEG. An artificial neural net was used to predict the tactile locations based on the evoked EEG power. We found that single-trial beta (13-30 Hz) and gamma (30-50 Hz) waves can best predict the tactor locations with an accuracy of up to 65%. Female subjects showed the highest performances, while males' sensitivity tended to degrade after the sitting period. A three-way ANOVA analysis indicated that the air-cell cushion maintained location sensitivity better than the foam cushion. Our finding shows that tactile location information is encoded in EEG responses and provides insights on the fundamental mechanisms of the tactile system, as well as applications in brain-computer interfaces that rely on tactile stimulation.

The Fremantle Back Awareness Questionnaire: cross-cultural adaptation, reliability, and validity of the Italian version in people with chronic low back pain

Background and aimThere is evidence to suggest that assessing back-specific altered self-perception may be useful when seeking to understand and manage low back pain (LBP). The Fremantle Back Awareness Questionnaire (FreBAQ) is a patient-reported measure of back-specific body perception that has never been adapted and psychometrically analysed in Italian. Hence, the objectives of this research were to cross-culturally adapt and validate the Italian version of this outcome measure (namely, the FreBAQ-I), to make it available for use with Italians suffering from chronic LBP.MethodsThe FreBAQ-I was developed by forward and backward translation, review by a committee skilled in patient-reported measures and test of the pre-final version to assess its clarity, acceptability, and relevance. The statistical analyses examined: structural validity based on Rasch analysis; hypotheses testing by investigating correlations of the FreBAQ-I with the Roland Morris Disability Questionnaire (RMDQ), a pain intensity numerical rating scale (PI-NRS), the Pain Catastrophising Scale (PCS), and the Tampa Scale of Kinesiophobia (TSK) (Pearson’s correlations); reliability by internal consistency (Cronbach’s alpha) and test–retest repeatability (intraclass correlation coefficient, ICC (2,1)); and measurement error by determining the minimum detectable change (MDC). After the development of a consensus-based translation of the FreBAQ-I, the new outcome measure was delivered to 100 people with chronic LBP.ResultsRasch analysis confirmed the substantial unidimensionality and the structural validity of the FreBAQ-I. Hypothesis testing was considered good as at least 75% of the hypotheses were confirmed; correlations: RMDQ (r = 0.35), PI-NRS (r = 0.25), PCS (r = 0.41) and TSK (r = 0.38). Internal consistency was acceptable (alpha = 0.82) and test–retest repeatability was excellent (ICC (2,1) = 0.88, 95% CI: 0.83, 0.92). The MDC95 corresponded to 6.7 scale points.ConclusionThe FreBAQ-I was found to be a unidimensional, valid, and reliable outcome measure in Italians with chronic LBP. Its application is advised for clinical and research use within the Italian speaking community.

Interoceptive posture awareness and accuracy: a novel photographic strategy towards making posture actionable.

Interoception, sometimes referred to as the 'hidden sense,' communicates the state of internal conditions for autonomic energy regulation and is important for human motor control as well as self-awareness. The insula, the cortex of interoception, integrates internal senses such as hunger, thirst and emotions. With input from the cerebellum and proprioceptive inputs, it creates a vast sensorimotor network essential for static posture and dynamic movement. With humans being bipedal to allow for improved mobility and energy utilization, greater neuromotor control is required to effectively stabilize and control the four postural zones of mass (i.e., head, torso, pelvis, and lower extremities) over the base of support. In a dynamic state, this neuromotor control that maintains verticality is critical, challenging energy management for somatic motor control as well as visceral and autonomic functions. In this perspective article, the authors promote a simple series of posture photographs to allow one to integrate more accurate alignment of their postural zones of mass with respect to the gravity line by correlating cortical interoception with cognitive feedback. Doing this focuses one on their body perception in space compared to the objective images. Strengthening interoceptive postural awareness can shift the net result of each zone of postural mass during day-to-day movement towards stronger posture biomechanics and can serve as an individualized strategy to optimize function, longevity, and rehabilitation.

The Body Image Virtual Reality Assessment (BIVRA): Measuring the body representation through virtual reality.

Our physical and psychological well-being is significantly influenced by how we perceive our body, in addition to our thoughts and emotions associated with it. Dysfunctional body perceptions and attitudes play a key role in the development and maintenance of severe conditions such as eating disorders in both males and females. Given its relevance, some attempts have been made to improve body image assessment methods in terms of perceptual accuracy and body satisfaction taking advantage of technological advances such as virtual reality. However, existing applications have mainly focused on women and clinical conditions. In this study, we presented the Body Image Virtual Reality Assessment (BIVRA), a virtual reality figure rating scale to assess body image in both male and female subjects. We tested BIVRA's ability to measure perceptual accuracy and compared its results with a standardized body satisfaction questionnaire. Additionally, we investigated gender differences. BIVRA was found to be effective in assessing body image. We observed that a perceptually based task successfully captured both low and high levels of body representations, shedding light on the significant gender differences. The association between BIVRA and the body satisfaction questionnaires was moderated by gender, with a stronger association for women. While further validation of BIVRA is needed to fully exploit its potential, our results suggest that the integration of virtual reality into the assessment of body image and related disorders may significantly enhance our understanding of individuals struggling with body image issues and has the potential to advance current methods and techniques.

Body satisfaction and sexuality in pregnant and postpartum women

IntroductionPregnancy and postpartum is an important life event associated with profound physiognomic and psychosocial changes affecting the female body in all its physiological, psychic and affective reality. It might influence the sexual function in expectant mothers.ObjectivesTo investigate the relationship between the body satisfaction and perception and the sexual function among pregnant and postpartum women.MethodsIt was a cross-sectional study established over a period of 3 months from the June 1st, 2023 to August 31, 2023. This study focused on a population of pregnant and postpartum women recruited from outpatient consultations and inpatient of the obstetric gynecology department at the university hospital of Gabes. We used a pre-established sheet exploring socio-demographic data, medical and gyneco-obstetric history, the body mass index (BMI) and informations concerning the marital relationship and the woman’s sexual activity. We administered the validated Arabic version of the Arizona Sexual Experiences Scale (ASEX) to assess sexual functioning and we used the body satisfaction and global self-perception questionnaire (QSCPGS) to explore the body satisfaction and perception.ResultsFifty-eight women were included. The average age was 35.6±5.5 years; they were from an urban origin in 75%. They were pregnant in the first, second and third trimester in (15.6%, 15.6% and 25% respectively). They were in postpartum in 43.8% of cases with a cesarean delivery in 73.3% and breastfeeding in 56%. All women reported being on good terms with their spouses and satisfied with their sexuality. The usual frequency of sexual relations was (1/day: 22.6%, 1/week: 74.2%, 1/month: 3.2%) and 25% reported wanting to reduce the frequency. The mean ASEX score was 13 ± 4.3 and 47% of the sample had sexual dysfunction. For the total score of the QSCPGS, we observe a mean value of 33 ±28.3, which means that our sample has a good level of positive body satisfaction and self-perception. The mean value of the “body satisfaction” factor is higher (23.7 ± 10.4) than the mean value of the “self-perception” factor (11.4 ± 14.3). The mean value of BMI was 28.74 ± 4.4 wich means an overweigh. We found a significant association between the “body satisfaction” factor and the sexual dysfunction (p=0.03), insufficient lubrication (p=0.01) and difficulty reaching orgasm (p=0.001).ConclusionsWe found that body and physical changes among pregnant and postpartum women can negatively affects their body perception and it might deteriorate its global sexual function. Further researches are recommended to study other potential factors affecting sexual function during this period.Disclosure of InterestNone Declared

It Sounds Cool: Exploring Sonification of Mid-Air Haptic Textures Exploration on Texture Judgments, Body Perception, and Motor Behaviour.

Ultrasonic mid-air haptic technology allows for the perceptual rendering of textured surfaces onto the user's hand. Unlike real textured surfaces, however, mid-air haptic feedback lacks implicit multisensory cues needed to reliably infer a texture's attributes (e.g., its roughness). In this article, we combined mid-air haptic textures with congruent sound feedback to investigate how sonification could influence people's 1) explicit judgment of the texture attributes, 2) explicit sensations of their own hand, and 3) implicit motor behavior during haptic exploration. Our results showed that audio cues (presented solely or combined with haptics) influenced participants' judgment of the texture attributes (roughness, hardness, moisture and viscosity), produced some hand sensations (the feeling of having a hand smoother, softer, looser, more flexible, colder, wetter and more natural), and changed participants' speed (moving faster or slower) while exploring the texture. We then conducted a principal component analysis to better understand and visualize the found results and conclude with a short discussion on how audio-haptic associations can be used to create embodied experiences in emerging application scenarios in the metaverse.

Right Here and Out There: A Phenomenological Interpretation of ajjhattaṃṃ and bahiddhā in the Context of Mindfulness of the Body

According to the Satipaṭṭhāna Sutta, mindfulness of the body involves seeing the body in a threefold way: ajjhattaṃ, bahiddhā and ajjhattabahiddhā. This paper attempts to show how an investigation of bodily perception, following the approach adopted by the phenomenologist Maurice Merleau-Ponty, can serve as the basis for a philosophically grounded understanding of the Pāli words ajjhattaṃ and bahiddhā. The interpretation that emerges is the distinction between ‘right here’ and ‘out there’: two mutually dependent, internally related domains that are experienced as what Merleau-Ponty (1968) called the ‘chiasm’ or the ‘intertwining’. This is different from the standard interpretations found in the Abhidhamma, the Pāli commentaries, the Visuddhimagga and the instructions of most contemporary meditation teachers. It is hoped that the interpretation offered here can give some exposure to a movement within Theravāda Buddhism, initiated by Ñāṇavīra Thera but slowly gaining traction, characterised by a phenomenological reading of the Pāli suttas.

Development and Testing of the Aftercare Problem List, a Burn Aftercare Screening Instrument

A growing interest in person-centered care from a biopsychosocial perspective has led to increased attention to structural screening. The aim of this study was to develop an easy-to-comprehend screening instrument using single items to identify a broad range of health-related problems in adult burn survivors. This study builds on earlier work regarding content generation. Focus groups and expert meetings with healthcare providers informed content refinement, resulting in the Aftercare Problem List (APL). The instrument consists of 43 items divided into nine health domains: scars, daily life functioning, scars treatment, body perceptions, stigmatization, intimacy, mental health, relationships, financial concerns, and a positive coping domain. The APL also includes a Distress Thermometer and a question inquiring about preference to discuss the results with a healthcare provider. Subsequently, the APL was completed by 102 outpatients. To test face validity, a linear regression analysis showed that problems in three health domains, i.e., scars, mental health, and body perceptions, were significantly related to higher distress. Qualitative results revealed that a minority found the items difficult which led to further adjustment of the wording and the addition of illustrations. In summation, this study subscribes to the validity of using single items to screen for burn-related problems.

A diary study investigating the differential impacts of Instagram content on youths’ body image

Through social media like Instagram, users are constantly exposed to “perfect” lives and thin-ideal bodies. Research in this field has predominantly focused on the time youth spend on Instagram and the effects on their body image, oftentimes uncovering negative effects. Little research has been done on the root of the influence: the consumed content itself. Hence, this study aims to qualitatively uncover the types of content that trigger youths’ body image. Using a diary study, 28 youth (Mage = 21.86; 79% female) reported 140 influential body image Instagram posts over five days, uncovering trigger points and providing their motivations, emotions, and impacts on body image. Based on these posts, four content categories were distinguished: Thin Ideal, Body Positivity, Fitness, and Lifestyle. These different content types seemed to trigger different emotions regarding body image, and gender distinctions in content could be noticed. The study increased youths’ awareness of Instagram’s influence on their mood and body perception. The findings imply that the discussion about the effects of social media on body image should be nuanced, taking into account different types of content and users. Using this information, future interventions could focus on the conscious use of social media rather than merely limiting its use.

TECHNOLOGICAL INNOVATION: REFREEZE TECHNOLOGY, A COMBINATION OF ENDERMOLOGY AND RADIOFREQUENCY IN THE TREATMENT OF GYNOID LIPODYSTROPHY: A SYSTEMATIC REVIEW

Introduction: Gynoid lipodystrophy, marked by the disproportionate accumulation of adipose tissue in the subcutaneous layer of the skin, significantly affects self-esteem and body perception, motivating the search for effective solutions. Endermology and radiofrequency technologies, especially when combined in the innovative Refreeze technology, promise advances in the treatment of this condition. Objective: This study aims to evaluate the effectiveness of integrating endermology and radiofrequency in reducing cellulite and improving skin texture. Methodology: A systematic review of studies published between 2005 and 2023 was carried out; the applicability and results of this therapeutic combination were evaluated. Conclusion: The findings indicate a significant improvement in skin texture and reduction in the appearance of cellulite, validating Refreeze technology as a less invasive and more effective approach.

Beyond the surface: Understanding obsessive symptoms and body perceptions, from shape concerns to fear of blushing

IntroductionRecent reclassifications have expanded the understanding of Obsessive-Compulsive Disorders (OCDs), now incorporated into a broader category known as Obsessive-Compulsive Disorder and Related Disorders (OCRDs). This study sought to assess obsessive-compulsive symptoms and body uneasiness among outpatients seeking treatment for Eating Disorders (ED). Additionally, we aimed to explore associations and potential mediation effects between obsessive-compulsive symptoms and body uneasiness. This investigation extended beyond concerns related solely to body shape and weight, encompassing fears associated with specific body components (such as facial features, abdominal region, and limbs) or functions (including sweating, blushing, emitting noises, and releasing odors). MethodsPsychometric assessments included the Obsessive-Compulsive Inventory-Revised (OCI-R) and the Body Uneasiness Test (BUT). Statistical analyses involved bivariate correlations, linear regression, and mediation analysis to explore the associations and potential mediation effects between obsessive-compulsive symptoms and different manifestations of body uneasiness. ResultsThe sample (N = 210) demonstrated substantial obsessive-compulsive symptoms and notable body discomfort. OCI-R scores positively correlated with various dimensions of body dissatisfaction, including shape, weight, and specific body components or functions. Linear regression revealed significant associations between OCI-R scores and overall body uneasiness (BUT-A) as well as concerns about body components or functions (BUTB). Mediation analysis indicated that BUT-A mediated the relationship between obsessive-compulsive symptoms and BUTB. ConclusionThis study offers new insights into the comprehensive landscape of OCRDs. It specifically emphasizes the association between obsessive-compulsive symptoms and body uneasiness, embracing not only concerns about body shape and weight but also extending to body components and functions.

Hungry brain: about the possible contribution of neurotrophic factors to anorexia nervosa

Introduction: Anorexia nervosa (AN) is an eating disorder characterized by restricted energy intake leading to weight loss below the healthy range. It is accompanied by anxiety and distorted body perception. While the disorder often manifests during adolescence, there is a noted decrease in the average age of onset, with an increasing number of cases in childhood. Successful treatment and maintenance of healthy body weight require an understanding of the complex etiology of AN, encompassing both psychosocial and specific biological factors. Material and methods: For the review, databases PubMed, Cochrane, and Google Scholar were utilized, searching for the following keywords: anorexia nervosa, neurotrophins, neurotrophin 3, neurotrophin 4, BDNF, nerve growth factor, from the inception of the databases until September 2023. Discussion: In the biological context, neurotrophic growth factors such as neurotrophin 3 (NT-3), neurotrophin 4 (NT-4), brainderived neurotrophic factor (BDNF), and nerve growth factor (NGF) may play a significant role in the etiopathogenesis of AN. These substances are involved in processes such as neuroprotection, proliferation, maturation, and survival of neurons in both the central and peripheral nervous systems. They regulate neuronal plasticity, impact the production of neurotransmitters, and control synaptic activity. BDNF and neurotrophin 3 influence the serotoninergic and noradrenergic systems, which may be associated with neurobiological processes responsible for anxiety and mood disorders. Conclusions: Understanding the role of neurotrophins in AN has the potential to lead to more effective and personalized therapies, enabling a better comprehension of the biological mechanisms of this disorder and the development of targeted pharmacological interventions. Keywords: anorexia nervosa, bdnf, neurotrophin 3, neurotrophin 4, nerve growth factor

The Relationship between Chronic Energy Deficiency and the Incidence of Anemia in Female Adolescent in Stunting Locus Areas

Background: Adolescent girls are a group that is prone to anemia, so they are at risk of giving birth to stunted children. This study aims to analyze the factors most associated with the incidence of anemia in adolescent girls in the stunting locus area. Subjects and Method: This was a cross sectional study conducted in Patokaan Village, North Minahasa Regency, North Sulawesi. A total of 50 adolescent girls were selected in this study. The dependent variable was anemia. The independent variables were nutritional status, Chronic Energy Deficiency (CED), nutrient intake (Fe, protein, vitamin C), body perception (Body Image), nutritional knowledge, and menstrual patterns based. The variables studied were anemia based on laboratory examination, nutritional status according to BMI/A and CED using anthropometric methods, nutrient intake (Fe, protein, vitamin C) using 24-hour recall, body perception (Body Image), nutritional knowledge, and menstrual patterns based on questionnaire interviews. Fisher's Exact Test was used for bivariate analysis and logistic regression for multivariate analysis. Results: Adolescent girls with CED have a 5.21 times risk of experiencing anemia compared to those without CED, and this result was statistically significant (aOR= 5.21; 95% CI= 1.01 to 26.83; p = 0.048). Conclusion: CED is associate with anemia in adolescent girls in the stunting locus area. This study is expected to be useful for the North Minahasa District Health Office as input for policy makers, planning, and implementing public health nutrition programs. Keywords: anemia, chronic energy deficiency, adolescent girls. Correspondence:Nancy S. H. Malonda. Study Program of Public Health, Faculty of Public Health, University of Sam Ratulangi, Manado, Indonesia. Email: nancymalonda@unsrat.ac.id.

Perfekcjonizm a obraz ciała w grupie młodych kobiet i mężczyzn

Perfectionism is understood as a personality trait manifested by excessive striving for perfection, high standards and personal criticism. Criticism may concern self-evaluation, behavior, but also one’s body image. The purpose of the study was to investigate how perfectionism is associated with body perception. A question was posed to verify which dimensions of perfectionism have the greatest potential to explain the assessment of representatives of both genders. A total of 213 people were tested, including 108 women (M = 21.76; SD = 2.35). The study used the Big Three Perfectionism Scale (BTPS) and Body Esteem Scale (SOC-BES), of which the former was used to research 10 dimensions of perfectionism, and the latter to analyze three dimensions of self-image for women and three dimensions for men. The results of the regression analysis showed that some dimensions of perfectionism significantly explain individual dimensions of body image for both genders. For women, the following were significant: Self-oriented perfectionism, Self-criticism, Doubts about actions, and Hypercriticism. For men, the following were significant: Self-oriented perfectionism, Concern over mistakes, and Doubts about actions. All regression models explained 17% to 28% of the variance in body image assessment, indicating their associations with perfectionism dimensions.

Examining the association between depersonalisation traits and the bodily self in waking and dreaming

Depersonalisation (DP) is characterized by fundamental alterations to the sense of self that include feelings of detachment and estrangement from one’s body. We conducted an online study in healthy participants (n = 514) with DP traits to investigate and quantify the subjective experience of body and self during waking and dreaming, as the vast majority of previous studies focussed on waking experience only. Investigating dreams in people experiencing DP symptoms may help us understand whether the dream state is a ‘spared space’ where people can temporarily ‘retrieve’ their sense of self and sense of bodily presence. We found that higher DP traits—i.e. higher scores on the Cambridge Depersonalisation Scale (CDS)—were associated with more frequent dream experiences from an outside observer perspective (r = 0.28) and more frequent dream experiences of distinct bodily sensations (r = 0.23). We also found that people with higher CDS scores had more frequent dream experiences of altered bodily perception (r = 0.24), more frequent nightmares (r = 0.33) and higher dream recall (r = 0.17). CDS scores were negatively correlated with body boundary scores (r = − 0.31) in waking states and there was a negative association between CDS scores and the degree of trust in interoceptive signals (r = − 0.52). Our study elucidates the complex phenomenology of DP in relation to bodily selfhood during waking and dreaming and suggests avenues for potential therapeutic interventions in people with chronic depersonalisation (depersonalisation -derealisation disorder).