Body Appreciation Scale Research Articles

Positive body image and childbearing intention: A cross-sectional study

BackgroundChildbearing plays a crucial role in population movements and one of the most important factors in societal development. Nowadays, given the decrease in fertility rates, especially in developed and some developing countries, and the multitude of factors affecting these rates, this study aims to investigate the association of positive body image and childbearing intention in Iran. MethodsThis descriptive and cross-sectional study involved all health care centers of Qaen city, eastern Iran. The list of reproductive-age women and men in each center was extracted from the Ministry of Health of Iran's database. Ultimately, 494 individuals were included in the study using available convenience sampling method. Data were collected applying demographic information questionnaire, “body appreciation scale-2 (BAS-2) and childbearing intention questionnaire. Statistical analysis was performed using SPSS.26 software. ResultsOf 494 participants in this study, 50 % were men. The average age of the participants was 32.25 years (SD = 8.02). The average age of women was higher than that of men. In this study, the mean and SDs of positive body image score and childbearing intention were 39.49 (SD = 8.14) and 2.36 (SD = 1.63), respectively. In general, a positive and significant correlation was found between age (r = 0.126, p = 0.005), income (r = 0.137, p = 0.002), physical activity (r = 0.127, p = 0.005) and positive body image (r = 0.482, p < 0.001) with childbearing intention. After categorizing childbearing intention into two groups, “less than 2 children" and “2 children and more", the results of simple regression modeling showed that age, income, physical activity, body appreciation, bachelor's education and being an employee are associated with intention to have two or more children. Using multiple logistic regression modeling, a statistically significant association was observed between the childbearing intention at an older age, (OR = 1.07, p < 0.001) as well as positive body image (OR = 1.20, p < 0.001). ConclusionsThe findings indicated a significant and positive association between positive body image and couples' fertility intention. In other words, alongside external factors, internal factors such as body appreciation can influence childbearing intention and population growth rate, which highlights the importance of considering internal factors in childbearing intention.

Social cure model: testing the link between identity centrality and body appreciation in diverse sexual orientation and gender identity groups

BackgroundThe level of experienced sociocultural pressure to have an idealized body can vary depending on a person’s gender identity and sexual orientation. The current study explored whether differences in levels of body appreciation among people with different sexual orientations and gender identities vary because of differing levels of experienced pressure by in-group members and varying levels of experienced hostile behaviors because of their looks or body. Thereby, the study tests the social cure model, according to which high levels of identity centrality are associated with better mental health.MethodsAn online cross-sectional questionnaire study was conducted with 1,587 people (51.3% cisgender women, 39.3% cisgender men, 9.5% non-binary; 52.9% identified as heterosexual, 27.7% identified as bisexual/pansexual, 11.2% identified as gay/lesbian, 8.2% identified as asexual/demi/queer; Mage = 32.9, SD = 12.6) from German-speaking countries. Variables were assessed with German-language versions of the Multidimensional and Multicomponent Measure of Social Identification, Body Appreciation Scale-2, the Perceived Stigmatization Questionnaire, and the Sociocultural Attitudes Towards Appearance Questionnaire-4, revised. A manifest-path model was calculated.ResultsNon-binary persons reported lower levels of body appreciation than did cisgender men and sexual minority persons reported lower levels of body appreciation than did heterosexual persons. Furthermore, sexual minority persons experienced more hostile behaviors directed towards them because of their looks or body than did heterosexual persons. Similarly, non-binary persons experienced more hostile behaviors than did men. Non-binary persons were subjected to lower levels of in-group pressure than were men. Gay/lesbian persons and asexual persons were subjected to lower levels of in-group pressure than were heterosexual persons. More hostile behaviors and stronger in-group pressure were related to lower body appreciation. In cisgender women and men indirect links revealed associations between strong identity centrality and low levels of body appreciation through the mediator of high in-group pressure.ConclusionsData in sexual minority individuals or non-binary persons supported the social cure model, according to which persons can find support and validation for their looks and body from in-group members. In cisgender women and men, strong identification as a woman or man can be related to stronger in-group pressure and in turn to lower body appreciation.

Feeling good means doing good: body appreciation as a predictor of physical activity, fitness, and motivation

The study aimed to investigate the influence of body appreciation on physical activity motivation, physical activity level, and physical fitness among 423 randomly selected state university students. The Body Appreciation Scale-2 was used to quantify body appreciation. For measuring physical activity level, the International Physical Activity Questionnaire was utilized. The Physical Activity and Leisure Motivation was also used to quantify physical activity motivation. Various field tests, such as a 3-minute Step test, a 1-minute Push-up test, a Plank test, a Wall sit test, and a Sit and Reach test, were used to assess physical fitness. The questionnaire, scale, and field tests were completed and performed by the participants. The data gathered were analyzed using multiple linear regression with SPSS Version 29. Body appreciation was found to be a predictor of physical activity and leisure motivation for males, females, and all participants. It also predicted the physical activity levels of males, females, and all participants. However, its influence on physical fitness was only found in male participants. Future studies should measure variables using alternative instruments, such as a varied scale for body appreciation, real-time physical activity tracking through wearables and fitness apps, and additional physical fitness components to better assess the influence of body appreciation on physical fitness.

Emotional eating mediates the relationship between perceived stress and body appreciation in adult male and female: A cross-sectional study in Turkey

The aim of this study was to investigate the association between adults' perceived stress, emotional eating, and body appreciation. The Emotional Eater Questionnaire (EES), the Perceived Stress Scale (PSS), and the Body Appreciation Scale-2 (BAS-2) were completed by 710 adult participants. Emotional eating was found to be adversely related to body appreciation in both female (=−0.232, p: <.001) and male (β = −0.180, p < .05). The study's findings highlighted the harmful impacts of perceived stress and emotional eating on the range of body appreciation. This finding shows that stress and emotion management should be considered in the context of adult body appreciation practices.

P-471 Anxiety, depression, and body image among infertile women with and without polycystic ovary syndrome

Abstract Study question Do women with PCOS undergoing fertility treatment experience higher anxiety and depression symptoms, along with lower body appreciation, compared to those without PCOS? Summary answer Having PCOS was not associated with symptoms of anxiety and depression, but was associated with somewhat lower body appreciation. What is known already PCOS has been associated with a higher chance to develop mental health problems, like anxiety, and body image concerns. The International Guidelines on PCOS recommend that all women with PCOS should routinely be screened for anxiety and depressive disorders. In most studies in this field, the comparison group included healthy women without fertility problems. Study design, size, duration We conducted a cross-sectional survey study between May 2021 and July 2023, using an online questionnaire. We informed women about this study at fertility clinics in the Netherlands through posters and leaflets and on the websites of the Dutch patient organizations Freya and Stichting PCOS. Participants/materials, setting, methods This study included women with infertility, with and without PCOS, undergoing fertility treatment. Women completed the Hospital Anxiety and Depression Scale and the Body Appreciation Scale-2. Primary outcomes were clinically relevant symptoms of anxiety and depression (scores&amp;gt;11), and BAS-2 scores. Secondary outcomes were mean anxiety and depression scores, along with scores of 8 and higher. Dichotomous and continuous outcomes were analysed using logistic and linear regression analyses adjusted for age, BMI, and duration of infertility. Main results and the role of chance A total of 1025 women currently undergoing infertility treatment participated, of whom 502 (49.0%) had PCOS and 523 (51.0%) had other infertility diagnoses. We found self-reported clinically relevant symptoms of anxiety in 33.1% of women with PCOS and in 31.0% of women with other infertility diagnoses (adjusted OR: 0.99, 95% CI 0.74 – 1.31). Clinically relevant symptoms of depression were reported in 15.5% of women with PCOS versus 14.5% of women with other infertility diagnoses (adjusted OR: 1.04, 95% CI 0.71 – 1.50). Women with PCOS reported slightly less body appreciation (adjusted mean difference: -1.34, 95% CI -2.32 to -0.36). Limitations, reasons for caution Results are based on self-report and may have been affected by sampling bias. Wider implications of the findings Although guidelines recommend screening women with PCOS, feelings of anxiety and depression can be present in any woman undergoing fertility treatments. We advise fertility clinics to be aware of women’s mental health issues and to offer support accordingly, as a part of routine care. Trial registration number not applicable

The effects of Nirvana fitness and functional training on the body appreciation of young women: non-randomized controlled trial.

Exercise is an important intervention used to improve body image. The present non-randomized controlled trial aimed to examine the effects of Nirvana Fitness (NF) and functional training (FT) on body appreciation and its correlates in young women. Twenty-two students participated in FT, 21 in NF, and 47 in the control (CN) group. The mean age of the study participants was 22.79 ± 6.14 years. The FT and NF groups participated in sessions 2 days per week for 8 weeks, and the CN group did not participate in any sessions. All the participants were evaluated at pre- and post-intervention, filling in the Body Appreciation Scale 2 (BAS-2), Mind-Body Connection from the Physical Activity Body Experiences Questionnaire (PABEQ), Body Surveillance from the Objectified Body Consciousness Scale (OBCS), the Functionality Appreciation Scale (FAS), intrinsic exercise motivation from Behavioral Regulation in Exercise Questionnaire 2 (BREQ-2), and perceived physical fitness. Significant improvements were found in terms of all outcome measures in the FT group, and improvements of body and mind connection and body surveillance in the NF group, while no improvements were observed in the CN group. FT's effect on body appreciation appeared to operate through the improvement of the mind-body connection in the FT and NF groups and via decreased body surveillance in the FT group. These findings support the developmental theory of embodiment and provide initial evidence that professionally delivered FT and NF might be used as effective strategies for the promotion of positive body image in young women.

Untangling the relationships between age, gender, type of sport, perfectionistic self-presentation and motivation on body satisfaction: a cross-sectional study on aesthetic and non-aesthetic female and male athletes aged 10 to 22 years

ObjectivesTo explore the relationships between age, gender, type of sport, perfectionistic self-presentation and motivation on body satisfaction among young athletes in one aesthetic sport (gymnastics) and one non-aesthetic sport (basketball)....

Differences in menopausal quality of life, body appreciation, and body dissatisfaction between women at high and low risk of an eating disorder.

Experiences of menopause and quality of life during menopause can vary extensively among women. While menopause has been associated with negative impacts on eating and body image, it is unclear to what extent quality of life differs by eating disorder risk status. The aim of this study was to explore how menopause symptoms and quality of life differ between those women at high- or low-risk of an eating disorder and the potential protective role of body appreciation. This cross-sectional survey study explored differences in menopausal quality of life, body appreciation, andbody dissatisfaction among women classified as high- or low-risk of an eating disorder as part of a wider survey on aging, health, and psychological complaints during midlife. Participants were 255 females aged between 40 and 60 years. Participants were classified as high-risk and low-risk of an eating disorder based on Eating Attitudes Test-26 (EAT-26)scores. Differences between groups on the Menopause-Specific Quality of Life Questionnaire (MENQOL), Body Shape Questionnaire (BSQ-16), and Body Appreciation Scale-2 were analyzed. The predictive relationship between menopausal quality of life and body appreciation was also explored. Participants in the high-risk group (n=111) reported significantly poorer menopausal quality of life compared to the low-risk group (n=144), scoring significantly higher on the sexual, physical, and psychosocial subscales of the MENQOL. The high-risk group also had significantly greater body dissatisfaction and less body appreciation than the low-risk group. Overall, menopausal quality of life was a significant predictor of body appreciation. Women with greater eating disorder risk may be faring less well with menopause. Treating and preventing menopause-related eating disorders will benefit from interventions aimed at not only reducing body dissatisfaction, but actively bolstering body appreciation and supporting the sexual, physical, and psychosocial aspects of the menopausal transition.

Smartphone use and well-being of adolescent girls: a population-based study

Background and objectivesRecent studies have reported an increasing incidence of anxiety among adolescent girls, and associated this with self-reported social media use. This study aimed to measure smartphone and social...

The Body Appreciation Scale-2: Psychometric evaluation of the Puerto Rican Spanish version among women aged ≥ 50 years who are breast cancer survivors

Purspose Self-perceived body image may impact women’s well-being and levels of depressive symptomatology after cancer-related treatment. The Body Appreciation Scale-2 (BAS-2) is a 10-item, unidimensional tool used to assess body appreciation, a facet of body image. A culturally relevant version of the BAS-2 was needed for the Spanish spoken in Puerto Rico. A cross-cultural adaptation of the BAS-2 for Spanish spoken in Puerto Rico was conducted and tested its psychometric properties, using a methodological design. It was hypothesized that the BAS-2 adapted for Puerto Rican Spanish would have an internal consistency with a Cronbach α value greater than 0.70 and a unidimensional structure; and that body appreciation would be positively and significantly correlated to mental health and would be negatively and significantly correlated to depression and body mass index. Methods One hundred-nine participants were recruited with a diagnosis of breast cancer (stages 0 to III) who completed adjuvant curative therapy at least two months to five years prior to recruitment. Results Participants had an average age of 61.5 years (SD = 7.1), and 64.2% had a bachelor’s degree or higher educational level. The internal consistency of the BAS-2 adapted for the Puerto Rican Spanish was Cronbach α = 0.92. Exploratory factor analysis indicated one-dimensionality of the test. Body appreciation was negatively correlated with higher levels of depressive symptomatology and with a higher body mass index, and positively correlated with higher levels of mental health. Conclusion The BAS-2 adapted for the Spanish of Puerto Rico is a psychometrically sound instrument to assess body image.

Measurement invariance of two measures of positive body image among Hispanic/Latina undergraduate women

Although positive body image is associated with mental and physical health benefits, there is a relative dearth of research investigating the psychometric properties of commonly used measures of positive body image among Hispanic/Latina women in the United States. The current study explored the psychometric properties of the Body Appreciation Scale-2 (BAS-2; Tylka & Wood-Barcalow, 2015a) and the Functionality Appreciation Scale (FAS; Alleva et al., 2017) in undergraduate women. Altogether 565 undergraduates (n = 386 Hispanic/Latina; n = 179 non-Hispanic White [NHW]) completed the BAS-2, FAS, and demographic questionnaires. Confirmatory factor analysis (CFA) and measurement invariance testing across ethnicity was conducted on each measure. The CFA confirmed the 1-factor, 10-item model of the BAS-2 among Hispanic/Latina women but indicated a less than adequate model fit for the FAS which improved after correlating the residuals of items 6 and 7. Measurement invariance testing revealed evidence of partial scalar invariance of the BAS-2 and full invariance of the FAS across ethnicity. There were no significant mean differences between groups on the measures. These analyses indicate acceptable psychometric properties of the BAS-2 and FAS among Hispanic/Latina women. Nonetheless, they did suggest potentially meaningful group differences in how these items behaved, which warrant further exploration.

Psychometric properties of a Mandarin Chinese version of the Body Appreciation Scale-2 among Chinese adolescents

In the present study, we explored the factor structure and psychometric properties of the Mandarin Chinese BAS-2 among adolescents residing in the Chinese mainland. Exploratory factor analysis in Study 1 (N = 790; 396 girls, 394 boys) supported the unidimensionality of the Mandarin Chinese BAS-2 among Chinese adolescents. Internal consistency reliability was upheld via McDonald’s omega. Convergent validity was supported by its moderate-to-strong relationships with body satisfaction, functionality satisfaction, self-esteem, life satisfaction, positive affect, and negative affect, while its small-to-moderate correlation with social desirability provided somewhat weaker discriminant validity support. Criterion-related validity was upheld by its inverse correlation with eating disorder symptomatology and positive correlation with intuitive eating. It explained unique variance in self-esteem (for girls and boys), eating disorder symptomatology (for girls), and intuitive eating (for boys) beyond age, body satisfaction, and functionality satisfaction, providing incremental validity evidence. A subsample of 134 girls and 114 boys completed the Mandarin Chinese BAS-2 again after three months, and test-retest reliability was upheld. The confirmatory factor analysis in Study 2 (N = 337; 192 girls, 145 boys) replicated the unidimensional structure and supported measurement invariance across gender. Collectively, the present study supported the unidimensionality, reliability, and validity of the Mandarin Chinese BAS-2′s scores among Chinese adolescents.

The mediating role of positive body image between friendship qualities, well-being strategies and identity development among adolescents

This study aimed to explore the mediating role of body image in the association between The utilization of strategies aimed at enhancing subjective well-being, friendship qualities, and identity development. The participants consisted of 270 early adolescents, comprising 157 girls (58.15%) and 113 boys (41.85%). Data were collected using several scales, including the “Body Appreciation Scale,” “Subjective Well-Being Increasing Strategies Scale for Adolescents,” “Friendship Qualities Scale,” and “The Dimensions of Identity Development Scale.” Two-stage structural equation modeling was employed to analyze the gathered data. The findings indicated a positive model of identity development in adolescents, highlighting that subjective well-being increasing strategies contribute positively to identity development, and this relationship is mediated by positive body image. Furthermore, the study found that positive body image also mediates the association between adolescents’ identity development and the establishment of quality friendships.

Relation between body appreciation, eating disorder risk, emotional distress, and BMI among a group of Egyptian subjects

BackgroundBody image appreciation is an important psychological aspect for all individuals of all ages which affects their psychological, personal, and social well-being. ObjectivesExamining the relationship between disordered eating tendencies, body appreciation, body mass index (BMI), and emotional distress among individuals who follow and seek psychological services from the non-profit entitative Egyptian eating disorders initiative EEDI and an online therapy platform. MethodsA cross-sectional study including 301 healthy participants with no past medical or psychiatric history was conducted. Participants completed an online survey including demographic data, BMI, and three measures: The Eating Attitudes Test (EAT-26), the Body Appreciation Scale (BAS), and the Depression Anxiety and Stress Scale (DASS-21) questionnaires. ResultsParticipants with disordered eating tendencies — according to EAT-26 — had lower BAS scores (p < 0.001) and higher DASS depression, anxiety, and stress scores (p < 0.001). EAT-26 was negatively correlated with age (p = 0.003) and BAS (p < 0.001). Meanwhile, it was positively correlated with the three DASS scales (p < 0.001). BAS was negatively correlated with body mass index and the three DASS scales (p < 0.001). ConclusionBody appreciation decreases with increased disordered eating tendencies and BMI. Depression, anxiety, and stress are associated with a decrease in body appreciation.

Does body appreciation and eating awareness change in artists who perform different dance styles: a cross-sectional study

ABSTRACT Dancers’ dissatisfaction with body appreciation leads to a change in their awareness of eating and an increase in health risks associated with malnutrition. Identifying the causes of these problems can help improve performance and general well-being levels in dancers. The aim of this study is to evaluate the body appreciation levels of the dancers and analyse their eating awareness. In addition, it is intended to reveal whether there is difference between dance styles. A total of 791 dancers at 18–40 age range participated in the study. There were 252 break dancers, 304 folk dancers, 235 modern dancers. They were evaluated by the cross-sectional method. Eating awareness of the dancers was at a moderate level. Although eating control was high, eating disciplines were low. It was found that they were affected by interference. Their body appreciation level was high. According to the results obtained from Body appreciation scale, levels of participants who performed modern dance were higher than those who performed folk dance and break dance. These results show that there are useful determinations in dancers to explore more about eating awareness and body appreciation. The study can guide the development of more effective intervention strategies.

Investigation Of The Relationship Between Body Appreciation And Sleep Quality

Sleep causes many psychological effects in individuals. A person's body image, which is their subjective evaluation of their physical appearance, can have a significant impact on their emotions, behaviors, and overall well-being. In order to investigate the effect of sleep on body image, 395 female participants aged between 18-27 years, who were evaluated subjectively and objectively using the sleep assessment and body image scale, were included. The primary outcome of the study are the determination of the relationship between objective and subjective results of sleep quality and body appreciation. Secondary outcome are the determination of the relationship between exercise and body appreciation, which is an effective factor in determining body appreciation. After missing data scanning, 34 participants were excluded from the study and analysis were performed on 361 people (Age 20,76+1,62; Height 163,65+5,81; Weight 57,78+ 10,42; Cronbach's Alpha ,92). Body Appreciation Scale-2 and Sleep Quality Scale were applied to the participants. While there was no statistical significance in the sleep hygiene values according to the subjective sleep evaluations of the participants, a significant difference was found between very poor sleep and very good sleep in the subjective sleep evaluations. In addition, a statistical significance was found between women's body image and subjective sleep evaluations (p

Mindful monitoring and accepting the body in physical activity mediates the associations between physical activity and positive body image in a sample of young physically active adults.

The study aimed to extend research on the possible mechanisms that explain the associations between physical activity (PA), mindfulness during PA and positive body image. In the present study, we tested the mediating role of state mindfulness during PA in the association between PA and trait body appreciation. We also explored the moderating roles of sex and body mass index (BMI) in these associations. In total, 759 students participated in the study but after applying the inclusion criteria 539 questionnaires were approved for analysis, with a mean age of 23.3 ± 7.2 years (49.7% were women). Study participants completed the online survey, which included sociodemographic details, PA data, the State Mindfulness Scale for Physical Activity 2 (SMS-PA-2) and the Body Appreciation Scale 2 (BAS-2). Monitoring and accepting the body during exercise mediated the association between PA and body appreciation. BMI moderated the association between accepting the body during exercise and body appreciation: for heavier individuals with BMI > 24.99 kg/m2, the associations between accepting the body during exercise and body appreciation were higher (B = 0.53, p < 0.001) compared to those whose body weight was in the normal range (B = 0.21, p < 0.001). Strengthening mindfulness and promoting mindful body acceptance during exercise might enhance a positive body image, especially in individuals with a higher BMI.

Does a nature walk improve state body appreciation in children?

The available evidence suggests that exposure to natural environments promotes more positive body image, but to date this research has not considered impacts on children. To answer this question, we invited two groups of children in Poland – matched in terms of age (range = 6 to 12 years), gender identities, and racialised status – to go for a group walk in either a natural environment (n = 80) or a built environment (n = 81). Before and after the walks, participants were asked to complete an adapted, state version of the Body Appreciation Scale-2 for Children. The results of a mixed analysis of variance indicated that children who went for a walk in the natural environment reported a significant improvement to state body appreciation (d = 0.35), whereas those who went for a walk in the built environment did not (d = 0.04). The results also showed no significant impact of gender identity (girls vs. boys) or age (middle vs. late childhood) on this finding. These results show for the first time that nature exposure may help to improve body image outcomes in children, at least in the immediate term, which may prove beneficial for future interventionist work.

In People who Identify as Gender Minority People the Social Cure Model and in People who Identify as LGBTQ* People the Intragroup Status and Health Model might Explain the Link between Identity Centrality and Body Appreciation

IntroductionSexual and gender minority (SGM) people are often found to have lower levels of body appreciation than do cis-heteronormative people.Objectives The current study utilizes the social cure model and the intragroup status and health model to investigate whether identification with a SGM social group and identity centrality (i.e., the degree to which a specific social identity is important to an individual) is linked to experiences of hostile behaviors because of a person’s looks or body and consequently, to body appreciation.Methods A cross-sectional online-questionnaire study was conducted with 1,680 German-speaking participants (49.2% cisgender women, 37.7% cisgender men, 9.0% non-binary, 4.1% transgender; Mage = 32.7, SD = 12.5). The Multidimensional and Multicomponent Measure of Social Identification, the Body Appreciation Scale-2, the Perceived Stigmatization Questionnaire and the Sociocultural Attitudes Towards Appearance Questionnaire-4, revised were used. A manifest path model was calculated.ResultsPeople who identified as gender minority (GM) people and LGBTQ* people reported lower levels of body appreciation. Sexual minority (SM) individuals who identified with a social group other than LGBTQ* people reported levels of body appreciation similar to those of individuals who identified as women. Individuals who identified as GM people experienced fewer instances of hostile behaviors because of their looks or body the higher their level of identity centrality was. On the other hand, individuals who identified as LGBTQ* people more frequently encountered hostile behaviors because of their looks or body when their identity centrality was strong. Frequent experiences of hostile behaviors because of a person’s looks or body was linked to poor body appreciation in all social groups.Conclusions Identity centrality might help alleviate experiences of discrimination, especially in people who identify as GM people, as the social cure model suggests. In line with the intragroup status and health model, individuals who strongly identify as LGBTQ* people might be more visible as SM people and experience more discrimination than do SM people who identify with another social group.Disclosure of InterestNone Declared

Body appreciation as a multifactorial construct in adolescent athletes and their athletic achievements

Given the strong cultural and social messages that encourage men and women to feel dissatisfied with their bodies, the cases of affection are increasing, since the standards and stereotypes imposed by society are not always adequate when talking about health or are even so far from reality and encourage some people to attempt against their health and physical integrity for the mere fact of complying with them, and adolescent athletes are no strangers to this situation. This was a quantitative cross-sectional observational study with a participation of 354 adolescent athletes between 10 and 19 years of age, of whom 51.4% were male and 48.6% female. A sociodemographic survey and the Body Appreciation Scale were applied. The results showed a high level of body appreciation in the participants and significant relationships with the years of sports practice and the result of the last competition. To conclude, although this research found variables that can influence the level of body appreciation, it is important to investigate further and include other aspects such as relationships with peers, coaches, family members and social networks, since the feelings and thoughts of adolescent athletes about their bodies influence their mental health and consequently their sports performance.