Body Appreciation Research Articles

Comfortable in my skin, cozy with who I am? Exploring the link between BMI class and body dissatisfaction, appearance investment, and body appreciation

Comfortable in my skin, cozy with who I am? Exploring the link between BMI class and body dissatisfaction, appearance investment, and body appreciation

Body image facets as predictors of muscularity-oriented disordered eating in women: Findings from a prospective study

Muscularity-oriented disordered eating (MODE) is becoming increasingly common among women and is characterized by dietary alterations (e.g., blending meals into liquid form to increase caloric intake) aimed towards gaining lean muscle. In light of the mental health risks associated with these pathological eating behaviors, understanding factors that influence women’s engagement in MODE is essential for preventative efforts and for informing etiological models. Body image is a possible factor that may influence MODE in light of evidence of cross-sectional associations and its importance as a key risk factor for thinness-oriented disordered eating. However, research is yet to test for prospective relationships between the various components of body image (i.e., body dissatisfaction, body appreciation) and MODE, which was the aim of this study. Adult women completed the online study measures at baseline (Time 1 [T1]; n = 1760) and three-month follow-up (Time 2 [T2]; n = 1208). A series of univariate regressions revealed that all body image facets (i.e., preoccupation, overvaluation, dissatisfaction, body image appreciation and feeling fat) at T1 significantly predicted MODE at T2. However, multivariable models revealed that only preoccupation and body appreciation uniquely predicted MODE at T2, with a positive relationship observed for preoccupation and a negative one for body appreciation. This is the first study to establish temporal relationships between distinct body image facets and MODE. Pending replication, findings highlight possible targets for addressing MODE in women.

Moderated Mediating Effect of Behavioral Psychology on Generation Z’s Selfie-Posting Behavior: A Two-Stage Analytical Approach

The purpose of this study was to investigate the mediating and moderating effects of body appreciation and exhibitionism on the relationships between self-esteem, narcissism, and Selfie Posting Behavior (SPB), as well as on the moderating effect of attitude towards selfies (ATS) from the Generation Z perspective. The research comprised 414 samples through convenience sampling. The empirical data were analyzed using a hybrid SEM-artificial neural network (SEM-ANN) approach. The sensitivity analysis outcomes discovered that body appreciation has the most considerable effect on the SPB, with 89.18% normalized importance, followed by narcissism (87.02%), exhibitionism (72.66%), and self-esteem (48.95%). Body appreciation and exhibitionism independently and sequentially mediated the relationships between self-esteem and SPB, as well as narcissism and SPB. In addition, attitude moderated the relationship between exhibitionism and SPB but not the relationship between body appreciation and SPB. The study results emphasize the importance of recognizing the moderating mechanisms that affect the mediated pathways between self-esteem and SPB, as well as between narcissism and SPB. Based on these findings, the study outlined several applicable ramifications for educators, professionals, service providers, designers, and developers.

Isolating the effects of body size and sexualisation in social media images on body image-related constructs among young women

This study systematically separated the effects of body size and sexualisation in social media images on women’s body image. Young women (18–25 years, N = 194) viewed 10 social media images of either (1) sexualised women in larger bodies; (2) non-sexualised women in larger bodies; (3) sexualised women in smaller bodies; or (4) non-sexualised women in smaller bodies. Participants completed pre- and post-exposure measures of body image and related constructs. Thin ideal internalisation was examined as a moderator of those effects. The body size of the women in the images was more influential than how sexualized their bodies were presented. Regardless of sexualisation, viewing images of women with smaller bodies was negative for appearance satisfaction, negative mood, and body appreciation, and viewing women with larger bodies was positive for body appreciation and neutral for appearance satisfaction and mood. The impact of body size on appearance satisfaction was stronger for those high in thin ideal internalisation. Women with larger bodies were perceived more positively than those with smaller bodies. However, participants’ self-objectification increased in all conditions. Thus, while viewing images of women with larger bodies provides promise for improving social media, further research is needed before it is recommended broadly.

An exploratory examination of medical and nursing students’ intentions to discuss body image, weight, and eating disorders with their patients

BackgroundAlthough many people have concerns about their body image, weight, and eating behaviors these issues are not usually discussed in a productive manner with medical providers. Thus, we examined nursing and medical students’ willingness to discuss patients’ weight, body image, and eating disorders and reasons why they may do so.MethodOne hundred and eighty-three nursing and medical students (Mage = 25.06, SD = 5.43) participated in this study. Participants completed open-ended questions pertaining to their willingness to discuss body image, eating, and weight-related issues with future patients. We further queried students’ perspective on body mass index (BMI) as a measure of weight status and sought to determine if participants’ own weight, weight concerns, appearance evaluation, body appreciation, and experiences of stigma were associated with their willingness to discuss weight-related issues with prospective patients.ResultsCoding of qualitative data indicated that nursing and medical students were “sometimes” willing to discuss prospective patients’ weight, body image, and eating disorders, especially if a health concern was evident. Nursing students seemed somewhat more willing to discuss weight issues than medical students and willingness to discuss one of these issues (e.g., body image) was positively associated with willingness discuss the others. Plans for future discussions of body image and weight were marginally associated with personal experiences of weight stigma. The majority of participants indicated that BMI was not a valid measure of health.ConclusionsTaken together, findings suggest that future providers’ conversations with patients about these sensitive topics are less likely to be associated with their own experiences and more with the relevance of these topics to specific patients.

Validation of the Chinese Version of the Body Image Flexibility and Inflexibility Scale among Chinese College Students.

Body image flexibility is a specific type of psychological flexibility relevant to body image. The development of the Body Image Flexibility and Inflexibility Scale (BIFIS) expands the concept and structure of body image flexibility and provides more detailed measurement indicators for theoretical research and clinical practice. However, the tool's applicability to the Chinese population is still unclear. This study aims to test the reliability and validity of the BIFIS among Chinese college students. A total of 1446 Chinese college students were surveyed and completed a series of scales, including the Chinese version of the BIFIS (i.e., C-BIFIS). A total of 99 participants were retested one month later. Confirmatory factor analysis supported the second-order factor structure of the BIFIS. The C-BIFIS showed measurement invariance across genders. The scale also exhibited good internal consistency and test-retest reliability. The higher-order body image flexibility and inflexibility factors were significantly correlated with unidimensional body image flexibility, body satisfaction, body appreciation, intuitive eating, and life satisfaction. Incremental validity tests indicated that two higher-order factors remained unique predictors of intuitive eating and life satisfaction. In conclusion, the Chinese version of the BIFIS has good psychometric properties and could be used to study body image flexibility in Chinese college student populations.

12581 Association Between AMH And Psychological Symptoms Across The BMI Spectrum In Peri-menarcheal Adolescents: Preliminary Findings

Abstract Disclosure: H. Vanden Brink: None. K.C. McCormick: None. M.E. Lujan: None. J. Chang: None. L. Ipp: None. A. Alladeen: None. J. Mendle: None. Introduction: Depression, anxiety, and disordered eating are associated with Polycystic Ovary Syndrome in adults and adolescents with PCOS, and significantly impact quality of life as well as intervention and PCOS management success. Elevated AMH and obesity are known risk factors for future PCOS risk. Thus, the objective was to determine whether AMH was associated with the degree of psychological symptoms in the peri-menarcheal years across the adiposity spectrum. Methods: 40 females (n=12 pre-menarcheal, n=28 <2 years post-menarche) underwent a non-fasting blood draw, anthropometry, menstrual history, and a series of surveys to evaluate depression (CES-DC), anxiety (MASC), perceptions of pubertal-related change (POPS), and transdiagnostic psychological processes (rumination, emotional clarity) which can contribute to, and are risk factors for, psychopathology. Anti-mullerian hormone was measured using picoAMH assay (Motive Biosciences Inc). Linear regression analyses were conducted to determine whether AMH, body habitus (lean [n=26], overweight [n=7], obesity [n=7]) were associated with psychological symptoms. A BMI category-by-AMH interaction was included to test the hypothesis that relationship between psychological symptoms and AMH was greater among those living with obesity, who are at an increased risk of progression to PCOS. Results: In the full model, depression scores were positively associated with AMH (p=0.035), and an AMH*BMIcat interaction was trending (p=0.059), such that the association between AMH and depression scores among those with obesity was greater (p=0.026). POPS was positively associated with AMH, only after inclusion of BMI (p=0.029). Lower body appreciation scores and a higher drive for thinness were associated with higher AMH only among those with obesity (BAS: interaction term p=0.087; parameter estimate AMH*OB p=0.045; EDI: interaction term: 0.061, AMH*OB parameter estimate, p=0.019). Rumination and anxiety also demonstrated a BMI-dependent association with AMH; both were positively associated with AMH among participants with obesity (rumination, interaction p=0.014, AMH*OB parameter estimate p=0.007; anxiety interaction p=0.0009, AMH*OB parameter estimate p=0.0002), but the inverse was detected in lean participants (rumination AMH*Lean parameter estimate p=0.014; anxiety AMH*Lean parameter estimate p=0.009). Conclusion: While preliminary, these findings suggest that obesity and elevated AMH in the pre- and early post-menarcheal years is associated with increased symptoms that could affect psychological well-being symptoms. Research is ongoing to validate these findings in a larger, more diverse cohort and to assess subsequent PCOS risk. Presentation: 6/3/2024

Appearance Comparison, Body Appreciation, and Adolescent Depressive Symptoms: Roles of Gender, Age, and Body-Mass Index.

This study aimed to examine the association between appearance comparison and adolescent depressive symptoms, the mediating role of body appreciation, and the moderating roles of gender and body-mass index (BMI) among adolescents in different age groups. A cross-sectional sample of 2645 Chinese students aged 12-16 years (44.7% girls) participated. The measurements included depressive symptoms, appearance comparison, body appreciation, weight, and height. Multigroup path analysis was used to examine the moderated mediation model. Compared with boys, adolescent girls presented greater levels of appearance, which increased with age. Body appreciation mediated the association between appearance comparison and depressive symptoms in girls, whereas appearance comparison directly correlated with depressive symptoms in boys. Body appreciation decreased with increasing BMI in boys but remained relatively stable in girls. Similar patterns were observed among junior and senior high school students. This study underscores the significant relationship between appearance comparison and adolescent depressive symptoms, suggesting varied mechanisms based on gender and BMI levels.

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.

Body Appreciation Changes Among Adolescent Female Flag Football Athletes And Non-athletes: A Prospective Investigation

Body Appreciation Changes Among Adolescent Female Flag Football Athletes And Non-athletes: A Prospective Investigation

Measuring differences in social touch: Development and validation of the short Touch Experiences and Attitudes Questionnaire (TEAQ-s)

Interpersonal touch is an essential part of human social life, impacting emotional and physical well-being. Variations in touch behavior and perception can be assessed by the Touch Experiences and Attitudes Questionnaire (TEAQ). Although comprehensive, the TEAQ appears lengthy with 57 items, limiting its usability for large surveys. Therefore, we developed a refined and shortened version of 16 items, tested in Germany and France. This manuscript presents three studies. In the first, we created the TEAQ-s (n = 313). In the second and third, we validated the TEAQ-s in German (n = 383) and French (n = 327), respectively. The resulting TEAQ-s showed strong reliability (Cronbach's alpha: 0.86 to 0.87; test-retest correlation: r = 0.85) and validity consistent with the original version. Analyses also revealed that being in a relationship, relationship satisfaction, mental health, and body appreciation were positively related to touch experiences and attitudes. A four-factor structure (4 items per scale) was confirmed through factor analysis. Final subscales are attitude to friendly touch, current intimate touch, childhood touch, and attitude to intimate touch. We hope that the TEAQ-s serves as a valuable tool for researchers in the field of touch and beyond, offering well-founded items in an efficient format.

Solo and Partnered Sexual Satisfaction of Sexual and Gender Minorities Assigned Female at Birth: Roles of Body Appreciation, Social Support, and Gender Minority Status

Solo and Partnered Sexual Satisfaction of Sexual and Gender Minorities Assigned Female at Birth: Roles of Body Appreciation, Social Support, and Gender Minority Status

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.

Co-creating a yoga program for women diagnosed with gynecologic cancer: a consensus study

PurposeYoga may be uniquely suited to address bio-psycho-social concerns among adults with gynecologic cancer because it can be tailored to individuals’ needs and can help shift focus inward towards self-reflection, body appreciation, and gratitude. This study describes the collaborative process guided by the Knowledge-to-Action framework used to develop a yoga program for adults diagnosed with gynecologic cancer and inform a feasibility trial.MethodsIn 3 collaborative phases, yoga instructors and women diagnosed with gynecologic cancer formulated recommendations for a yoga program and evaluated the co-created program.ResultsThe program proposed is 12 weeks in length and offers two 60-min group-based Hatha yoga classes/week to five to seven participants/class, online or in person, with optional supplemental features. Overall, participants deemed the co-created program and instructor guidebook to be reflective of their needs and preferences, though they provided feedback to refine the compatibility, performability, accessibility, risk precautions, and value of the program as well as the instructor guidebook.ConclusionThe feasibility, acceptability, and benefits of the program are being assessed in an ongoing feasibility trial. If deemed feasible and acceptable, and the potential for enhancing patient-reported outcomes is observed, further investigation will focus on larger-scale trials to determine its value for broader implementation.

Retail therapy? The role of positive body image in women’s clothing experiences and preferences for in-store shopping environments

PurposeDespite the online shopping trend, many women still prefer in-store experiences for trying on and buying clothes. The body positivity movement endorsed by many brands implies that all women, even those with lower body appreciation, should feel included in this setting. However, studies have yet to quantitatively explore the mediating role of women’s positive body image between clothing size and in-store experiences. To address this gap, this study examined the in-store experiences of 642 women from largely Western nations (Mage = 45.96, standard deviation (SD) = 9.31) who self-reported as straight-, mid- and plus-sizes and the mediating role of body appreciation.Design/methodology/approachParticipants completed online questionnaires with measures including clothing size, body appreciation, in-store experiences and preferences for in-store changes.FindingsWomen of mid-size and plus-size were more likely than women of straight-size to report lower body appreciation, which led to a greater desire for guidance from staff about styles but less likelihood to approach them, higher discomfort going up a size and lower confidence trying on clothes. In contrast, straight-size women generally felt more comfortable and confident in-store clothes shopping. A direct link between clothing size and lower purchase intentions without in-store representation was found; however, body appreciation did not mediate this link. Preferences for in-store changes included better support from sales staff and more inclusive imagery.Originality/valueThis study indicates that in-store clothes shopping may not feel like retail therapy for women who identify as mid-size or plus-size and experience low body appreciation. It highlights the need for comprehensive reform within the fashion retail industry by prioritizing inclusivity through better staff support and in-store representation for all sizes.

Self-appreciation is not enough: exercise identity mediates body appreciation and physical activity and the role of perceived stress.

This study explores the relationship between body appreciation and physical activity, focusing on the mediating role of exercise identity and the moderating effect of perceived stress. While individuals with positive body image are generally thought to engage in proactive physical activity, it remains unclear whether this positive attitude necessarily promotes exercise. We conducted a short-term longitudinal survey, recruiting 345 college students 28 (100 females, 245 males; M age = 22.94, SD = 5.99) who completed questionnaires at two-week intervals for a total of three times within four weeks. Body appreciation, exercise identity, perceived stress, and physical activity were measured for the participants separately. The results demonstrated that body appreciation positively predicted physical activity, exercise identity partially mediated the positive effect of body appreciation on physical activity, and perceived stress played a moderating role in body appreciation and exercise identity. These results highlight the significant role of body appreciation in influencing physical activity through exercise identity, with perceived stress further moderating this relationship. The study underscores the importance of promoting body appreciation and regulating stress to enhance physical activity engagement among college students.

The gratitude model of body appreciation and intuitive eating: Replication and extension of the model to explain intuitive eating facets among young adult women in China

The current study replicated and extended the gratitude model of body appreciation and intuitive eating in Chinese women. Using a sample of 957 young Chinese women, Structural Equation Modeling (SEM) was employed to test two previously established models derived from samples of American (original model) and Japanese (modified model) women. Results indicated that the modified model had a better fit and was largely replicated in the Chinese context. Higher gratitude was associated with lower appearance and others’ approval of self-worth, higher body appreciation, and greater intuitive eating. Also, we further extended the model by exploring whether and how the model could explain intuitive eating facets. Results showed unique links between the core variables in the model and each facet of intuitive eating. Specifically, findings of the excellent model fit indicate that interventions focused on cultivating gratitude may be promising in promoting body appreciation and intuitive eating in young Chinese women. Also, interventions based on the model might be modified to address specific facets of intuitive eating, which may enhance the effectiveness of future interventions. Future research should use longitudinal and experimental designs and develop culturally adapted models to advance our understanding of how the gratitude model of body appreciation and intuitive eating applies to Chinese women.

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.

A Comprehensive and Longitudinal View of Pregnancy from the Perspective of the Couple, Maternal Mental Health and Fetal Growth.

This study investigates the impact of both maternal psychopathological factors and adaptive psychological changes within the couple on fetal growth, emphasizing the importance of evaluating pregnancy from the perspectives of the couple, the mother, and the fetus collectively. A "couple" in this context refers to heterosexual partners engaged in the pregnancy process together, whether married or in a stable relationship. We included 189 pregnant women in their first trimester, tracking maternal depression, anxiety, body appreciation, prenatal attachment, and the couple's adjustment level across each trimester. Fetal growth parameters measured include biparietal diameter, femur length, humerus length, abdomen circumference, head circumference, β-HCG, and amniotic fluid levels, with relationships between these variables being modeled accordingly. Our findings indicate stable levels of maternal depression, anxiety, body appreciation, and couple's adjustment throughout the pregnancy, with a significant increase in prenatal attachment levels in each subsequent trimester. Prenatal attachment in the first trimester and maternal depression levels in the second and third trimesters were found to directly influence fetal growth, while other variables exhibited indirect effects. Fetal growth is influenced by a myriad of biopsychosocial factors. Ensuring healthy pregnancy and fetal development necessitates close monitoring and support of the mother's adaptive psychological changes, early identification and treatment of potential psychopathologies, and maintenance of the psychosocial health of the couple.

“My body is my business card”: Perceptions about nutrition, body appreciation, and eating disorders among female professional dancers

This study aimed to investigate perceptions about nutrition, body appreciation, and eating disorders (EDs) among female professional dancers as they are a group at increased risk of developing EDs and body dissatisfaction. Ten Brazilian participants were interviewed and assessed through a socio-demographic questionnaire. The transcriptions of the interviews were further analyzed using the Reflective Thematic Analysis technique, which encompassed three themes: (1) Attitudes Toward Nutrition, (2) Perceptions of the Body within Dance, and (3) Psychological Impacts of the Dance Environment. The reports indicate the overvaluation of a lean body in the professional dance environment. Teachers and choreographers were seen as important figures in the development trajectory of dancers. Puberty emerged as the most sensitive period of pressure to fit into the dance aesthetic standard. Implementing educational and preventive strategies to alleviate potential harm caused by the demanding and socially pressured environment of professional dance, particularly concerning body image, weight, and shape are suggested.