Body Areas Satisfaction Research Articles

The role of sports participation in the association between students’ body image concerns and disordered eating

Background. Body image concerns (BICs) negatively influence young people’s health as they mutilate psychosocial functioning and lifestyle. The present study aimed to compare BICs, socio-cultural attitudes towards appearance, and disordered eating (DE) in a large sample of student women and men of different body mass (BMI) and physical activity and to evaluate the mediating role of sports participation in the association between BICs and DE.
 Methods. A total sample of 1850 students (1087 or 58.8% were women, average age 21.6 ± 5.0 years) participated in the study and completed a questionnaire measuring BICs, internalization of the socio-cultural appearance ideals, drive for muscularity, DE, physical activity (PA), and BMI. Two hundred eighty-two men and two hundred eighty-eight women reported leisure-time participation in sports. Two-way ANOVA was conducted to test gender, BMI group, and sports participation effects on study variables. Moderated leisure-time exercise at a sports club effects were tested in the association between body image concerns (BICs) and disordered eating behaviours (DE).
 Results. Overweight/obese students reported greater BICs, internalization of the stereotyped appearance ideals, and DE compared to students of normal body weight. Participants of sports clubs demonstrated higher appearance evaluation and body areas satisfaction; however, they reported higher overweight preoccupation, internalization of socio-cultural ideals, drive for muscularity (men), and DE. A higher level of BMI, BICs, internalization of socio-cultural body ideals, and drive for muscularity (in men) were associated with greater DE in students. Participation in sports was not a significant moderator between BICs and DE. A significant interaction effect between BMI and exercising at a sports club was observed in women. Conditional effects demonstrated that female students with higher BMI and exercising at a sports club were at higher risk of DE (β = .18, p < .001) than women non-exercising at a sports club (β = .13, p < .001).
 Conclusions. Overweight students of both genders reported greater BICs and DE. Sports-involved students (men and women) demonstrated more favourable body appearance evaluation. However, sports participants of both genders demonstrated greater BICs and DE compared to non-exercisers. Sports participation had no significant mediating power on the associations between BICs and DE; however, women with higher BMI and participating in leisure-time sports faced a greater risk for DE than women with higher BMI but not participating in sports. The promotion of a positive body image was important to students, especially female students with higher BMI and participating in leisure sports.
 Keywords: body image concerns, disordered eating, physical activity, sport clubs, emerging adults.

Body Image and Acceptance of Plastic Surgery Among College Students in South Korea

Abstract. Studied more extensively in Western societies, body image in other cultures is less researched. South Korea provides a unique context to examine body image given its flourishing plastic surgery industry, which is indicative of negative body image and plastic surgery acceptance. The current study examined whether relevant sociocultural factors in South Korea (i.e., fear of negative evaluation [FNE] and filial piety [FP]) play a role in the association between body image and acceptance of plastic surgery. College students in South Korea ( n = 227) completed self-report measures of body image, FNE, FP, and acceptance of plastic surgery. Students with plastic surgery experience reported greater FNE and acceptance of plastic surgery than those without. Significant negative indirect effects of body image on acceptance of plastic surgery through FNE were found in the full sample. FP was found to moderate the body image-acceptance of plastic surgery link such that for individuals low in FP, lower body areas satisfaction was associated with greater acceptance of plastic surgery. The findings highlight the importance of understanding body image within a cultural context and provide implications for body image concerns in South Korean individuals.

Emotional eating as a risk factor for body image and life satisfaction

IntroductionPrevious studies have shown that emotional eating is associated with binge eating disorder, body image disturbances and depression.ObjectivesIn this study we wanted to find out if there is a relationship between emotional eating and body image and life satisfaction in non-clinical sample.MethodsThe study involved 182 normal participants (153 Female, 29 Male, mean age 22,6 ± 7,3), which were recruited in Moscow, Russia. Emotional eating was measured by the opposite pole of Eating for Physical Rather Than Emotional Reasons subscale of Intuitive Eating Scale-2 (IES-2), body image was measured by Multidimensional Body-Self Relations Questionnaire (MBSRQ), Satisfaction with Life Scale (SWLS) was used to measure the corresponding construct. Correlation analysis was performed in IBM SPSS Statistics 22.0.ResultsEmotional eating was associated with the following MBSRQ subscales: lower appearance evaluation (-0,431, p<0,0001), lower body areas satisfaction (-0,335, p<0,0001), as well as lower fitness evaluation (-0,208, p=0,005) and lower health evaluation (-0,182, p=0,014), but higher overweight preoccupation (0,279, p=0,0001) and overestimation of body weight (0,362, p<0,0001). It was also connected to lower satisfaction with life (-0,195, p=0,008).ConclusionsThe results of the study allow us to conclude that emotional eating may pose risks to psychological health of a normal individual. It was shown that emotional eating is connected to negative evaluation of one`s body appearance, fitness and health state, weight and shape concerns, and even to the lower level of satisfaction with one’s life.

Prediction factors of weight control intention in Chinese young adults.

Weight control is a widespread phenomenon among young adults, especially in women. This study aimed to determine the prediction factors of weight control intention in a young Chinese sample. A cross-sectional study was conducted with 963 (276 male and 687 female; mean age 21.8 ± 4.4 years) adult students from a university in Taiwan. The data were collected from October 2016 to January 2017. Body mass index (BMI), the Chinese version of the Weight Self-Stigma Questionnaire, the Body Areas Satisfaction Scale and the Media Influence Questionnaire were used as data collection instruments. The participants with weight control intention had higher BMI, weight self-stigma and media influence scores and lower body satisfaction scores than those without the intention. Female sex, BMI, weight self-stigma, body satisfaction and media influence were significant predictors of weight control intention for all participants. Before conducting weight loss programmes, the perception of weight self-stigma and the influence of social media on body image should be confirmed, particularly in women with intention to lose weight.

Mirror, mirror - Does the fitness club industry have a body image problem?

The primary aim of the present study was to report longitudinal data on body image across the first year of gym engagement. Second, we aimed to compare body image among those who reported regular use of the fitness club (≥2 sessions/week) with those who did not (≤1exercise session/week or no exercise/dropout), as well as between genders and Body Mass Index groups (BMI<25 and BMI≥25) at membership start-up. Novice exercisers (n = 250) from 25 fitness clubs in Oslo (Norway) responded to an online questionnaire at start-up, three, six and 12-months follow-up, with a high response rate (100%, 89.6%, 85.2% and 74.8%). The questionnaire covered background/health information and exercise involvement. A modified Multidimensional Body Self Relations Questionnaire Appearance Scales (MBSRQ-AS), comprising five subscales (appearance satisfaction, appearance investment, weight-related attitude, self-classified weight and Body Areas Satisfaction Scale (BASS), was used to gather repeated measures of body image. Data were analysed separately for each subscale and as a body image total score, using a linear mixed model adjusted for baseline, gender and BMI. We found differences in body image total score reported at six months when compared with onset (0.04, 95% CI 0.005–0.078, p = 0.024), whereas the subscale appearance satisfaction was different at three (0.08, 95% CI 0.015–0.164, p = 0.018), six (0.11, 95% CI 0.039–0.197, p = 0.003) and twelve (0.10, 95% CI 0.021–0.179, p = 0.013) months when compared with onset. Also the subscale BASS was different at three (0.17, 95% CI 0.009–0.255, p < 0.001), six (0.21, 95% CI 0.127–0.301, p < 0.001) and twelve (0.26, 95% CI 0.143–0.388, p < 0.001). Participants adhering to regular exercise (≥2 times weekly) had better outcomes on total body image than those who exercised less frequently or irregularly (three: 2.94 vs. 2.83, p = 0.027 and 12-months: 2.97 vs. 2.85, p = 0.028).At membership start-up, being male (p < 0.001) and having a BMI<25 (p = 0.003), were the strongest factors associated with reporting a higher score on total body image. In conclusion, we found improved body area and appearance satisfaction in novice exercisers across the first year of fitness club membership.

Assessing positive body image, body satisfaction, weight bias, and appearance comparison in emerging adults: A cross-validation study across eight countries

Positive body image refers to individuals’ ability to conceptualize their bodies with love, respect, and appreciation. The study of positive body image is relatively new, and instruments used to investigate this multi-faceted construct have received limited use in non-English speaking countries. Thus, the aim of this investigation is to consider four measures that are associated with positive body image across eight different countries. Participants (n = 6272) completed the Body Appreciation Scale-2, the Body Areas Satisfaction Scale, the Physical Appearance Comparison Scale, and the Weight Bias Internalization Scale. Multi-group confirmatory factor analyses (MG-CFAs) and item-response theory (IRT) models were used to examine the measurement invariance of these surveys. Our results generally suggest that positive body image, weight bias, and appearance comparison can be assessed using brief assessments and that these four instruments can be used in different countries, but care should be taken to consider individuals’ gender, BMI, and socio-economic position.

Distinguishing orthorexic behaviors from eating disordered and obsessive-compulsive behaviors: a typological study.

This study represents a first attempt to explore the typology of young adults from a large non-clinical sample based on orthorexic (ON), eating disordered (ED) and obsessive-compulsive behaviors (OCD). 921 individuals (Mage = 20.72, SD = 2.63), 84.6% women (n = 780) and 15.3% men (n = 141), completed a set of questionnaires assessing ON, ED, OCD behaviors and body image attitudes. Cluster analysis based on ON, ED and OCD behaviors yielded four clearly distinct groups: a "Low" group that was below the sample mean for all behaviors, an "Orthorexic behaviors" group, an "Eating disordered behaviors" and an "Obsessive-compulsive behaviors" group with, respectively, mean scores on ON, ED and OCD behaviors that all were all above the sample means. Using ANOVA, these groups were compared regarding body image attitudes, self-reported BMI, age and educational level. Results show that all clusters differed from each other on virtually all variables. And compared with all other clusters, the "Orthorexic behaviors" cluster displayed greater scores in health and fitness-related aspects of body image. It also differed from the "Eating disordered behaviors" cluster, by its higher scores in appearance evaluation, body areas satisfaction and lower scores in self-classified weight. This study demonstrates the existence of a distinct group of individuals with orthorexic behaviors and its positive body image attitudes and offers significant support for the possibility of ON being a distinct condition from ED and OCD. Level V, descriptive study.

Impact of Mirrors on Body Image of Beginning Modern and Ballet Students.

This mixed methods study compared the impact of studio mirrors on body image in beginning level female collegiate modern dance and ballet students utilizing the Cash 69-item Body Self-Relations Questionnaire and semi-structured interviews. For the overall Body-Areas Satisfaction there was a statistically significant mirror condition x time interaction (p = 0.029); regardless of dance genre, students' body satisfaction in mirrored classes decreased. Specifically at the mid torso, a statistically significant class type x time interaction (p = 0.012) occurred; ballet dancers decreased in satisfaction. Interviews reflected that: 1. students in the mirrored classes spent more time discussing specific body parts with objectifying language; and 2. students in the non-mirrored classes spent more time describing their participation in dance in terms of kinesthetic sensations. These findings suggest that satisfaction with one's body in beginner ballet and modern classes may be compromised by the use of mirrors.

PENGARUH TERAPI PERILAKU KOQNITIF TERHADAP GAMBARAN DIRI: SISTEMATIKA REVIEW

Body image is a crucial factor in the formation of individual identity. Increasing body image on an individual requires an intervention which can change thoughts, feelings and attitudes affecting the behavior related to the whole body and its function. This systematic review evaluates the existed evidence to identify the effect of Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT) on body image. The literature review is conducted by selecting the corresponding articles which are published between 2011 and 2017. Various databases used are CINAHL, EBSCO, Proquest, Pubmed, Science Direct, and Semantic Scholar. The inclusion criteria are the articles publishing original data, being fully written in English, researching human as an object and exploring the cognitive behavioral therapy and body image. There are eight articles that showed the effect of cognitive behavioral therapy on body image including reducing body image concern, reducing bad stigma towards body image and irrational beliefs on body changing, increasing body area satisfaction, improving appearance evaluation and improving a positive body image. The application of cognitive behavioral therapy is essential and effective in improving body image. This study recommends health professionals, especially nurses, to apply cognitive behavioral therapy in patients with various diseases involving body image disturbance.

The relative effect of CXWORXTM versus TabataTM group exercise programs on body mass index, body composition, predicted VO2max and body image in adult exercisers

In this present work we took an initiation to compares the effects of two common approaches to group exercise: CXWORXTM and TabataTM , which employ differing exercise strategies, on common fitness measures and psychological perceptions. The purpose of this study was to determine the effect of TabataTM versus CXWORXTM on body mass index (BMI), body composition, maximal oxygen uptake (VO2max) and Multidimensional Body-Self Relations Questionnaire (MBSRQ) measured self-perceptions in adult exercisers. The mixed gender sample consisted of a sub-set of 10 adult cross fit exercisers and 10 students from a regional comprehensive university class randomized to each exercise program. Analysis of Variance was used to examine program effects. While no significant main effect of the training period on body composition or BMI was found; mean VO2max was significantly increased as a large main effect across the study groups (F=1.054, P&lt;0.05, η2 =0.533) without significant interaction. In addition, there was a significant large interactive effect of the training program and time to increase MBSRQ scores for appearance evaluation (F=1.648, P&lt;0.05, η2 = 0.367), appearance orientation (F=1.447, P&lt;0.05, η2 = 0.377), fitness evaluation (F=1.637, P&lt;0.05, η2 = 0.557), and body areas satisfaction (F=2.744, P&lt;0.05, η2 = 0.533), in the CXWORXTM group in comparison with the TabataTM group. In conclusion, participants who completed a CXWORXTM exercise program increase VO2max similarly to participants who complete a TabataTM exercise program, while also reporting significant improvements in body image scores which the TabataTM participants did not. Neither program had a significant effect on body composition or BMI.

Beyond the HEXACO model: The fear of being laughed at as a predictor of body image

This research examined the associations between the fear of being laughed at (i.e., gelotophobia) and several body image dimensions in a sample of 240 young adults from Spain (126 women and 114 men). Moreover, using regression analyses, we investigated the robustness of these associations, controlling for the influence of the HEXACO traits and adding an alternative variable to the predicting model: trait social anxiety, which is strongly associated with gelotophobia. Our results showed that gelotophobia correlated with greater scores on body surveillance, body shame, appearance orientation, and overweight preoccupation (rs ≥ .26). This laughter-related disposition also correlated with lower scores on appearance control beliefs, appearance evaluation, and body areas satisfaction (rs ≤ −.30). Self-classified weight was found to exist independently from gelotophobia. Hierarchical regression analyses revealed gelotophobia adds incremental variance (3–13%) in the prediction of these appearance-related dimensions beyond the HEXACO traits (3–20%; predominantly emotionality, extraversion, and honesty-humility traits). Furthermore, gelotophobia yielded stronger incremental values than trait social anxiety in the prediction of body image-related indicators, after controlling for the influence of broad personality traits. Implications of these findings are discussed in relation to the earlier literature on gelotophobia, appearance-related teasing, and body image disturbances.

Patient-provider Discussions And Postpartum Health Outcomes

Evidence suggests women value health-related conversations with health care providers, particularly during and after pregnancy. Patient-provider discussions about postpartum mental/physical changes during postpartum care may prepare women to cope with and view postpartum changes more favorably and engage in healthier behaviors after delivery. PURPOSE: To examine relationships between patient-provider discussion occurrence and satisfaction and 1) moderate-to-vigorous physical activity (MVPA), 2) body satisfaction, and 3) depressive symptoms postpartum. METHODS: Survey data were collected from 230 postpartum women (3-12 months) who received pre/postnatal care in the United States for a singleton pregnancy. Women reported occurrence of (yes/no) and satisfaction with (5-point Likert scale; 1=very dissatisfied, 5=very satisfied) patient-provider discussions about expected postpartum mental and physical health changes, current MVPA, body satisfaction (Body Areas Satisfaction Scale) and depressive symptoms (10-item Center for Epidemiologic Studies Depression Scale). Linear and logistic regression models examined relationships between postpartum patient-provider discussions (occurrence and satisfaction) and current MVPA (any vs. none; meeting recs vs. not meeting recs), body satisfaction, and depressive symptoms. RESULTS: Women were 7.2±2.8 months postpartum at the time of survey completion. Postpartum patient-provider discussions were reported in 73.4% of women. Satisfaction with information provided during postpartum discussions averaged 4.0±0.8. Overall, 74.3% engaged in any MVPA and 47.4% met recommendations. Women who reported a postpartum discussion were more likely to engage in any MVPA (OR=2.00, 95% CI: 1.06, 3.81). Higher body satisfaction was observed in women reporting postpartum discussions (p=0.04) and greater discussion satisfaction (p=0.002). Depressive symptoms were inversely related to discussion satisfaction during postpartum care (p=0.02). CONCLUSION: Postpartum discussions with healthcare providers may not only benefit physical health, but also mental health and health behavior. Understanding the content of such discussions may help provide insight into what types of discussions can most effectively promote all aspects of postpartum health.

Psychometric evaluation of the Drive for Muscularity Scale among weightlifters in Jamaica.

This study aimed to evaluate the psychometric properties of the Drive for Muscularity Scale (McCreary and Sasse, J Am Coll Health 48(6): 297-304, 2000) (DMS) among a sample of Jamaican male weightlifters. 205 weightlifters (Mage = 28.49, SD = 9.61) from rural and urban areas in Jamaica, completed the DMS, the Depression, Anxiety and Stress Scale-21 Items (DASS-21) and the Body Areas Satisfaction Scale (BASS) in a cross-sectional design. Confirmatory factor analysis was performed on the DMS and conventional fit indices used to determine model fit. Measurement invariance was examined for urban and rural participants. Correlations between the DMS scores and the DASS-21 and BASS were determined to examine the validity of the scale. Confirmatory factor analysis of the original 2-factor model (muscularity-oriented body image and muscularity behaviors) resulted in overall good fit (CFI = .94, TLI = 0.93, RMSEA = 0.06 [0.05, 0.08], SRMR = 0.08). Also, measurement invariance was observed between weightlifters from rural and urban areas. The DMS was principally correlated with specific body areas previously associated with male's body dissatisfaction (muscle tone, upper torso and weight) (rs = 0.17 to .47). The DMS showed significant weak to moderate negative correlations with the DASS-21 (rs = -0.16 to -0.32). Adequate levels of internal consistency were observed (omega = 0.75-0.88). The DMS showed to be a valid instrument to evaluate the drive for muscularity in Jamaican weightlifters and has utility in informing further research, diagnosis and treatment of body image-related pathologies. Level V, cross-sectional descriptive study.

Re-inhabiting one\u2019s body: A pilot study on the effects of dance movement therapy on body image and alexithymia in eating disorders

BackgroundBody image disturbance and alexithymia are two core aspects of Eating Disorders (EDs). However, standard treatments for EDs do not include specific techniques to approach these issues on a bodily level. This pilot study evaluated the effects of a Dance Movement Therapy (DMT) intervention on body image and alexithymia in patients with EDs, and also explored their experience of the therapeutic process.Method14 patients with EDs were recruited from a private clinic. Seven were assigned via quasi-randomization to the DMT group and the others (n = 5) continued their treatment as usual. The length of the intervention was 14 weeks. All participants completed the Multidimensional Body Self Relations Questionnaire (MBSRQ) and the Toronto Alexithymia Scale (TAS-20) at the beginning and at the end of the intervention. Additionally, the DMT group wrote reflective diaries about their experience at the end of each session, which were analyzed using qualitative methods.ResultsBetween the pre- and post-intervention, the participants of the DMT group significantly improved in Body Areas Satisfaction (effect size: 0.95) and Appearance Evaluation (effect size: 1.10), and they decreased significantly in Appearance Orientation (effect size: 1.30). A decrease in Overweight Preoccupation was observed (effect size: 0.75), however this was not statistically significant. The control group did not show significant changes in any of the MBSRQ subscales. Neither the DMT group nor the control group improved significantly in the alexithymia scores. The qualitative analysis revealed valuable insights into the participants’ processes throughout the sessions. In general, participants received the DMT intervention positively. They reported improvements in their mood states and an increase in their self-awareness. They also appreciated the relationship with the group and the therapist.ConclusionThese results indicate that DMT might be a complementary treatment option for EDs, as it may be able to address body image issues more effectively than verbal therapies. More studies with larger samples are needed to confirm these promising preliminary results.

The Role of Body Image, Disordered Eating and Lifestyle on the Quality of Life in Lithuanian University Students.

Purpose. The present study aimed to explore the associations between body image concerns (BI), disordered eating (DE), health-related lifestyle, and the different domains of the quality of life (QoL) in a Lithuanian sample of student-aged men and women. Methods. A mixed-gender sample of students (N = 1850, 58.8% were women, average age 21.6 ± 5.0 years) completed a series of questionnaires, including health-related lifestyles, BI, DE, and QoL. A series of simultaneous multiple linear regression analyses were conducted. Mediation analyses were performed to estimate the size of the total, direct, and indirect effects of variables in the models. Results. The analysis of the linear regressions demonstrated that the positive trait of body areas satisfaction was associated with the significantly enhanced QoL in all domains in both genders (for men β = 0.29–0.34; for women β = 0.26–0.33; p < 0.001). DE was associated with a poorer psychological QoL domain in women only (β = −0.07; p = 0.047). The drive for muscularity was associated with a lower QoL in men (β = −0.06–(−0.141); p < 0.05). Body areas satisfaction mediated the associations between body mass index and psychological and physical QoL in both genders (TLI (Tucker Lewis Index) = 0.975; CFI (comparative fit index) = 0.997; RMSEA (Root of the Mean Square Error) = 0.053). Conclusions. Positive traits of BI play essential roles in the QoL of student-aged women and men. The present study adds empirical evidence emphasizing the importance of integrating education about positive body image while implementing healthy lifestyle and QoL promotion programs in student-aged men and women.

Translational aspects of body image research for obesity-related quality of life and weight loss maintenance post-bariatric surgery

BackgroundThe Aim of the study was to examine obesity health-related quality of life and body image satisfaction in a group of individuals having undergone bariatric surgery.MethodsOne hundred and forty-two persons who had undergone bariatric surgery answered an online survey which included measures of well-being and body image. The Multidimensional Body Self-Relations Questionnaire-Appearance Scales (MBSRQ-AS 34) was used to assess body image in relation to appearance evaluation (AE), appearance orientation (AO), overweight preoccupation (OP), self-classified weight (SCW), and body areas satisfaction (BASS). Obesity-related quality of life was assessed with the obesity related well-being scale (Orwell 97).ResultsHierarchical multiple regression indicated that 50.2% of the variance in well-being post-surgery was explained by body image variables [F(6,84) =18.54, P<0.01], with the strongest predictor being satisfaction with body areas (B=−0.360, P<0.01). Regression analysis of the data for the group of patients who had received the vertical sleeve surgery was also significant, [F(6,56) =10.16, P<0.001] with satisfaction with different body areas being the best predictor of well-being (B=−0.365, P<0.05), followed by OP (B=0.313, P<0.05) and SCW (B=0.281, P<0.05).ConclusionsBody image concerns are more important predictors for well-being post bariatric surgery than weight lost. Psychological factors such as the perception of body areas, continued weight preoccupation and SCW rather an objective weight were better predictors of well-being, symptoms that impacted on well-being and on the subjective relevance of the symptoms to well-being. Recommendations for the translation of the present research findings for the surgical preparation of the bariatric patient and for post-surgery care are suggested.

Perceived Physical Attractiveness and Sexual Esteem Among Male and Female Adult

The current study was designed to investigate the relationship of perceived physical attractiveness and sexual esteem among Pakistani women and men. Role of gender and marital status on the study variables was also explored. The sample consisted of 320 adults (130 men and 190 women) with age range of 18 to 35 years. Sample was taken from Islamabad and Rawalpindi. The Multidimensional Body Self Relations Questionnaire – Appearance Scale MBSRQ-AS (Cash, 2000) was used to measure perceived physical attractiveness. Sexual esteem was measured by the subscale of Multidimensional Sexual Self-Concept Questionnaire (Snell, 1998). The findings indicated that Appearance Evaluation, Appearance Orientation, and Body Area Satisfaction were positively correlated to sexual esteem, whereas overweight preoccupation was negatively correlated with sexual esteem. Gender differences on the variables indicated that appearance evaluation was higher among men as compared to females. The moderation analysis showed that the significant negative relationship between overweight preoccupation and sexual esteem in men only, whereas sexual esteem of women was not unaffected through all levels of overweight preoccupation. The study findings provided a better insight into the role played by perceived physical attractiveness and need of sexual esteem among both genders. Findings were discussed in cultural context. Further, implications of the study were considered and discussed.

Whole body scanning as a tool for clothing sizing: effects on women’s body satisfaction

Whole-body scanning is increasingly used in the clothing industry, including in large-scale sizing surveys and virtual fitting. However, the impacts of 3D scanning on women’s body satisfaction are unclear as no previous studies have investigated impacts in a controlled experiment. This experiment investigated any causal effect of 3D whole-body scanning, as used in clothing applications, on women’s body satisfaction. Seventy women aged 18–35 years completed body image measures at baseline, immediately post-test, and two weeks later. At post-test relative to controls and controlling for baseline scores, women randomly allocated to the scanner condition scored significantly higher on Body Areas Satisfaction and significantly lower on Self-classified Weight, and positive effects persisted two weeks beyond the experimental session. Results suggest that whole-body scanning may improve women’s body satisfaction and reduce perceived overweight relative to controls, though further research is necessary to examine the reliability of this effect and underlying mechanisms.

Body-image distress is increased in women with polycystic ovary syndrome and mediates depression and anxiety

To evaluate differences in body-image distress (BID) scores between women with polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS) and controls and whether BID mediates anxiety and depression. Cross-sectional study. Academic institution. Reproductive-aged women with PCOS (n = 189) and controls (n = 225). Administering the Multidimensional Body-Self Relations-Appearance Subscale (MBSRQ-AS), Stunkard FigureRating Scale (FRS), Hospital Anxiety and Depression Scale (HADS), and PCOS quality of life survey (MPCOS-Q). BID, depression, and anxiety scores and mediation of depression and anxiety scores by BID. Women with PCOS had worse BID scores on all five MBSRQ-AS subscales adjusted for age, body mass index, race, pregnancy history, income, and employment, and larger differences on the FRS compared with the control women. In multivariable regression models, the prevalence of depressive (28% vs. 19.2%) and anxiety (76.5% vs. 56.5%) symptoms were also statistically significantly higher in women with PCOS compared with the controls. Most MBSRQ-AS subscale scores statistically significantly correlated with depression, anxiety, and quality of life scores. The association between PCOS/control status and higher anxiety and depression scores was completely mediated by the appearance evaluation and body areas satisfaction subscales and partially mediated by overweight preoccupation, appearance orientation, and self-classified weight. Women with PCOS have increased BID and depressive and anxiety symptoms. In our study different aspects of BID either fully or partially mediated the association between PCOS/control status and depression and anxiety scores, suggesting that therapeutic interventions targeted at improving body image may decrease depressive and anxiety symptoms.

Body areas satisfaction and body mass in adolescents: mediating effects of actual\u2013ideal body weight discrepancies

PurposeThis study aims at investigating prospective associations between body areas satisfaction (BAS), actual (objectively measured)–ideal body weight discrepancy, actual (self-reported)–ideal body weight discrepancy and BMI among adolescents from the general population.MethodsData were collected at three measurement points: baseline (T1), 2-month follow-up (T2), 13-month follow-up (T3) among 1011 adolescents (59.3% girls) aged 13–19 years (M = 16.30, SD = 0.82) with BMIs ranging from 15.20 to 38.78 (M = 20.01, SD = 3.33). Adolescents completed questionnaires regarding BAS (T1), actual and ideal body weight (T2). Body weight and height were measured objectively (T1 and T3).ResultsAdolescents satisfied with most areas of their bodies had lower levels of actual (objectively measured)–ideal body weight discrepancy, which in turn predicted higher BMI, while lower levels of actual (self-reported)–ideal body weight discrepancy predicted lower BMI. No moderating effect of gender was found.ConclusionsActual–ideal weight discrepancies may operate in complex manner prompting opposite effects on BMI.Level of evidenceLevel III, longitudinal study without control group.