Body Image Constructs Research Articles

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.

To be fit, or not to be: How influencer-driven advertising reinforces idealized beauty standards in adolescents

ABSTRACT This study examines adolescents’ perceptions of body image advertising portrayed by social media influencers. Through discourse analysis, the research explores how participants interpret messages conveyed through influencer advertising content. The analysis reveals a discrepancy between adolescents’ understanding of ideal body representations and the descriptors used in advertising, shedding light on societal pressures surrounding body norms within social media. These findings underscore the pervasive influence of social media and advertising on adolescent body image constructs, highlighting the importance of cultivating critical advertising literacy skills among adolescents. Additionally, the study reveals that influencers affiliated with advertising perpetuate the stereotypical ideals of the body, emphasizing the need for educational and policymaker initiatives to promote healthy self-image.

Weight bias among Canadians: Associations with sociodemographics, BMI and body image constructs

This cross-sectional study examined the associations between sociodemographic characteristics, BMI, and body image constructs (body satisfaction and weight bias internalization; WBI) and explicit weight bias. A near-representative sample of 995 English-speaking Canadian adults (52% Female) completed a survey which assessed explicit weight bias (Anti-Fat Attitudes questionnaire), body satisfaction (Body Shape Satisfaction Scale), WBI (Modified Weight Bias Internalization Scale), and self-reported height and weight. Multiple linear regression analyses were run. Results showed that the variable that explained the most variance in explicit weight bias was WBI, followed by BMI. Higher levels of WBI and a lower BMI were both significantly associated with greater explicit weight bias. Male sex was associated with both disliking people with obesity and thinking obesity is attributable to lack of willpower, whereas female sex was associated with worrying about weight gain. The current findings emphasize the importance of future research efforts aimed at preventing or mitigating WBI to reduce negative attitudes about people with obesity.

Psychosocial burden of autoimmune blistering diseases: A comprehensive survey study.

Autoimmune blistering diseases (AIBDs) are severe dermatologic disorders known for their debilitating physical impact. Recent research has reported that AIBDs lead to psychosocial impairment, including depression and anxiety. Missing from the extant literature is an examination of the impact of AIBDs on body image and related psychological constructs. The current study seeks to characterize the psychological and social consequences of AIBD diagnosis, with particular attention to body image dissatisfaction. We conducted a survey study of adults with AIBDs. The survey was open from February 2023 to March 2023. Validated self-report questionnaires assessed depressive symptomatology, body image disturbance and quality of life. Demographic information and self-reported psychiatric history before and after AIBD diagnosis were collected via self-report. Participants were 451 adults with AIBDs, recruited through the International Pemphigus and Pemphigoid Foundation newsletters, email distribution lists and social media. Participants reported increased incidence of psychiatric disorders following AIBD diagnosis. Participants reported high levels of depressive symptomatology and impairments to quality of life compared to other patient groups. The sample reported extremely high levels of body image disturbance, more so than other patients with disfiguring diseases or injury. Correlation analyses revealed significant relationships between body image variables and quality of life, even after controlling for depression. Current treatment guidelines for AIBDs focus primarily on the management of disease flares and the consequences of immunosuppression, without consideration of the psychosocial consequences of the disease. The current study underscores the need for mental health support for patients with AIBDs.

The Role of the Media in the Construction of Body Image and its Contribution to the Development of Restrictive Anorexia in Female Adolescents

The Role of the Media in the Construction of Body Image and its Contribution to the Development of Restrictive Anorexia in Female Adolescents

Body image perception, eating disorder behavior, self-esteem and quality of life: a cross-sectional study among female medical students

BackgroundEating disorders are strongly associated with body image concerns. Eating disorders tend to significantly impact the current and future health and quality of life of affected persons, their caregivers, and society. As body image is based on a social construct of ideal body image, it is essential to evaluate it in its cultural context.MethodsThe current study explored the relationship among body image perception, perceived stress, eating disorder behaviour and quality of life among female medical students (n = 777). Measurements included Body Shape Questionnaire, Body Image Quality of Life Inventory, Eating Attitudes Test-26 and Rosenberg Self-Esteem Scale. Multivariate analysis was conducted.ResultsThere was a significant correlation between eating disorder behaviour and perceived body shape, body image, quality of life and self-esteem among our study participants. We also found eating disorder status was significantly associated with BMI, perceived body shape, quality of life and self-esteem.ConclusionsThis is of clinical implication to female medical students and healthcare professionals to engage early in primary and secondary prevention of eating pathologies. Increasing awareness of these facts among female students can help identify at-risk students and help them seek timely medical help.

Body image construction and mental health levels among college students: a data survey of Chinese university students.

With the rapid changes in body image construction brought about by the upgrading of consumption in China, trend-seeking college students are faced with mental health problems brought about by the pursuit of the "ideal body type," which cannot be ignored. This study aims to explore the relationship between body image construction and mental health among college students. This study utilized data from the Survey on Physical Activity and Mental Health of College Students. A total of 1,192 students were randomly selected as the survey sample, and 1,044 valid samples were obtained. The mean age of the respondents was 19.34 years. First, we categorized body image constructs into three categories based on the differences between subjective and objective body image: high acceptance, low acceptance, and consistency. Second, to ensure analytical rigor and minimize potential confounders, we used a generalized propensity score weighting model. Finally, we used a causal mediation framework to investigate the potential causal mechanisms between the independent variable (perceived body image bias) and the dependent variable (mental health) in order to better understand the "net effect." (1) There is a significant correlation between college students' body image perceptual bias and mental health, i.e., the higher the individual's acceptance of his/her own body image, the higher the level of mental health, and vice versa. (2) Students in humanities and social sciences are more likely to have increased psychological burden due to poor negative body image. (3) In the mediation analysis, although the causal mediating effect of physical exercise was not significant, family and peer support in physical exercise played an important mediating role, especially the influence of peers was more significant. The construction of body image is a double-edged sword that can either promote positive individual development or lead to self-depreciation. Creating a positive climate for physical activity has a positive impact on college students' mental health compared to participation in physical activity behaviors. While improving students' media literacy on college campuses, it is important to enhance adaptive guidance to promote their physical and mental health and personal development.

Body appreciation around the world: Measurement invariance of the Body Appreciation Scale-2 (BAS-2) across 65 nations, 40 languages, gender identities, and age

The Body Appreciation Scale-2 (BAS-2) is a widely used measure of a core facet of the positive body image construct. However, extant research concerning measurement invariance of the BAS-2 across a large number of nations remains limited. Here, we utilised the Body Image in Nature (BINS) dataset – with data collected between 2020 and 2022 – to assess measurement invariance of the BAS-2 across 65 nations, 40 languages, gender identities, and age groups. Multi-group confirmatory factor analysis indicated that full scalar invariance was upheld across all nations, languages, gender identities, and age groups, suggesting that the unidimensional BAS-2 model has widespread applicability. There were large differences across nations and languages in latent body appreciation, while differences across gender identities and age groups were negligible-to-small. Additionally, greater body appreciation was significantly associated with higher life satisfaction, being single (versus being married or in a committed relationship), and greater rurality (versus urbanicity). Across a subset of nations where nation-level data were available, greater body appreciation was also significantly associated with greater cultural distance from the United States and greater relative income inequality. These findings suggest that the BAS-2 likely captures a near-universal conceptualisation of the body appreciation construct, which should facilitate further cross-cultural research.

The Relationship between Body Image, Disability and Mental Health in Patients with Multiple Sclerosis.

Multiple sclerosis is a progressive degenerative disorder that frequently involves the development of physical and emotional changes, including loss of limb function or sensitivity, sexual dysfunction, and cognitive and mood alterations. It is likely that these alterations lead to changes in body aspects. However, knowledge about body image perception in multiple sclerosis is lacking. The present study investigated the relationship between body image perception and its correlation with a disability, neuropsychiatric symptoms, and self-esteem. A total of 100 outpatients with relapsing-remitting multiple sclerosis underwent neurological assessment using the Expanded Disability Status Scale. Participants also completed the Body Image Scale (BIS), Rosenberg Self-Esteem Scale (RSES), and Symptom Checklist-90-Revised (SCL-90-R). We found a significant positive correlation between body image and disability (r = 0.21; p = 0.03), body image and self-esteem (r = -0.52; p < 0.001), body image and somatization (r = 0.44; p < 0.001), body image and depression (r = 0.57; p < 0.001), and body image and anxiety (r = 0.5; p < 0.001). The body is considered one of the main parts of a person's identity. Dissatisfaction with one's own body changes the general evaluation of the "self". The body image construct has important health outcomes and should be studied more in patients with multiple sclerosis.

Body Image, Media Influences, and Situational Dysphoria in Individuals with Visible Physical Disabilities.

Body image in individuals with visible physical disabilities appears to be an important area of research and investigation, which has received little attention over the years. The purpose of the current descriptive, cross-sectional study was to investigate relationships between the body image construct, possible media influences on body image satisfaction, self-esteem, and the novel variable of situational body image dysphoria in individuals with visible physical disabilities. One hundred fifty-four men and women responded to the measures of interest. Results indicated that appearance satisfaction, weight-related anxiety, pressures from the media, and the internalization of the thin ideal were significant predictors of situational body image dysphoria. Additionally, when controlling for type of disability, females face more difficulties concerning only some of the variables of interest. These findings have important implications for practice with regards to screening measures, the education of healthcare professionals, as well as intervention and rehabilitation programs.

A feeling difficult to identify: Alexithymia is inversely associated with positive body image in adults from the United Kingdom

BackgroundResearch has increasingly examined the ways in which internal bodily experiences influence body image, including the relationship between alexithymia – the reduced ability to identify and describe one's own emotional feelings and bodily sensations – and negative body image. However, relationships between facets of alexithymia and positive body image remain unexplored. MethodsTo bridge this gap in the literature, we assessed relationships between facets of alexithymia and multiple, core indices of positive body image in an online sample of adults from the United Kingdom. A total of 395 participants (226 women, 169 men) aged 18 to 84 years completed measures of alexithymia, body appreciation, functionality appreciation, body image flexibility, body acceptance by others, and positive rational acceptance. ResultsOnce the effects of age had been accounted for, alexithymia was significantly and negatively associated with all five body image constructs in hierarchical multiple regressions. In the final models, the alexithymia facet of Difficulties Identifying Feeling emerged as a significant and negative predictor of all indices of positive body image. LimitationsThe use of cross-sectional data limits the causal conclusions that can be drawn. ConclusionsThese findings extend previous work by demonstrating the unique relationship between alexithymia and positive body image, providing important implications for body image research and practice.

Body image and autism: A scoping review

BackgroundAccumulating research has broadened our understanding of body image across novel populations, and attention is turning towards exploring how autistic individuals experience their body. However, to date, there has been no synthesis of the body image and autism literature. This scoping review provides an overview of the emerging literature which focuses on body image and autism. MethodsPubMed, MEDLINE, EMBASE, CINAHL Plus, and APA PsychInfo were searched using the Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-analysis Scoping Review (PRISMA-ScR) guidelines. A total of n = 8 studies (3 cross-sectional, 1 experimental, 4 qualitative) met the inclusion criteria. These were examined to identify what is known from original empirical research, theoretical standpoints, and experiential perspectives. ResultsOverall, findings suggest there is a significant relationship between indices of negative body image (e.g., body dissatisfaction) and autistic traits. This review also suggests that autistic individuals experience both negative and positive aspects of body image, informed by autism-specific factors such as differences in social communication, information processing, and sensory sensitivities. The extant research is, however, limited to either neurotypical samples or autistic individuals in clinical contexts (e.g., eating disorders, weight management). ConclusionThis review identifies a paucity of robust research investigating body image and autism. Future research is encouraged to investigate the construct of body image in the actual autistic population more comprehensively, as doing so holds important implications for research and research-informed practice.

Exploring the interplay between fat talk, social media use and body image among young women: New opportunities for health education?

Background: ‘Fat Talk’, or the act of negatively discussing one’s own or another person’s body, is linked to body image constructs, body dissatisfaction, low self-esteem and disordered eating. The spaces in which young women talk about the body are changing, as social media use escalates. Understanding the interplay between social media use, body image and fat talk, in different contexts, is needed. Method: Focus group interviews were used to explore how young women (aged 15–19) experience fat talk while using social media and the possible effect on body image constructs. Using purposive convenience sampling, young women who regularly used social media and were living in an inner city of England were recruited. Thematic analysis was used for analysis and six themes were identified, both a priori and inductively, to explore the interplay between them. Findings: Over 35 women were successfully recruited into the study, with 18 of these finally participating in focus group interviews. Among participants, social media use was linked to increased self-evaluation of the body, engagement in social comparative behaviour and negative self-talk about the body. Although fat talk was reportedly common and widespread, it was unacceptable in the online space. However, body talk, other than size or shape, was permissible. Conclusion: Fat talk can be divisive; however, if it becomes unacceptable in the online space, negative self-talk may increase. If fat talk is replaced by an all-encompassing ‘body talk’, then this too may exacerbate existing pressures on young people and their mental health and well-being. Understanding the relationship between social media, body dissatisfaction and body talk may provide new opportunities for health education to promote a more constructive prevention discourse of the body, including body talk, in or around the online space.

Women’s response to, awareness of, and interest in body functionality content on Instagram

Body functionality is an emerging positive body image construct which may help women value what their body can do, rather than how it looks. In this online experimental study, we examined women’s responses to functionality content on Instagram. Young women (N = 318, Mage =22.19) viewed one of four types of Instagram posts: functionality text and images, functionality text overlaid on fitspiration images, standard fitspiration images, or cityscapes. They completed pre- and post-test state measures of appearance and functionality satisfaction and self-care intent, and post-test social comparison. Familiarity with contemporary social media trends and interest in functionality content were also assessed. Surprisingly, appearance and functionality satisfaction were highest after viewing the functionality and functionality with fitspiration images. Social comparison did not differ between conditions. Women were familiar with body positive concepts, except body functionality, although they expressed interest in this content. We conclude body functionality content would be useful to include in women’s social media feeds.

Understanding the role of positive body image during digital interventions for eating disorders: Secondary analyses of a randomized controlled trial

Despite growing interest in the possible link between positive body image and eating disorder (ED) symptoms, little is known about what role this adaptive construct plays in ED treatment. This study investigated whether: (1) interventions principally designed to target ED psychopathology also lead to improvements in positive body image indices (i.e., body appreciation, functionality appreciation, and body image flexibility); (2) changes in ED symptoms correlate with changes in positive body image, both concurrently and prospectively; and (3) baseline positive body image levels moderate the degree of symptom improvement. Secondary analyses from a randomized controlled trial on digital interventions for EDs (n=600) were conducted. Intervention participants reported greater increases in the three positive body image constructs than the control group (ds=0.15-0.41). Greater pre-post reductions in ED psychopathology and binge eating were associated with greater pre-post improvements in positive body image indices. However, earlier reductions in ED psychopathology and binge eating did not predict later improvements in positive body image at follow-up. None of the positive body image constructs at baseline moderated degree of symptom change. Standard ED interventions can cultivate a more positive body image, although this is not explained by earlier symptom reduction. Understanding the mechanisms through which ED interventions enhance positive body image is needed.

Adolescent girls’ Instagram and TikTok use: Examining relations with body image-related constructs over time using random intercept cross-lagged panel models

The literature on body image ramifications of girls’ uses of appearance-focused social media (ASM) is limited, and even non-existing in terms of TikTok uses. With this brief report, we aimed to fill this gap in the literature by analyzing three waves of data on girls’ ASM use and body image-related constructs (i.e., internalization of beauty ideals and body image self-discrepancy) using random-intercept cross-lagged panel models (RI-CLPMs). The total sample consisted of 229 girls (Mage = 15.12, SD = 1.50). Controlling for age and body mass index (BMI), the RI-CLPMs revealed that neither TikTok nor Instagram were predictive of subsequent increases or decreases in internalization of beauty ideals and body image self-discrepancy. Lower scores on body image self-discrepancy at W2 (i.e., wanting to have a thinner body) did predict higher uses of Instagram at W3. No evidence for between-person effects was garnered. The results enrich our knowledge on long-term implications of girls’ Instagram and TikTok use for their body image. They further underline the need for research that more specifically disentangles the role of different appearance-related activities on social media and their impact on girls’ body image constructs.

The Relationship between Body Appreciation and Health Behaviors among Women and Adolescent Girls: A Scoping Review.

Literature on body image and health behaviors has largely been pathology-based, investigating body dissatisfaction and disordered eating. Body appreciation is a useful construct of positive body image and has been used to understand its relationship with health behaviors beyond eating. This scoping review explores the literature on the relationship between body appreciation and physical health-promoting behaviors and health-compromising behaviors. A comprehensive search of databases was conducted to gather correlational studies written in English between January 2005 and November 2019. Behaviors related to eating and exercise were excluded. Nine quantitative studies met inclusion criteria. Evidence suggests an overall positive relationship between body appreciation and health-promoting behaviors, including preventive sexual health behaviors, preventive cancer behaviors, and seeking medical attention. Alternatively, body appreciation is negatively associated with health-compromising behaviors including risky sexual activity and alcohol and tobacco use. Promoting positive body image, above and beyond the reduction of body dissatisfaction, may play a crucial role in the health and well-being of women and girls. Research that examines positive body image in groups that are racially diverse and include sexual and gender minorities and people without healthcare access is urgently needed.

Body Image Disturbance in Female Adolescents Using Online Learning Platforms: A Concept Analysis

Aim&#x0D; To analyze the concept of body image disturbance in female adolescents using online learning platforms as a phenomenon of interest to nurse practitioners and other health care practitioners.&#x0D; Background&#x0D; With the declaration of the COVID-19 pandemic, the use of online learning platforms as a primary mode of learning has increased exponentially among adolescents. While research is still lacking in this field, the literature on traditional social media suggests that these online learning platforms may negatively influence body image and emotional outcomes. Particularly vulnerable to these outcomes are female adolescents, whose construction of own body image is highly influenced by their self-perceived evaluation from their peers. While the concept of body image disturbance is well defined in adolescent eating disorders, it has not been characterized in the context of online learning platforms. Defining the concept of body image disturbance in this context is crucial for recognizing its occurrence and providing early intervention.&#x0D; Methods&#x0D; The Walker and Avant method of concept analysis was used to analyze the concept.&#x0D; Findings&#x0D; The defining attributes of body image disturbance among female adolescents using online learning platforms are: (1) Viewing a digitally distorted image of oneself and feeling displeasure with the perceived appearance; (2) Self-surveillance of one’s appearance; and (3) Upward comparison of one’s appearance with others and experiencing feelings of inadequacy.&#x0D; Conclusion&#x0D; As COVID-19 continues to disrupt the traditional school experience, nurse practitioners can use the presented scenarios, along with examples of questionnaires noted in this study, to recognize and delineate the occurrence of body image disturbance in female adolescents using online learning platforms. A standardized definition of the concept will enable nurse practitioners to recognize its occurrence and to provide interventions in a timely manner.

Obesity, Body Image Dissatisfaction, and Sexual Dysfunction: A Narrative Review

With approximately two-thirds of the United States adult population classified as overweight or obese, obesity remains a critical public health concern. Obesity not only contributes to several health complications including type 2 diabetes mellitus and cardiovascular disease, but the condition is also associated with sexual dysfunction in both women and men. Despite evidence linking obesity and its concomitant pathophysiology to sexual problems, the potential roles of psychosocial factors such as body image are understudied. This narrative review evaluates the research linkages between obesity and sexual dysfunction, with particular attention to the potential effects of body image dissatisfaction. A literature search of biomedical and psychological databases was used to identify research pertaining to obesity, sexual function, and/or body image constructs. The pathophysiological effects of obesity on sexual function are well-documented in mechanistic studies and animal trials, often with corroboration in human clinical samples. However, very few studies examine obesity, body image, and sexual function in tandem. Body image dissatisfaction appears to independently impinge upon the sexual response cycle and mental health outcomes, irrespective of body weight. While obesity is often associated with negative body image appraisal, it is unclear whether these constructs exert additive, synergistic, or antagonistic effects on sexual responsivity. Additionally, overweight/obese individuals who exhibit higher levels of body image satisfaction or self-confidence appear to be protected from the deleterious effects of obesity on sexual satisfaction, at least to some extent. Greater reliance upon conceptual/theoretical models from the body image literature may better clarify the relationships between these constructs.

Chronic illness and body image construction, the aesthetic concern of the adolescent

Chronic illnesses, such as diabetes, have an impact on the body, but also on the psyche, disturbing the body image of the child or adolescent. This must be integrated into their"growing up process". To this end, health care professionals specialising in these populations provide the most appropriate support during these periods of doubt and uncertainty.