Body Image In Girls Research Articles

Body Image and Physical Activity and the Diet of Polish Youth Aged 15–18

Adolescence is a crucial stage in the biological, psychological, and social development of humans. During this period, perceptions of one's body and behaviors are formed. The aim of the study was to investigate body image (BI) and its relationship with physical activity and selected eating habits in adolescents. The study included 312 people (102 girls (32.69%) and 210 boys (67.31%)) aged 15-18. As many as 40% of the girls and 27% of the boys reported feeling dissatisfied with their body mass. BI was negatively perceived by the adolescents, with girls being more critical than boys. Lack of acceptance of one's body mass negatively affects overall BI in girls, and only the functional aspects in boys. Negative perception of body mass in girls does not motivate them to increase physical activity but rather causes them to adopt dietary restrictions.

Body image and health-related behaviors among fitspirit participants

BackgroundBody image variables such as body size perception (BSP) and body size dissatisfaction (BSD) can influence health-related behaviors. However, few studies have investigated these body image variables in adolescent girls participating in a physical activity intervention. Therefore, the study objectives were to examine the 1) associations between health-related behaviors (physical activity, screen-time, eating habits and sleep duration) and BSP and BSD among girls participating in FitSpirit, a physical activity intervention for girls; and 2) influence of weight control practices on the association between health-related behaviors and BSP and BSD.MethodsThis cross-sectional study assessed a sample of 545 adolescent girls (mean age: 15.0±1.5 years) from 240 schools. Body mass index, health-related behaviors, perceived actual body size and desired body size variables were self-reported and collected via an online questionnaire at the end of the FitSpirit intervention. A negative BSP score [perceived actual body size – calculated BMI z-score] indicates an underestimation of body size. A positive BSD score [perceived actual body size – desired body size] indicates a desire to reduce body size. A multiple linear regression analysis examined the effects of age, zBMI and health behaviors on BSP and BSD. A second multiple linear regression analysis examined the independent associations between BSP and BSD by weight control practice. The linear relationships between BSP and BSD were evaluated with Pearson’s correlations.ResultsUnderestimation and dissatisfaction of body size are more prevalent in participants living with overweight/obesity. Screen-time and sleep duration were independently associated with BSP score (Beta=0.02; P<0.05 and Beta=-0.07; P<0.05, respectively), whereas only screen-time was associated with the BSD score (Beta=0.07; P<0.001). Physical activity was independently associated with the BSP score only in participants trying to control (maintain) their weight (Beta=-0.18; P<0.05).ConclusionsBody size overestimation and dissatisfaction are associated with health-related behaviors, specifically with more screen-time and less optimal sleeping habits. Physical activity level does not appear to be associated with body image in girls engaged in a physical activity intervention and who want to lose or gain weight. Health promotion interventions could include screen-time and sleep components as they may influence body image.

Сприймання образу власного тіла дівчатами юнацького віку з різним типом харчової поведінки

The article presents the results of theoretical and empirical study of the peculiarities of the perceptions of the image of their own body by young girls with different types of eating behavior. A meaningful analysis of the concept of "body image", "body diagram", identified factors that determine the formation of these phenomena of human corporeality. The concepts of eating behavior, types of eating behavior and the relationship between the phenomena of corporeality and eating behavior of the individual are defined. The age-related, personal and social determinants of the formation of eating behavior and the factors of its disorders are described. The results of an empirical study of the peculiarities of the perception of own body image in girls with different types of eating behavior and the level of alexethymia are presented.

Anxiety, self-esteem and body image in girls with precocious puberty

Currently, the age of onset for pubertal changes is decreasing, especially in girls, which may have an impact on psychosocial factors such as anxiety, self-esteem and body image. The aim of the present study is to compare these variables in two groups: a group of 15 girls with precocious puberty and a group of 16 girls of the same age without precocious puberty. A non-experimental descriptive design was used and the State-Trait Anxiety Inventory for Children (STAIC) and Self-Description Questionnaire (SDQ) were used to measure variables. Significant differences were found in Anxiety and Body Image levels between groups, but there were no differences in Self-Esteem levels. In conclusion, the findings show girls with early onset pubertal changes present high anxiety levels and negative body image compared to girls who start pubertal changes at the normal time.

The Association between Body Mass Index and Physical Activity, and Body Image, Self Esteem and Social Support in Adolescents with Type 1 Diabetes

To examine the associations between body mass index (BMI) and physical activity with body image, self-esteem and social support in adolescents with type 1 diabetes compared to adolescents without health conditions. We studied 46 adolescents with type 1 diabetes and 27 comparison adolescents who provided self-reports of height and weight, which were used to calculate BMI z-scores. Participants also completed validated questionnaires that assessed physical activity, body image, self-esteem and social support. No significant group differences were found between adolescents with type 1 diabetes and comparison adolescents in terms of BMI and physical activity. Examination of group and gender revealed that higher BMI was significantly associated with a less positive body image in girls with diabetes only. Higher BMI was associated with poorer self-esteem and lower levels of social support in adolescents with diabetes, particularly girls. Higher levels of physical activity were not associated with a more positive body image and no significant associations were found between physical activity and self-esteem or social support. BMI and physical activity levels of adolescents with type 1 diabetes do not differ from those of adolescents without diabetes. Higher BMI is associated with a less positive body image and poorer psychosocial outcomes, particularly in girls with diabetes. As body image concerns and various psychosocial factors could be precursors to the development of eating-disorder symptoms, future research in adolescents with diabetes with higher BMIs should examine the associations among these variables. Further, it is essential that research on body image take into account gender differences.

Toward a Theoretical Model of Women's Body Image Resilience

Body image dissatisfaction is prevalent among girls and women. Girls as young as 6 years old experience negative body image, and there is evidence that women struggle with body concerns throughout life cycle (Lewis & Cachelin, 2001; Smolak, 2002; Striegel-Moore & Franko, 2002). In fact, women in mid-life and as older adults report dissatisfaction with their body and are dieting to lose weight (Whitbourne & Skultety, 2002). It is becoming increasingly clear that there is a normative discontent (Rodin, Silberstein, & Striegel-Moore, 1985) that women experience with regard to their body. Body image experiences can adversely affect a woman's quality of life, because amount of time, energy, and money she spends on beauty enhancement can restrict her opportunities to develop other aspects of her identity (Strachan & Cash, 2002; Striegel-Moore & Franko, 2002). There is a relationship between negative body image and a variety of psychosocial problems. First, body image dissatisfaction is among most empirically supported risk factors for maladaptive eating practices (Cooley & Toray, 2001). Second, negative body image is associated with poor self-esteem, anxiety about social evaluation, public self-consciousness, depression, and sexual inhibition (Ackard, Kearney-Cooke, & Peterson, 2000; Lavin & Cash, 2000; Wiederman & Pryor, 2000). Finally, body image dissatisfaction is primary precursor for development of eating disorders such as anorexia nervosa and bulimia (Polivy & Herman, 2002). Although considerable research has been dedicated to study of eating disorders, there is less literature available for counselors regarding daily, lived experiences of millions of women who struggle with body image concerns (Striegel-Moore & Cachelin, 1999). There is also a dearth of research that has examined protective factors that buffer some women from development of negative body image (Cash, 2002; Striegel-Moore & Cachelin, 1999; Taylor & Altman, 1997). If approximately half of all women are dissatisfied with their weight and overall appearance (Cash, 2002; Muth & Cash, 1997), then questions remain regarding other half of women who do not develop concerns with their body. Cash (2002) argued for a paradigm shift away from study of body image as pathology and proposed a move toward understanding the trajectories whereby people create fulfilling experiences of embodiment (p. 45). This shift should examine role of protective factors and resilience by exploring life experiences and personality traits that build resistance to strong cultural pressures that influence women to be dissatisfied with their body (Cash & Pruzinsky, 2002). Specialists in prevention field have also called for research regarding body image resilience. According to National Institute of Mental Health (Reiss & Price, 1996; Taylor & Altman, 1997), prevention initiatives in area of eating disorders should emphasize ways in which protective factors can be targeted and enhanced in girls and women. Because counselors possess a prevention focus and an orientation toward normal growth and development, they are well situated to take lead in designing approaches that strengthen protective factors. The counseling profession's emphasis on wellness and holistic approaches that build on positive resources of clients (Gale & Austin, 2003; Myers, Sweeney, & White, 2002; Myers, Sweeney, & Witmer, 2000) can also be aligned with research and interventions regarding resilience. By understanding experiences of sizeable minority of women who develop a positive body image, counselors can more effectively work to enhance protective factors in their prevention and counseling interventions with all girls and women. The purpose of this article is to first conduct a review of recent literature related to development of body image in girls and women. …