Body Image Issues Research Articles

Body Shaming in Online Space: Systematic Review

The main aim of this research paper is to synthesize previous studies and offer a thorough review of the selected body shaming research. Our study summarized the findings of 9 studies that addressed the issues of body shaming, body image, and appreance dissatisfaction in relation to the online space among adolescents and young adults. A systematic review and meta-analysis were conducted following the PRISMA guidelines. In the study, we primarily focused on the age and gender of the participants, protective and risk factors as well as the consequences in connection with the investigated issue. Consequences included low self-esteem, negative feelings related to one's body image, anxiety, depression, shame, comparison, perfectionism about physical appearance, editing photos before sharing on social networks, etc. Interventions discuss positive results in self-compassion, which is directly related to body shaming and body-esteem from previous consequences. Aim The main aim of this research paper is to synthesize previous studies and offer a thorough review of the selected body shaming research. The frequent mentions of terms related to body image and self-esteem in the context of online media suggest a variety of negative consequences for individuals which speaks to the importance of mental health support for those affected by these issues . Methods This study summarized the findings of 9 studies that addressed the issues of body shaming, body image, and appreance dissatisfaction in relation to the online space among adolescents and young adults. The methodology describes the data collection procedure using the ASReview Lab system. A systematic review and meta-analysis were conducted following the PRISMA guidelines. The review we present includes a descriptive analysis of the data. The search strategy included searching abstracts of relevant studies. Automatic random selection was used to identify eligible studies. Abstracts were categorized as relevant or irrelevant according to the keywords entered. The selection process continued until a stopping criterion was reached. ResultsIn the study, we primarily focused on the age and gender of the participants, protective and risk factors as well as the consequences in connection with the investigated issue. Consequences included low self-esteem, negative feelings related to one's body image, anxiety, depression, shame, comparison, perfectionism about physical appearance, editing photos before sharing on social networks, etc. We perceive a correlation with individual consequences and interventions. Striving for positive changes and interventions can be considered as a direct response to the negative consequences mentioned above, such as body shame, low self-esteem, negative body perception, etc. Interventions discuss positive results in self-compassion, which is directly related to body shaming and body-esteem from previous consequences. Similarly, interventions with positive effects on body image are related to several already mentioned consequences, such as worse body image, dissatisfaction with appearance and negative perception of one's own body. Conclusions: The findings suggest an equally high need for prevention strategies and educational interventions that promote media literacy and critical thinking skills for safer interactions in the online space among adolescents and young adults. We believe that our study will be an inspiration for further research, either by supplementing the systematic review with additional studies or empirical interventions in the form of prevention or interventions in connection with the examined issue of physical appearance and online space.

ANALYSIS OF THE PERCEPTION OF BODY IMAGE IN FIT KID ATHLETES

The aim of this research was to analyze the degree of dissatisfaction with body image—defined as the dissatisfaction resulting from the difference between the desired silhouette and the perceived one—among Fit Kid athletes. The study compared data based on age ranges and levels of competition and examined the possible association between higher weight and BMI with increased concern for body image. The Body Shape Questionnaire (BSQ) was used, and data were analyzed using the SPSS 28.0 statistical package. The main findings reveal a higher degree of body image dissatisfaction at the highest level of competition (national level) and among athletes with higher BMI and weight. Specifically, the factor with the highest scores was body dissatisfaction with the lower body. This suggests a higher risk of body image issues in late adolescence and at higher competitive levels, as well as among athletes with higher BMI values. These findings could offer valuable insights for coaches, who might address these issues through collaboration with nutritionists and sports psychologists.

Development of a risk index for cognitive decline predicted by adverse radiation events and diet in older oral cancer patients

Professor Norimasa Ogama, Faculty of Nursing, Soka University, is interested in how symptoms such as dry mouth and changes in taste in elderly oral cancer patients could predict the risk of decline in cognitive function with the use of different sensory food experiences. He is developing an index to predict this. While previously at the Department of Head and Neck Surgery, Aichi Cancer Center Hospital, Ogama saw a range of problems among patients caused by radiation and chemotherapy, including reduced eating and swallowing function, changes in body image and ongoing issues with being able to eat and speak. He began to consider how it might be possible to improve quality of life for such patients, including the ability to enjoy food. This inspired him to work to develop an oral rehabilitation programme that takes into account post-operative life evaluation and its influencing factors in order to significantly increase patientsâ–™ life satisfaction. Ogama and the team are developing a risk index for cognitive decline predicted by the adverse events of radiation and the diet of elderly patients with oral cancer. The goal is to accurately determine the risk of cognitive decline early based on changes to eating preferences and the taste of food, as well as worsening of oral mucositis and symptoms of dry mouth due to radiation therapy. This will be done through the concept of ‘eating deliciously’, based on personal preferences and characteristics.

Navigating the challenging storms of cancer management in a national cancer centre: perspectives of female patients

BackgroundBreast, cervical, and ovarian cancers are among the top ten global cancers, affecting women, with age-standardized rates per 100,000 being 47.8 for breast, 13.3 for cervical, and 6.6 for ovarian cancer. The journey from cancer symptoms, through diagnosis and treatment, to survivorship, presents numerous challenges. These challenges encompass physical, psychological, and social aspects, significantly impacting patients' quality of life. It is crucial for research to explore not only the challenges faced by patients but also the strategies they employ to cope with these obstacles.MethodsThis study employed a cross-sectional qualitative approach. Twenty respondents, aged between 15 and 45 years and had been diagnosed with a reproductive cancer (breast, ovarian, or cervical), and were either undergoing treatment or had completed treatment within one year of the study period were purposively selected. Respondents were interviewed using a semi-structured interview guide. A thematic analysis was conducted on twenty in-depth interviews (IDIs) to understand the challenges and support systems for cancer patients.ResultsThe study identified two principal themes: the challenges faced by patients and the available support systems. The findings are based on patient narratives regarding the obstacles encountered during diagnosis, treatment, and follow-up, along with the mitigation strategies employed. Patients reported a range of challenges, categorized into financial and non-financial. Prominent among the non-financial challenges were psychological distress, body image issues, reduced sexual drive, and overall health deterioration. Support was primarily found through personal relationships and religious or spiritual beliefs.ConclusionThe research highlights the extensive psychological and social effects of cancer and it’s treatment. The study revealed the intertwined nature of financial difficulties and non-financial challenges, emphasizing the importance of social support, including religious, family, healthcare, and peer support. The findings suggest that a comprehensive, multidisciplinary management plan which encompasses both medical and supportive care is required to enhance patient well-being.

Understanding the body image perception of pregnant women during their third trimester in a tertiary care setting in Southern India

BackgroundPregnancy is a known physiological phenomenon characterized by various changes in the body. The physical and physiological changes that occur during pregnancy may impact the body image which may lead to implications such as body image issues or poor eating habits among pregnant women. This study aimed to analyze the body image perception of pregnant women in their third trimester.MethodsThis cross-sectional survey which involved the administration of a Multidimensional Body Self-Relations Questionnaire (MBSRQ), was conducted among pregnant women between 28 and 40 weeks of gestation in a tertiary care setting in Southern India. Descriptive statistics were used to report the demographic characteristics of the respondents. A one-sample t-test was used to analyze the difference between the present sample scores and the published norms of MBSRQ. Univariate Logistic Regression was done to find the association between the demographic variables and subdomains of MBSRQ.ResultsThe mean age of the respondents (n = 246) was 29.5 years, and the period of gestation was 33.4 weeks. With mean scores of subscales of MSRQ as reference values, a greater proportion of women had higher scores on appearance orientation (52.44%), health evaluation (56.91%), and illness orientation (55.28%). Respondents scored less on appearance evaluation (52.03%) and body areas satisfaction scale (50.41%). The study found that pre-pregnancy BMI, abdominal circumference, and weight gain during pregnancy were associated with appearance orientation, overweight preoccupation, and self-classified weight. Health evaluation was associated with weight gain and Instagram use, while moderate-intensity physical activity during pregnancy was associated with higher health orientation.ConclusionAlthough pregnant women in our setting during the third trimester were oriented towards their appearance and considered themselves healthy and fit, almost half of the respondents reported dissatisfaction with their changing bodies and appearance. Self-reported physical activity status, body mass index, weight gain, level of education, use of Instagram app, and type of family were factors found to affect pregnant body image perception. Hence, we conclude that body image perception is affected during pregnancy, and healthcare professionals should be aware of this, and the factors associated with it while addressing the health of pregnant women.Clinical trial registration detailsThe study was registered under the Clinical Trials Registry- India: CTRI/2023/08/056524. https://ctri.nic.in/Clinicaltrials/rmaindet.php?trialid=89771&EncHid=39880.12369&modid=1&compid=19.

Contemporary reflections on William Gull's case studies of anorexia nervosa, 150years on.

To analyse and compare the original four published anorexia nervosa (AN) case histories of William Gull with modern-day approaches. Case histories of the patients described by Gull were reviewed and placed in a tabulated format (which included demographics, clinical presentation, treatment, and prognosis) along with his general comments on AN, for easier comparison. Many of the presenting features of AN are similar to cases seen in more modern times but lack weight or body image disturbances. The cases described by Gull can be categorised as AN under the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual-Fifth Edition (DSM-5) and the Text Revision (DSM-5-TR) however, they were excluded by the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual-Fourth Edition (DSM-IV) and the International Classification of Diseases-10th Revision (ICD-10) criteria. Reference to Gull's work might have avoided the necessary change in diagnostic criteria. 150years on, Gull's cases resemble presentations of AN without weight or body image issues and emphasise the heterogeneity of the diagnostic conceptualisation of AN in the modern era. Nutritional rehabilitation remains core to the treatment with other interventions supporting this goal while aetiology remains elusive.

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.

Childhood emotional maltreatment and emerging adults’ body dissatisfaction: Self-compassion and body surveillance as explanatory mechanisms

The association between childhood emotional maltreatment and body dissatisfaction has been widely identified. However, the explanatory mechanisms for this association remain unclear. Guided by the Stress Process Model, the present study tested the potential mediating roles of self-compassion and body surveillance in the associations between emotional maltreatment (i.e., emotional abuse and neglect) and body dissatisfaction. Three-wave, self-report survey data were collected from 668 Chinese young adults (66.8 % female, Mage = 19.96 years old, SD = 1.25) with a 6-month between-wave interval. Results demonstrated that childhood emotional neglect (recalled at Time 1) was positively associated with body dissatisfaction (at Time 3) through a serial mediating pathway from self-compassion (at Time 1) to body surveillance (at Time 2). In contrast, no links involving childhood emotional abuse were identified. Findings suggest that the compromised emotion regulation capacity related to self-care and the subsequent self-objectification could be key processes through which childhood emotional deprivation would be positively associated with later body dissatisfaction. Accordingly, prevention and intervention efforts aimed at combating young adults’ body image issues with early adversity of emotional deprivation could integrate emotion regulation training (that can enhance self-care) and cognitive-behavioral techniques (that may reduce body surveillance) into extant programs to enhance effectiveness.

Developmental Pathways and Adjustment of Adult Women Who Experienced Early Pubertal Development: A Mixed-Method Approach

Early maturation among girls is a major stressful event that might affect their development and wellbeing during the adolescent years. However, the research literature is inconsistent as to whether the impact of early maturation among girls continues into their adult life. Taking a narrative approach, 45 adult women were interviewed and asked to describe their developmental life history following early maturation. Further, they reported on their wellbeing and body image. Analysis of the interviews yielded three developmental pathways: women for whom early maturation still impacts their daily life; women who were able to cope with the premature puberty and function well, but are still bothered by issues of body image; and women for whom early maturation served as an incentive for personal growth, who reported a high level of wellbeing, and comfort with their body. Findings underscore the importance of considering individual differences and different pathways of development among individuals.

Social comparison on Instagram, and its relationship with self-esteem and body-esteem

BackgroundPrevious research has shown that online social comparison can affect perceptions of self-esteem and body image.Purpose of the studyThis study focussed on social comparison on Instagram and its relationship with levels of self-esteem and body-esteem.Materials and methodsLevels of self-esteem and body-esteem were measured using self-report questionnaires, before and after viewing Instagram images eliciting upward, downward, or no comparison.ResultsStatistical analysis showed self-esteem and body-esteem scores significantly increased after downward comparison, with no change in scores following a neutral condition. Body-esteem scores significantly decreased after upward comparison, whilst self-esteem scores did not. Support for social comparison theory is provided.ConclusionsFuture research and implications are discussed, such as educating young people about posting and viewing of overly positive images on social media. Social media organisations could provide access to resources which provide advice about mental health issues and support for individuals wanting to discuss body image issues. Future research could potentially establish if participants’ views about eating change after engaging in differing levels of social comparison on Instagram.

“Tell me I’m okay”: A cross-sectional quality-of-life assessment of patients in a breast cancer survivorship program.

213 Background: The number of breast cancer survivors is increasing due to improvements in care and an aging population, leading to an increased need for care that addresses the physical and psychological needs of patients after completion of active treatment. The Sunnybrook Breast Cancer Survivorship Program was established to provide comprehensive evidence-based survivorship care and facilitate the transition to family doctors. Despite rising interest in dedicated survivorship care, there is little consensus regarding which individuals are likely to suffer the most long-term impacts of breast cancer treatment. Factors as varied as age, ethnicity, socioeconomic status, and treatment type can influence Quality-of-Life (QoL) outcomes. This cross-sectional assessment uses mixed methods to evaluate QoL trends in the patient cohort. Methods: Current patients of the Sunnybrook Breast Cancer Survivorship Program were asked to complete a baseline information form, as well as the EORTC QLQ-30 and BR-45, two validated measures of QoL for breast cancer patients and survivors. QoL, functional, and symptom domains were calculated from these responses accordingly and analyzed statistically. Patients reported their most bothersome QoL concerns through an open-ended questionnaire, which was analyzed and organized thematically. 99 patients have been recruited to date, of a planned 200. Results: We find that sexual health is of importance for this population, with 50 (50.5%) participants reporting sexual activity. Patients under 50 have poorer sexual functioning scores (p<0.01) as well as more issues with body image (p<0.05) than older survivors. Both married and under-50 patients are significantly more likely to have poorer outlooks on the future (p<0.05; p<0.01). Younger patients also tended to have worse role functioning, cognitive functioning, emotional functioning, and social functioning scores, though these differences were not statistically significant. Thematic analysis of qualitative data showed that patients’ chief concerns were the impact that ongoing side effects had on their daily functioning, impact of treatment on body image, disruptions to work and personal relationships, and strong anxiety about potential recurrence. Conclusions: While it is understood that younger BC survivors face unique challenges, our findings indicate that these obstacles persist into older age groups. In addition to physical side effects, such concerns as body image issues, social strain, and emotional functioning can drive QoL scores for these patients. Notably, many patients endorsed strong anxiety regarding potential recurrence that affected QoL, and identified dedicated survivorship follow-up as an ameliorating factor. Further research should be conducted into the unique needs of under-50 survivors, as well as the role of recurrence anxiety in impacting QoL.

Eating disorders, body image, emotion, and self-esteem in adults: A systematic review

Introduction & Purpose Eating disorders, body image, self-esteem, and emotional issues affect psychological and physical health and often co-occur. Disturbances in body image can trigger and worsen disordered eating behaviours. Emotions and self-esteem are influential factors in both eating disorders and body image issues, impacting their severity and manifestation. The interconnection of eating disorders, body image, emotions, and self-esteem has mostly been studied in adolescents, while there has been less research on the adult population. This systematic review seeks to synthesise existing literature on the comorbidity and coexistence of eating disorders, body image disturbance, emotion, and self-esteem in the adult population. Methods Following the PRISMA guidelines, a systematic search was conducted in scientific databases (PubMed, Scopus, and Web of Science) for articles published between 2010 and 2024 (Figure 1). The selected studies focused on the connections between eating disorders, body image, emotion, and self-esteem in adult populations. Six studies were selected from an initial collection of 1,117 articles, with most female participants representing different racial backgrounds. The study participants were required to be over 18 years old and use standard tools to measure the variables, and only original research with significant results was included. Results Individuals with eating disorders showed higher levels of body dissatisfaction, which was linked with lower self-esteem and emotional dysregulation. Women with bulimia nervosa displayed higher emotion-oriented coping strategies compared to controls, resulting in low self-esteem (Wölfges et al., 2011). Obese patients with binge-eating disorders (BED) had more negative attitudes towards obesity compared to obese individuals without BED, correlating with higher levels of depression and disordered eating behaviours (Barnes et al., 2014). The African American participants reported lower weight bias than white participants (Lewer et al., 2015). Furthermore, body image disturbances were a consistent theme, particularly their role in worsening eating disorders, with findings showing that body dissatisfaction indirectly influenced disordered eating behaviours through its effects on self-esteem and depression (Brechan & Kvalem, 2015). The findings revealed that women are more vulnerable to the negative impacts of body image dissatisfaction and emotional dysregulation on eating disorders (Barnes et al., 2014; Brechan & Kvalem, 2015). Additionally, the impact of weight bias and dissociative experiences during sexual activities, which were linked to binge eating and sexual dissatisfaction, was highlighted (Castellini et al., 2017). Discussion The findings emphasise the connections between self-esteem, body image, emotion, and eating disorders. Professional interventions for eating disorders should consider improving self-esteem and providing adaptive emotion techniques to enhance body image perception. The importance of self-compassion in improving body image and managing eating disorders was also noted (Kelly et al., 2014). More research on adult populations in non-Western countries is needed. Conclusion This review emphasises the relationships between eating disorders, body image, self-esteem, and emotion in adults. Moreover, the combination of strategies that improve emotional regulation, self-esteem, and body image perception within clinical interventions could lead to more practical management of eating disorders in adults. Future research should explore these variables across different cultures with varied research strategies.

Abstract C059: Disparities in psychological distress among colorectal cancer survivors: Impact on emergency room usage and overall mortality

Abstract Introduction: Cancer survivorship often entails considerable psychological distress. Colorectal cancer (CRC) presents distinct stressors including the use of colostomy and multimodality treatments resulting in side effects for many patients. These factors increases the likelihood of social isolation, body image issues, intimacy problems, and marital strain which affect mental health of CRC survivors. However, information about the prevalence of psychological distress in this population and its association with clinical outcomes are lacking. We examined the prevalence of psychological distress and its association with emergency room usage (ER) and all-cause mortality among CRC survivors. Methods: We utilized data from the 2000-2018 National Health Interview Survey (NHIS) and the NHIS linked mortality files. The NHIS is an annual cross-sectional, nationally representative, in-person survey of the civilian, noninstitutionalized population in the United States. The main exposure was psychological distress, assessed with the six-item Kessler Psychological Distress Scale (K6) and classified as (no/low, moderate, severe). The outcomes were ER usage during the past 12 months and all-cause mortality. Multivariable logistic and Cox proportional hazards models were used to examine the associations between psychological distress, and ER usage and all-cause mortality, respectively. The models were adjusted for age, gender, survey year, race/ethnicity, marital status, education, smoking, geographic region, visit to mental professionals, general health status, comorbidities, and time since cancer diagnosis. Results: A total of 3198 CRC survivors were included in the study, of whom 4.1% and 19.6% reported severe and moderate psychological distress, respectively. In the 12 months preceding the survey, 29.8% of CRC survivors had ER usage and 41.5% deaths occurred with a median follow-up of 84 months. In the adjusted model, compared to CRC survivors with low/no psychological distress, those with severe (aOR=1.86; 95% CI, 1.11–3.10) or moderate (aOR=1.60; 95% CI, 1.22–2.11) psychological distress had high odds of reporting ER use. Similarly, after adjusting for covariates, CRC survivors with severe (aHR =1.32; 95% CI, 1.30–1.34) or moderate (aHR =1.02; 95% CI, 1.01–1.02) psychological distress had higher risk of all-cause mortality compared with survivors experiencing low/no psychological distress. Conclusion: CRC survivors with severe or moderate psychological distress have higher ER usage and all-cause mortality. This finding emphasizes the significance of timely identifying and addressing psychological distress to improve quality of life and clinical outcomes of patients diagnosed with CRC. Integrating mental health support into routine cancer care may reduce distress levels, potentially leading to fewer ER usage and lower mortality rates among CRC survivors. Citation Format: Mrudula Nair, Pranali Patel, Chaitali S Dagli, Nada Al-Antary, Oluwole A Babatunde, Nosayaba Osazuwa-Peters, Eric Adjei Boakye. Disparities in psychological distress among colorectal cancer survivors: Impact on emergency room usage and overall mortality [abstract]. In: Proceedings of the 17th AACR Conference on the Science of Cancer Health Disparities in Racial/Ethnic Minorities and the Medically Underserved; 2024 Sep 21-24; Los Angeles, CA. Philadelphia (PA): AACR; Cancer Epidemiol Biomarkers Prev 2024;33(9 Suppl):Abstract nr C059.

We will be different forever: A qualitative study of changes of body image in women with breast cancer

ObjectiveThis study explores the experience of body-image changes throughout the trajectory of breast cancer.MethodsWe conducted qualitative in-depth interviews with 53 women (n = 53) representing diverse age groups, with a mean age of 48.61 years (SD = 13.12), from various regions across the Czech Republic. The interviews were audio/video recorded and divided into two phases. The initial phase consisted of a narrative part, followed by a semi-structured interview. Thematic analysis was employed to identify and explore the topics that held significant importance to the participants.ResultsThis research investigated how body image and emotional responses evolve in women with breast cancer during various stages of the illness. Throughout the breast cancer journey, women undergo diverse body image changes, with some of them being described as particularly traumatic, such as hair loss and preventive operations. The effects of breast cancer extend beyond physical scars, influencing femininity and womanhood in the long run. The experience of womanhood is marked by visible and non-visible effects that persist for years after treatment.ConclusionStudy has provided valuable insights into the emotional journey that women experience during breast cancer diagnosis, treatment, and survivorship. The illness trajectory framework has proven to be a valuable tool for understanding the complexities of body image concerns and the emotional implications faced by breast cancer patients. By acknowledging the significance of body image issues and providing targeted interventions, healthcare providers can improve the psychosocial well-being and overall quality of life for breast cancer survivors. Further research in this area is needed to develop and refine supportive interventions that address the unique challenges women face during their breast cancer journey. Ultimately, by fostering a sensitive and comprehensive approach to care, we can empower women to navigate their breast cancer journey with greater resilience and confidence.

Beyond the Filter: Tiktok's Role in Shaping Body Image and Self-esteem in Asian and Asian American Girls and Women

This study examines the relationship between TikTok content consumption and body image concerns among Asian and Asian American females, focusing on the influence of cultural beauty standards. The research explores how exposure to TikTok videos featuring attractive influencers affects body image and self-esteem of participants. Participants included 26 Asian and Asian American women, aged 15-43, who completed surveys incorporating the Body Shape Questionnaire and Rosenberg's Self-Esteem Scale. The data were analyzed using correlation and regression analyses. Results indicated a significant negative relationship between the frequency of TikTok consumption and self-esteem, with increased exposure to influencer content correlating with lower levels of body satisfaction. Qualitative findings also revealed cultural tensions between Western and traditional Asian beauty ideals as key factors in shaping participants' body image concerns. The study results suggest that TikTok may exacerbate body image issues in this demographic, highlighting the need for targeted media literacy programs.

Dancing Well with Mindfulness

ABSTRACT Mindfulness has recently flooded the health and wellness social media landscape. With roots in Buddhism, mindfulness is a skill of attention involving focusing on the present moment with curiosity and nonjudgment. Mindfulness practices, including meditation, have many benefits for busy young dance students, who often face a unique combination of stresses around social comparison, self-doubt, body image issues, performance anxiety, and increasingly overscheduled lifestyles. Many may lack an understanding of mindfulness or misperceive its components. Persistent stigmas around mental health may also keep students from openly experimenting with mindfulness practices. The purpose of this article is to concisely define mindfulness for dance students, its potential benefits, and considerations for how mindful practices, particularly meditation, can be integrated into dance students’ lives.

Breast cancer survivorship among younger patients: challenges and opportunities-narrative review.

Young women with breast cancer (YWBC) face unique survivorship challenges due to being diagnosed at a more vulnerable stage in life and receiving gonadotoxic and/or antiestrogen therapy during their reproductive years. The purpose of this article is to elaborate on these challenges and demonstrate how specialized supportive care programs tailored specifically for YWBC, can greatly facilitate the provision of interventions to address these challenges. The databases used were PubMed and Medline. Articles included those that involve young women with breast cancer and survivorship care needs. Compared to older breast cancer patients, YWBC generally require more aggressive treatments and are more likely to have a hereditary basis for their disease. Common challenges include childbearing concerns, premature menopause, body image issues, excessive fear of cancer recurrence, difficulties with intimate relationships, and financial toxicity. A possible solution to addressing these needs are longitudinal care in a specialized supportive care program, such as the PYNK Program for Young Women with Breast Cancer in Toronto, Ontario, Canada. Examples of such interventions include fast-tracking fertility preservation, aggressive management of symptoms of iatrogenic menopause, peer support groups, as well as individualized psycho-social support for the patient and her family. By addressing the unique needs of this population, supportive care programs can play a crucial role in empowering young women with breast cancer to cope with the physical, emotional, and practical challenges they may face during and after treatment. The limitation lies in resource availability and funding for sustainability. Ongoing research is required to better understand the needs of YWBC patients in survivorship and ensure the sustainability of programs designed to address these challenges.

EVOLVING MASCULINITY: A STUDY OF BODY POSITIVITY IN MEN

If we are to understand why it is so rare and what the future holds, the topic of body positivity in males has evolved into a complex one that requires discussion. Men frequently encounter irrational expectations that result in body dissatisfaction and a low sense of self- worth in todays society, when media representations of the ideal male form and gender stereotypes predominate. The medias depiction of the ideal male body, which is characterized by muscular proportions and low body fat, is a major reason man are not positive about their bodies. These restrictive rules put pressure on men to conform, which can cause body dissatisfaction and a decrease in self- esteem. Furthermore, the traditional gender roles of men and women indicate the idea that men should be portrayed as strong, stoic, and emotionally controlled, which discourages open conversations about body image issues and the need for assistance. The psychological and mental toll it takes on a person can cause various issues in men, both physically and mentally. It may be caused by constant pressure to meet these standards. Feelings of inadequacy and dissatisfaction can also be a contributing factor. It can lead to chronic problems in life. The most important part of maintaining a healthy state of mind is managing these body image concerns. In men, theres a lot of ways to support positive body image. Through education and awareness programs, these programs challenge harmful beauty norms and promote positive body image. Resources and workshops to help men reject outdated ideas and accepting body positivity need to be provided by schools, organizations, and communities. Its critical that we dismantle obstacles when it comes to mens body image. The secret to building an environment where guys can talk about their issues and receive assistance without fear of judgment is to have open dialogues about topics like how they feel about their bodies and mental health. Social media can also be a useful tool for promoting campaigns that celebrate the diversity of peoples bodies and for sharing fascinating tales that people can relate to.

Advances in Research on the Relationship Between Social Media Use on Female's Body and Appearance Image Anxiety

With the proliferation of social media platforms and new-generation aesthetics. There has been a shift in how peopleespecially femaleview and engage with notions of the body and appearance. An increasing amount of research has examined the intricate connection between women's body and appearance issues and social media use over the last ten years. The relationship between young people's appearance anxiety issues and body image has been extensively studied in the literature. However, the influence of social media on the body image and influence of young women has received comparatively less theoretical investigation. It's also critical to comprehend how social media use influences women's body image barriers and perceptions, given the prominence of the internet in the lives of young people and their dependency on it. This essay aims to investigate the ways in which social media influences young women's body image issues and to provide a greater perspective on the research on this topic. It will do this by utilising the theories of social comparison and objectification to uncover and analyse the ways in which young women perceive their bodies and appearances on social media.

Patterns of Dietary Supplement Use among GBT2Q Men and Non-Binary Individuals in Canada.

There is a lack of research regarding dietary supplement (DS) use among Gay, Bisexual, Transgender, Two-Spirit, Queer (GBT2Q) men and non-binary individuals, despite the higher prevalence of body image issues and societal pressure within this community. This study aimed to investigate patterns and predictors of DS use in this population, including types of DS used, sources of information, and reasons for DS use. A validated and anonymous online questionnaire was completed by 204 participants (52.5% men, 43.1% gay, mean age 29.34 + 6.77 years) across Canada, who were consuming DS at the time of the study. Analyses included descriptive statistics to characterize the sample based on gender, sexuality, age, ethnicity, and other demographic attributes, using Pearson's chi-square tests and multi-way cross-tabulation analyses. Additionally, regression analyses, including binary and logistic regressions, were employed to identify predictors of DS use. Data analysis concluded that vitamins/minerals (92.2%), proteins (84.3%) and carbohydrates (75.5%) were the most consumed types of supplements. Identifying as certain genders and sexualities was significantly associated with supplement preferences, such that men reported higher use of amino acids (p = 0.033) and non-vitamins/mineral antioxidants compared to individuals identifying as other genders (p = 0.006). Moreover, bisexual participants consumed amino acids (p = 0.043) and carbohydrates (p = 0.026) more frequently when compared to non-bisexual participants. The most listed reason for DS use was to improve immunity (60.3%), with health care professionals being listed as the source of information by most participants (51.0%). Findings from this study can serve as a foundation for further research in this area and can guide the formulation and implementation of adequate policies targeting this underserved population.