Body Image Test Research Articles

Body image and the relation to mindfulness and self-compassion in physical education students: a cross-cultural study.

The present study investigated the body images of Omani and German physical education students. 199 students completed a body image test, a dispositional mindfulness and a self-compassion measurement, as well as a short physical activity questionnaire. Overall, our results demonstrate that females showed a higher body distortion than males and students in Germany displayed a higher body distortion effect. Concerning mindfulness and self-compassion, students from Oman showed higher values than German students in self-compassion, but not in the dispositional mindfulness measurement. However, self-compassion and mindfulness were not related to the body distortion effect. This is the first study that provides unique data of self-compassion and mindfulness in an Arabic sample, and shows that self-compassion is higher in Omani students.

المخططات المبکرة اللاتکيفية وتشوه صورة الجسم کمنبئات بالإکتئاب لدى عينة من الأقزام Early adaptive schema and distorted body image as predictors of depression in a sample of dwarves

ملخص البحث يهدف البحث الى دراسة المخططات المعرفية لدى فئة الأقزام الراشدين وعلاقتها بکل من صورة الجسم والاکتئاب. تکونت العينة الاجمالية من 20 شخص بواقع 10 من الأقزام و10 من العاديين، بمتوسط عمر قدره 24.3 و 28,6 عام على التوالي. استخدمت الدراسة المنهج الارتباطي المقارن. قام المشارکون بالاجابة على قائمة المخططات المبکرة اللاتکيفية (ترجمة وتقنين الباحث) و مقياس صورة الجسم ( اعداد الباحث) و قائمة بيک للإکتئاب BDI. تم اختبار فروض الدراسة حول وجود فروق دالة بين متوسط درجات مجموعتي المشارکين على استخبار المخططات المبکرة اللاتکيفية ومقياس صورة الجسم ومقياس الإکتئاب في اتجاه ارتفاع درجات مجموعة الأقزام. ووجود علاقة إرتباطية ذات دلالة إحصائية بين الأعراض الإکتئابية وکل من تشوه صورة الجسم والمخططات المبکرة اللاتکيفية. وإسهام کلا من المخططات اللاتکيفية بمجالاتها المختلفة وتشوه صورة الجسم بأبعادهها المختلفة في التنبؤ بالأعراض الإکتئابية عند عينة الأقزام. کشفت نتائج الدراسة من انه توجد فروق دالة بين الأقزام والعاديين في متوسط درجات کل من المخططات اللاتکيفية وصورة الجسم والإکتئاب.و وجود إرتباط بين الإکتئاب وبعض مجالات المخططات اللاتکيفية لدى الأقزام. کما وجد إرتباط بين الإکتئاب وصورة الذات الجسمية و الإجتماعية لدى الأقزام. و اسفرت التحليلات الاحصائية عن ان المخطططات اللاتکيفية ( الدرجة الکلية ) وصورة الذات الجسمية يمکن أن تتنبأ بالإکتئاب لدى الأقزام . This research aims at examining the early mal-adaptive schema and its relationship to body image and depression in a sample of dwarfs. Participants of 20 adult divided into two groups, dwarfs (n=10) and normal (n=10), with average of age 24.3 and 28.6 successively. Using correlational comparative approach, participants completed the early maladaptive schema questionnaire (Young JF: translated form), Body image test (by the researcher) and Beck Depression inventory (BDI-II), to test first hypothesis that there is significant differences between the two groups of participants on early mal-adaptive schema questionnaire, body image test, and depression scores. Second hypothesis is that there is a significant correlation between depressive symptom scores and both of distorted body image and early mal-adaptive schema. Third hypothesis claims that both early maladaptive schema(and subfields scores), and distorted body image score could predict depressive symptoms in the dwarfs group. Results reveal that there are significant differences between dwarfs and normal participants on scores of early maladaptive schema, body image and depression. There are specific maladaptive schema fields significant correlate to depression in dwarfs. There are significant correlation between body image subscales and depression in Dwarfs. Early mal adaptive schema total score and physical body image could predict depression in dwarfs.

Restoring the body: changes in body self in the course of a focusing and arts-based therapy program for female interpersonal trauma survivors

BackgroundThe goal of this study was to assess the effectiveness of a therapeutic program for female survivors of interpersonal trauma, among others, of domestic violence. The participating women took part in four two-day modules in a group setting during which they were offered focusing training and arts-based Gestalt therapy. The effectiveness of the interventions was evaluated in terms of improvements in body image and body experience, according to the model of body self as developed by Sakson-Obada.Participants and procedureThe Body-Self Questionnaire, the Affective Body Image test and the Draw-a-Woman test were administered to 21 participants before and after the program.ResultsAfter the therapy, the participants reported a reduction of disturbances in their body experience (interpretation and regulation of emotions and bodily needs and in body identity). In the body image domain, increased body satisfaction was observed using both declarative and projective tools – the women were also more likely to draw uncovered parts of the female body. Although improvements were noted in most of the women, three of them reported an increase in difficulties, mainly in the body image domain.ConclusionsThe study demonstrated that: (1) a combination of the two techniques, i.e., focusing training and art included in the Gestalt group therapy program, resulted in satisfactory changes in body image and body experience; (2) the therapy’s effects should be monitored in the context of a woman’s various life situations; and (3) the use of both declarative and non-declarative methods can be recommended to assess the effectiveness of body-centered therapy.

Counseling Enrichment Sessions for Adolescents about their Body Image and Self-esteem

Adolescence is an essential phase of human development and is characterized by significant physical changes and maturation, so the adolescents face different problems in dealing with these rapid changes which affect their satisfaction with their bodies and self-esteem. Aim: The aim of this study was to determine the effect of counseling enrichment sessions for adolescents about their body image and self-esteem. Design: A quasi-experimental design was used. Setting: The study was conducted in Zahraa Helwan preparatory secondary girls school at Wadi Hof. Sample: Purposive sample including 180 adolescent girls. Tools: A semi-structured interview questionnaire was used to collect the data and involved four parts: Part 1. Demographic characteristic data, Part 2. Anthropometric measurements. Part 3. Body Image test, and Part 4. Coopersmith Self-esteem Inventory. Results: There was a positive relation between body image and self-esteem pre and post counseling enrichment sessions which mean that, the girls' body image was affected dependently on their self-esteem. Also body image and self-esteem were improved post counseling enrichment sessions with highly statistically significant difference. Conclusion: The counseling enrichment sessions for body image and self-esteem have positive effect on adolescents. Recommendations: Therapeutic programs to guide those who have unsatisfied body image to optimize consensus, improve their mental health and self-esteem. And teachers, parents, and school nurses should receive periodically education related to the development of secondary sexual characteristics during puberty of adolescents.

The Relationship between Body Image Satisfaction and Bulimia Nervosa among King Saud University Students

The study aimed at examining the relationship between body image satisfaction and bulimia nervosa among the students of education faculty at king said university students. The author used the tests of bulimia nervosa and body image test. The researcher verified tests reliability. Students from King Saud University randomly selected (No. 337) participated in the study. Overall mean of the body image satisfaction test scored 3.66 degrees, and the overall mean of the bulimia nervosa test scored 3.42 degrees. Data analysis indicated that there is a positive correlation between the body image satisfaction and bulimia nervosa, Pearson correlation coefficient scored 0.648, and bulimia nervosa predicted body image.

Characterization of eating behavior disorders in school-aged children and adolescents: a population-based study.

Cross-sectional study to assess the characteristics of the risk behaviors for eating disorders (EDs) in school children between 10 and 14 years of age in the city of Recife, Pernambuco, Brazil. 1405 school-aged children were assessed, using the Eating Behaviours and Body Image Test (EBBIT) to screen for EDs. The normality of the continuing variables was tested using the Kolmogorov-Smirnov test with Lilliefors correction. They were described as medians and interquartile intervals (25 and 75th percentiles). The criteria that represented a condition of anorexia and/or bulimia nervosa were considered as strong indicators of risk for EDs in school-aged children who indicated the following behaviors with scores superior to the 75th percentile on the scales: "compulsive eating" 3.0% (CI95% 2.2-4.0); "dissatisfaction with body image/restrictive eating" 1.3% (CI95% 0.8-2.0); children scoring superior to the 30th percentile, "compulsive eating" + "dissatisfaction with body image/restrictive eating", 0.6% (CI95% 0.3-1.2); and superior to the 50th percentile; "compensatory behavior for hyperphagia" 6.7% (CI95% 5.4-8.1). In addition, greater vulnerability of the female gender was perceived, as well as an increase in the preliminary risk factors of EDs, such as advanced age, dissatisfaction with the body image linked to restrictive behaviors and the compulsive establishment of an eating pattern. This study shows the dimension of the problem in this ecological context and the urgent need for intervention programs, developed among different sectors, from the perspective of the adolescents' empowerment to prevent and minimize the vulnerability factors of the eating disorders.

A psychodynamic, action-oriented method to assess the contributions of a person’s body image to personality functioning.

In contrast to the original conceptualization of body image as an expression of meanings-emotions stimulated by body activity, many investigators conceptualize body image as satisfaction with one’s physical appearance assessed with questionnaires. However, authors following psychodynamic psychology advocate that meanings-emotions expressed with body activity and when fantasizing or verbalizing are interrelated unless developmental interferences resulted in the repression of embodied meanings. In response, a method was developed that asks a participant to perform various actionsgestures and share thoughts - emotions that came to mind. The heuristic value of this method is illustrated by studies that explored the relations among meanings-emotions that participants expressed in response to body activity, Rorschach inkblots and when discussing upsetting events. The results support the proposed body image test and illustrate its potential for psychodynamic approaches to personality assessment and psychotherapy.

The Relationship between Body Image and Eating Attitudes of Secondary School Students

AIM: The relationship between body image and eating attitudes of secondary school students Background. Body image can have a wide range of psychological effects and physical effects. Relationship between body image and eating attitude has been reported. Aim of this research is to examine the relationship between secondary school students’ body image and eating attitudes. METHOD: The sample of the research was composed of 485 secondary school students. The research data were collected using a questionnaire, the Body Image Test and the Eating Attitude Test and evaluated with SPSS 17 package program using descriptive statistics, analysis of variance (ANOVA), Kruskal Wallis, independent t test, Mann Whitney U, Pearson Correlation. RESULTS: The average age of the students participating in the study was 16.1±1.1 years. Fourty six percent of the research group were boys. 25.4% of the students Body Mass Index (BMI) were below 18.5 kg/m2 between (underweight), 66,6% were 18.5 and 24.9 kg/m2 (normal) and 8.0% were above 25 kg/m2 (over weighted/obese). 23,9% of the students supposed that they were underweighted and 22.1% over weighted/fat. 17% of the students wanted to put on weight and 40.8% to lose weight. Positive correlation between eating attitude score and body image score was determined. Body image score and eating attitudes score of girls were lower than boys. CONCLUSION: As a result of this research, it was seen that there was a relationship between eating behaviors of secondary school students and body image, students used methods to lose weight because of their low body image and applied these methods being influenced by people who were not experts. People should be informed to achieve healthy and balanced nutrition in their lives instead of being promoted to have diet.

Plasticity of body representations after surgical arm elongation in an achondroplasic patient

A realistic body representation needs to be constantly updated. In case of physiological modifications, body representations integrate information coming from different sensory sources, including the sense of touch. Previous studies described transient modifications of these representations following illusory distortions. In this single case study, we documented the changes occurred in lower-level, primary somatosensory, and higher-level representations, in a case of upper arms elongation. We explored effects of arm lengthening on primary tactile perception (sensitivity and acuity), an implicit perceptual measure of body size (tactile distance judgement), body image (Daurat-Hmelijak test), and peri-personal space representation (audio-tactile interaction task). We show that patient's arm representation was changed after surgery. Specifically, we observed significant changes on tactile distance judgments, body image test and audio-tactile interaction task; also even though no changes were found on primary tactile perception a significant modification emerged in tactile acuity. These findings are in line with evidence of cortical reorganization after arm elongation. They also support the view that the body representation of achondroplasics are modified after body-size reconstruction, and became similar to that of healthy controls.

Evaluation of body image and self-concept and their correlation with depressive symptoms in Parkinson's disease

To identify characteristics of body image and self-concept in individuals over fifty years of age with Parkinson's disease (PD). The secondary objectives are to analyze whether body image and self-concept are influenced by the severity of PD and to verify if there is correlation between depression, self-concept and body image in cases of PD. Participating in the study were 48 individuals, being 26 with PD and 22 Controls. The instruments used were: The Mini Exam of Mental State, The My Body Image Test, The Factorial Self-concept Test, The Beck Depression Inventory, the motor section of The Unified Parkinson's Disease Rating Scale and The Modified Hoehn and Yahr Scale. In PD the perception of body image and self-concept demonstrated significantly reduced values p<0.001 and p=0.012 respectively, and the presence of depression symptomatology was significantly more (p=0.002). Individuals with PD present alteration of body image and self-concept and also present lower personal confidence and lower social receptivity, correlated with depressive symptoms.

Psychometric properties of the Spanish version of the Eating Behaviours and Body Image Test for Preadolescent Girls (EBBIT)

The purpose of the current study was to explore the psychometric properties of the Spanish adaptation of the Eating Behaviours and Body Image Test for Preadolescent Girls (EBBIT), as well as its factor structure and internal consistency. A further objective was to determinate the convergent validity between measures of body mass index (BMI) and scores on the Body Dissatisfaction (BD) subscale, taking into account a wider questionnaire, known as the Eating Disorders Inventory (EDI-2). Once the original scale was translated, 525 girls (age range 7-12 years) were assessed by the EBBIT, and the BD subscale. Students were weighed and measured, using calibrated electronic instruments to calculate BMI scores. Factor analysis suggested two primary factors which represent body image dissatisfaction/ restrictive eating (BIDRE) and binge eating behaviours (BEB). The internal consistency of the EBBIT was 0.904. A multiple regression analysis was performed using BMI, age and BD subscale data (independent variables). Results suggest that scores on the EBBIT factors are related to body size satisfaction. Higher BMI and higher BD scores were associated with higher scores on the BIDRE, and BD scores were associated with higher scores on the BEB factor.

Comportamento anoréxico e percepção corporal em universitários

OBJETIVO: Avaliar a percepção corporal e a prevalência de sintomas de anorexia nervosa em estudantes universitários. MÉTODOS: Estudo transversal, no qual a seleção da amostra foi realizada por conveniência. Aplicou-se o questionário teste de atitudes alimentares (EAT- 26) e teste de imagem corporal, para avaliar os sintomas de anorexia nervosa e a percepção corporal, respectivamente. Para a análise estatística dos dados utilizou-se o teste binomial para verificar a existência de associação entre as variáveis qualitativas. RESULTADOS: Participaram do estudo 149 estudantes de nutrição e 78 estudantes de educação física. Observou-se que 10,3% e 14,1% dos estudantes de educação física e nutrição, respectivamente, apresentaram fatores de risco para desenvolver anorexia nervosa e o teste de imagem corporal evidenciou proporções elevadas de insatisfação com a forma corporal, em ambos os cursos: 75,8% e 78,2% para os cursos de nutrição e educação física, respectivamente. CONCLUSÃO: Os estudantes de nutrição mostraram maior tendência de apresentar comportamento de risco para anorexia nervosa, com predominância no sexo feminino. Além disso, os resultados evidenciaram proporções elevadas de insatisfação com a imagem corporal, em ambos os cursos. Estes resultados são preocupantes, tendo em vista que são futuros profissionais que possuem papel fundamental na detecção e, no caso do nutricionista, no manejo destes distúrbios.

Tradução, adaptação e avaliação da consistência interna do Eating Behaviours and Body Image Test para uso com crianças do sexo feminino

Este trabalho tem por objetivo traduzir, adaptar e validar o Eating Behaviours and Body Image Test, para uso com crianças de uma cidade do interior do estado de São Paulo. Foram sujeitos do estudo 261 escolares do sexo feminino, na faixa etária de 9 a 12 anos. Por meio da análise fatorial, com rotação varimax avaliou-se a consistência interna do instrumento. Esta análise, realizada com o auxílio do programa Statistical Package for Social Sciences, versão 10.0, revelou dois fatores. Para o instrumento total a consistência interna foi adequada (coeficiente a de Cronbach: 0,89) e para os dois fatores (1 e 2) os valores de a também foram considerados satisfatórios (alfa=0,90 e alfa=0,80, respectivamente), mostrando, assim, que o Eating Behaviours and Body Image Test é útil para uma avaliação precoce, rastreando atitudes indicadoras de possíveis distúrbios no comportamento alimentar. Foram mantidas as características psicométricas do instrumento original.

Predicting Recovery of Upper-Body Dressing Ability After Stroke

Suzuki M, Omori M, Hatakeyama M, Yamada S, Matsushita K, Iijima S. Predicting recovery of upper-body dressing ability after stroke. Objective To identify predictors of the recovery of independent dressing ability after stroke. Design Prospective cohort study. Setting Rehabilitation unit at a university hospital. Participants Sixty-three consecutive stroke patients were enrolled in the study. Twelve patients were not able to complete the study because they were discharged or transferred to another hospital before study completion. Intervention Fifty-one patients underwent and completed 15 days of dressing training based on the time-delay method, which included the 10 component actions of upper-body dressing and 4 cues given by therapists. Main Outcome Measures The dressing item of the FIM instrument, Brunnstrom motor recovery stages, presence or absence of deep and tactile sensation, Rey-Osterrieth complex figure test, Kohs block design test, body image test, Weintraub cancellation task, and presence or absence of the visual extinction phenomenon and the motor impersistence phenomenon. Results The FIM upper-body dressing item score and the cancellation task score at the start of training were significantly better in patients who achieved independence in dressing within 15 training days than in patients who did not ( P<.05). The motor impersistence phenomenon was found less frequently among patients who achieved independence in upper-body dressing than among patients who did not ( P<.05). However, logistic regression analysis showed that only the FIM score for upper-body dressing on the first day of training was a significant independent predictor of dressing ability at the end of training (odds ratio, 4.33; 95% confidence interval, 1.51–12.37). The receiver operating characteristic curve indicated that a cutoff score of 3 would provide the best balance between sensitivity and specificity for the FIM upper-body dressing item. The positive predictive value of this cutoff score was .90, and the negative predictive value was .70. Conclusions Our findings indicate that the FIM upper-body dressing score on the first day of dressing training is an independent predictor of recovery of upper-body dressing ability after stroke.

Auto conceito e imagem corporal em crianças obesas

Este trabalho teve como objetivo descrever o que pensam crianças obesas sobre seus corpos. Para tanto o delineamento metodológico incluiu um grupo de obesos e outro de não obesos. As crianças responderam a dois instrumentos que tocam nessas questões de forma sistematizada - Escala Piers Harris de Auto-Conceito e Eating Behviours and Body Image Test. O grupo de crianças obesas era composto por 14 meninas e 13 meninos, com idades entre 10 a 12 anos e índice de massa corporal variando de P85 a P95 ou acima; o de não obesas era composto por 15 meninas e 12 meninos, com a mesma faixa etária e índice de massa corporal entre P5 a P&lt;85. Os resultados mostraram que as crianças obesas estão mais insatisfeitas com seu corpo e aparência. Entretanto, elas identificam em si características físicas positivas e outros atributos pessoais. Embora menos preocupadas, as crianças não obesas também manifestam insatisfação, possivelmente devido às pressões culturais sobre a aparência física.

Eating disorders in school children

To determine the prevalence of possible eating disorders and inappropriate eating behaviors in school children from six municipalities in the state of Minas Gerais, Brazil. Cross-sectional study. The Bulimic Investigatory Test of Edinburgh (BITE), Eating Attitude Test (EAT), and Body Image Test were applied to 1,807 public school students with age ranging from 7 to 19 years. According to the EAT, 241 students (13.3%), mostly females, had inappropriate eating behaviors. Nineteen students (1.1%) had a BITE score indicating a possible diagnosis of bulimia nervosa. We found that 1,059 students (59%) were unhappy with their body image; 731 students (40%) were on a diet; and 1,014 (56%) exercised to loose weight. In addition, 218 students (12%) presented binge-eating and 175 students (10%) used purgative methods to control weight. We observed a high prevalence of possible eating disorders and inappropriate eating behaviors in the study population, especially among female adolescents. These results are similar to those reported for developed countries. The present findings are relevant for the clinical care of children and adolescents and can serve as the basis for future works aimed at increasing our understanding of the risk factors for these illnesses.

The Computer Body Image Test: a procedure for the assessment of body image perception

The aim of our study was to develop a procedure that combines the capabilities of body-part estimation procedures and image distortion techniques. Distorted computerized images of the subjects are presented on a computer monitor. The whole body and body parts can be manipulated interactively. Reliability, stability and validity of the perceived and ideal body image were obtained in a sample of 36 inpatients suffering from anorexia nervosa. The procedure yielded a very high reliability. Perceived and ideal body images are stable after a mean time interval of 60 days. Significant correlations with the Body Shape Questionnaire and subscales of the Eating Disorder Inventory indicate the validity of the procedure. The procedure adds a significant improvement to common image distortion techniques by adding the possibilities of body part distortions. Copyright © 1999 Whurr Publishers Ltd.

Reliability and Concurrent Validity of the Kids' Eating Disorders Survey (KEDS) Body Image Silhouettes with Preadolescent Girls

We assessed the psychometric properties of the Body Image Silhouettes (BIS) from the Kids' Eating Disorders Survey (KEDS) with preadolescent girls. Two hundred and ninety-one fourth-, fifth-, and sixth-grade girls completed the BIS, the Eating Behaviors and Body Image Test (EBBIT) for Preadolescent Girls, and height and weight measurements were obtained. Test-retest reliabilities were adequate to good. Initial validity of the silhouettes was evaluated by correlating BIS ratings and scores on the EBBIT, Body Mass Index, and age. Race and age differences on the silhouette ratings were, also examined. Contrary to the results of a previous investigation, the KEDS BIS appears to be an appropriate instrument for evaluating body images in preadolescent Caucasian girls, but more research is warranted with African American girls.

Underlying dimensions and psychometric properties of the eating behaviors and body image test for preadolescent girls

Developed a rating scale to measure body image satisfaction and eating behaviors and disturbances in preadolescent girls and evaluated the psychometric properties of the instrument. The Eating Behaviors arid Body Image Test (EBBIT) for preadolescent girls was administered to 291 fourth-, fifth-, and sixth-grade girls to identify the measure's factor structure. Body Image Silhouettes (BZS; Childress, Brewerton, Hodges, & Jarrell, 1993) were also administered, and height and weight measurements were obtained. Although four factors were predicted (maladaptive thoughts about body size, restrictive eating, binging, and compensatory behavior for overeating), corresponding to adult criteria for the diagnoses of anorexia and bulimia, factor analysis of the EBBIT suggested only two factors: Body linage Dissatisfaction Restrictive Eating and Binge Eating Behaviors. Only two compensatory behaviors (exercising to burn off food eaten and skipping meals after overeating) loaded on the scale, and they loaded on the Body Image Dissatisfaction/Restrictive Eating factor. Internal consistency and test-retest reliabilities were adequate to good, and initial validity of the scale was established by using scares on the Body Image Silhouettes, body mass index ratios, age, and race as predictors of EBBIT scores.

Body image changes in adolescents I development of Self-Rating Body Image (SRBI) test and effects of sex, age and body shape.

We investigated the effects of sex, age and body shape on self-body image estimated by our Self-Rating Body Image (SRBI) test in 687 adolescents. Three factors were derived from the 20 items of the SRBI by using a factor analysis. They were interpreted as the images of "body shape," "face" and "visceral organ." Scores of these images in the females were significantly higher than those in the males. There was a significantly negative correlation between the body shape and "body shape" image for the female adolescents 13 years of age (middle) and 18 years of age (late), while no correlation was found for the male and female adolescents 10 years of age (early) and late male adolescents. Our results suggest that a female adolescent wants to be thinner and that the body image showed critical changes during the early and middle periods of adolescence, leading to unsatisfactory images of self-body.