Body Image Research Articles

Self-Compassion Around the World: Measurement Invariance of the Short Form of the Self-Compassion Scale (SCS-SF) Across 65 Nations, 40 Languages, Gender Identities, and Age Groups

Abstract Objectives The 12-item Self-Compassion Scale–Short Form (SCS–SF) is a widely used instrument for the assessment of self-compassion. To date, there have been few examinations of this instrument’s psychometric properties, particularly across nations and languages. Therefore, we used data from the Body Image in Nature Survey (BINS) to assess measurement invariance of the SCS–SF across nations, languages, gender identities, and age groups. Methods Participants (N = 56,968) from 65 nations completed the SCS–SF in 40 languages. Using these data, we tested various hypothesised models of the SCS–SF in the total sample and, using multi-group confirmatory factor analysis, tested for invariance of the optimal model across national groups, languages, gender identities, and age groups. Results In the total dataset, we found that an 11-item, 2-factor model (i.e., SCS-11) provided best fit to the data, with the two factors tapping distinct constructs of compassionate and uncompassionate self-responding. The SCS-11 was found to be partially scalar invariant across national groups and languages, and fully scalar invariant across gender identities and age groups. There was wide variation in latent means for the two factors, particularly across national groups and languages. Further analyses showed negligible associations between the two factors and sociodemographic variables, including marital status, financial security, and urbanicity. Conclusions Our results suggest that it may be possible to derive a stable 2-factor model of the SCS–SF for use in cross-cultural research, but also highlight the likelihood of cross-national and cross-linguistic variations in the way that self-compassion is understood.

The Contribution of Upward Comparison and Self Esteem to Body Image of Instagram Users

tujuan dari penelitian ini yaitu : 1. Untuk mengetahui gambaran body image pada wanita dewasa awal pengguna instagram 2. Untuk mengetahui gambaran upward comparison pada wanita dewasa awal pengguna instagram 3. Untuk mengetahui gambaran self esteem pada wanita dewasa awal pengguna instagram 4. Untuk mengetahui kontribusi upward comparison dan self esteem terhadap body image pada wanita dewasa awal pengguna instagram Jenis penelitian ini adalah penelitian kuantitatif. Partisipan dalam penelitian ini yaitu 185 orang wanita dewasa awal pengguna Instagram. Penelitian ini menggunakan upward comparison dan self esteem sebagai variabel bebas dan body image sebagai variabel terikat. Uji hipotesis menghasilkan nilai signifikansi 0,000 (p < 0,05). Hasil penelitian ini diperoleh bahwa upward comparsion dan self esteem berkontribusi terhadap body image pada wanita dewasa awal pengguna Instagram. Pada penelitian ini, self esteem memiliki sumbangan kontribusi lebih besar terhadap body image dari pada upward comparison. Berdasarkan hasil penelitian diperoleh kesimpulan bahwa wanita dewasa awal pengguna Instagram cenderung memiliki citra tubuh yang cukup baik. Selain itu, mereka cenderung melakukan upward comparison. serta mereka memiliki self esteem yang baik. Hasil penelitian ini menunjukkan bahwa upward comparison dan self esteem memberikan kontribusi terhadap body image pada wanita dewasa awal pengguna Instagram.

Treating Patients With Comorbid Eating Disorders and Personality Disorders: A Rationale.

Eating disorders (ED) have heightened risk for both psychiatric and medical complications, and they require more effective psychological interventions, in light of evidence saying that treatment response is often incomplete, and attrition is significant. One possible avenue to improve treatment effectiveness is address the frequent co-occurrence with personality disorders (PD). When persons suffer from both ED and PD they would present with complex manifestations and serious interpersonal problems. In parallel, their capacity to form a solid working alliance can be limited. They are likely to have difficulty trusting clinicians and engaging in the necessary work needed to counteract their maladaptive ideas about food, weight and body image, and to change their problematic eating habits. This introduction of the issue of the Journal of Clinical Psychology: In Session devoted to treating patients with comorbid ED and PD describe the rationale for why it is necessary to assess and treat PD symptoms integrated with appropriate ED focused treatment.

Body image among people living with HIV: A systematic review and narrative synthesis.

Body image among people living with HIV: A systematic review and narrative synthesis.

Behind the mirror: An exploration of the Tripartite Influence Model among Italian adolescent boys and girls.

Behind the mirror: An exploration of the Tripartite Influence Model among Italian adolescent boys and girls.

Mindful eating, intuitive eating and body image in adolescents: is the “Me in the meal” the reflection of “Me in the mirror?”

Mindful eating, intuitive eating and body image in adolescents: is the “Me in the meal” the reflection of “Me in the mirror?”

PreCM: The Padding-based Rotation Equivariant Convolution Mode for Semantic Segmentation.

Semantic segmentation is an important branch of image processing and computer vision. With the popularity of deep learning, various convolutional neural networks have been proposed for pixel-level classification and segmentation tasks. In practical scenarios, however, imaging angles are often arbitrary, encompassing instances such as water body images from remote sensing and capillary and polyp images in the medical domain, where prior orientation information is typically unavailable to guide these networks to extract more effective features. In this case, learning features from objects with diverse orientation information poses a significant challenge, as the majority of CNN-based semantic segmentation networks lack rotation equivariance to resist the disturbance from orientation information. To address this challenge, this paper first constructs a universal convolutiongroup framework aimed at more fully utilizing orientation information and equipping the network with rotation equivariance. Subsequently, we mathematically design a padding-based rotation equivariant convolution mode (PreCM), which is not only applicable to multi-scale images and convolutional kernels but can also serve as a replacement component for various types of convolutions, such as dilated convolutions, transposed convolutions, and asymmetric convolution. To quantitatively assess the impact of image rotation in semantic segmentation tasks, we also propose a new evaluation metric, Rotation Difference (RD). The replacement experiments related to six existing semantic segmentation networks on three datasets (i.e., Satellite Images of Water Bodies, DRIVE, and Floodnet) show that, the average Intersection Over Union (IOU) of their PreCM-based versions respectively improve 6.91%, 10.63%, 4.53%, 5.93%, 7.48%, 8.33% compared to their original versions in terms of random angle rotation. And the average RD values are decreased by 3.58%, 4.56%, 3.47%, 3.66%, 3.47%, 3.43% respectively. The code can be download from https://github.com/XinyuXu414.

A look in the mirror - body exposure in clinical practice

BackgroundThe dissemination of evidence-based techniques is critical for the successful treatment of eating disorders in clinical practice. A growing number of studies suggests that body exposure is an effective technique to treat body image disturbance in eating disorders. However, the dissemination of body exposure among psychotherapists in clinical practice remains unclear.MethodsAn online survey was conducted among licensed psychotherapists in Germany. The dissemination of body exposure in clinical practice, psychotherapists’ characteristics (such as clinical training, attitudes towards exposure, confidence), and therapists’ experiences with benefits and side-effects of body exposure were assessed.ResultsData of 230 psychotherapists were analysed. More than half of them (58.3%) applied body exposure in their clinical practice. Yet, body exposure was only offered to 37.3% of their eating disorder patients. Moreover, 56.7% of psychotherapists delivering body exposure indicated that they have not received any training in this technique. Self-reported confidence in delivering body exposure correlated significantly with the number of patients treated with body exposure. Psychotherapists who applied body exposure reported minor side-effects and that the majority of their patients profited from this technique.ConclusionsOur results offer insights into the dissemination of body exposure in clinical practice in Germany. Overall, body exposure is still underused considering the empirical evidence demonstrating the potential of body exposure to treat body image disturbances effectively. Moreover, with regard to potential barriers of using body exposure, our data suggest that training opportunities for clinicians may facilitate the dissemination of this technique in clinical practice.

The role of social comparative orientation in social anxiety among breast cancer survivors: a moderated mediation model of body image and self-concept clarity

BackgroundIt is well known that social rehabilitation is an important part of the overall recovery of breast cancer survivors. Previous research has demonstrated that social anxiety is prevalent among breast cancer survivors, which is not only a significant psychological issue, but also impairs survivors’ social rehabilitation and diminishes their quality of life. Therefore, understanding the factors and mechanisms influencing social anxiety in breast cancer survivors is crucial. This study aimed to investigate the mediating and moderating effects of body image and self-concept clarity on social comparison orientation and social anxiety in breast cancer survivors.MethodsThe convenience sampling method was employed to survey 382 breast cancer survivors. The sample comprised participants aged 30–69 years: 69 − 56 years(28.01%), 45–55 years (39.53% ), and 30–44 years (32.46%). Data was collected using a general information questionnaire, the Social Anxiety Scale, the Body Image Scale, the Social Comparison Orientation Scale, and the Self-Concept Clarity Scale. The SPSS macro program PROCESS plug-in was utilized for mediation and moderation analyses.ResultsThis study revealed a partial mediation effect of body image between social comparison orientation and social anxiety (β = 0.100, 95% CI [0.052, 0.162]), accounting for 27% of the total variance. Furthermore, self-concept clarity moderates the influence of social comparison orientation on social anxiety through body image. Specifically, as self-concept clarity increases, the influence of social comparison orientation on body image is gradually weakened, and the impact of body image on social anxiety becomes progressively weaker.ConclusionsSocial comparison orientation influences the social anxiety of breast cancer survivors through body image. Self-concept clarity exerts a moderating effect, attenuating the influence of social comparison orientation on body image and body image on social anxiety. The findings provide a theoretical and practical foundation for research on the social rehabilitation of breast cancer survivors.Clinical trial numberNot applicable.

Body Image and Social Support as Contributing Factors to the Quality of Life of Breast Cancer Patients

Physical changes due to the disease and treatment of breast cancer affect patients' body image and cause significant emotional impacts. Social support is crucial in helping patients cope with these changes, reducing stress, and improving overall quality of life. The aim of the research was to determine the correlation between body image and quality of life, and to assess the relationship between social support and quality of life of breast cancer patients at the Surgical Polyclinic of Raden Mattaher General Hospital Jambi. The research used a quantitative method with a cross-sectional approach. The sample comprised 61 breast cancer patients, obtained by using the Lemeshow formula and purposive sampling method. The research instruments included the Body Image Scale questionnaire, the modified MOS Social Support questionnaire (MSS), and the EORTC-QLQ-BR23 questionnaire. The univariate results showed that the average quality of life score was 56.70 (moderate category), body image had an average score of 24.18 (moderate category), and social support had an average score of 62.80 (moderate category). The bivariate analysis found a correlation between body image and quality of life with a p-value of 0.000 < 0.05 and r = 0.940 and a correlation between social support and quality of life with a p-value of 0.003 < 0.05 and r = 0.371. Nurses can improve patients' quality of life by providing education about physical changes, offering emotional support, referring patients to support groups, and involving families in the healing process.

Scrolling Into Self-Perception: A Comprehensive Literature Review On The Impact Of Social Media On Body Image Perceptions

Social media has influenced body image, particularly among adolescents and young adults. This review examines how social media exposure contributes to body dissatisfaction, the internalization of thin and muscular ideals, and decreased self-esteem. Research highlights that idealized images, social comparisons, and algorithm-driven content create unrealistic beauty standards, leading to negative self-perceptions and increased mental health concerns like anxiety and depression. Studies emphasize the role of social media influencers in shaping body ideals and encouraging body modification behaviors. The review explores how media literacy, self-regulation strategies, and policy interventions can help mitigate these effects. By promoting awareness and fostering critical engagement with social media, individuals can develop healthier relationships with their body image and mental well-being

Body image disturbances in women of childbearing age with polycystic ovary syndrome: a cross-sectional study

DisignThis is a cross-sectional study.ObjectivesThis study aimed to identify the risk factors associated with body image disturbances in patients with polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS).MethodsThis study included married women diagnosed with PCOS who required fertility assistance. Participants were recruited from the reproductive centers of three tertiary hospitals in Jiangsu Province between December 2022-June 2023. We collected 333 patient data through an online questionnaire, body image was assessed by the Chinese version of Body Image Disturbance Questionnaire (BIDQ). The demographic information and clinical data of patients were collected. At the same time, the relevant information of sleep quality, personality traits, intimate relationship, family care and psychological resilience of the patients were collected through various scales. Univariate analysis and a generalized linear model were employed to analyze the factors affecting body image disturbances in women with PCOS.ResultsThis cross-sectional study included 333 women of childbearing age with PCOS. Univariate analysis revealed that body image was associated with factors such as the body mass index (BMI), occupation, menstrual disturbances, a family history of PCOS, hair loss, acne, hirsutism, scores on the Family Apgar Index, psychological resilience levels, sleep quality, intimate relationship, and personality traits. The generalized linear model demonstrated that occupation, BMI, hair loss, acne, hirsutism, intimate relationship, family care, and psychological resilience were independent risk factors for body image issues.ConclusionThe influencing factors of body image disturbance in patients with polycystic ovary syndrome of childbearing age come from many aspects, including occupation, acne, hair loss, hirsutism, BMI, intimate relationship, family care and psychological resilience. Consequently, medical professionals in obstetrics and gynecology should recognize the body image concerns of women with PCOS and implement specific interventions to support these women during their childbearing years.

The impact of treatment for muscle-invasive bladder cancer on health-related quality of life.

To evaluate the impact of treatment for localised muscle-invasive bladder cancer (MIBC) during the first 2 years after diagnosis. A prospective cohort study was conducted including patients diagnosed with non-metastatic (cM0) MIBC between November 2017 and November 2019 in the Netherlands. Health-related quality of life (HRQoL) was measured using the European Organisation for Research and Treatment of Cancer Quality of Life Questionnaire (EORTC QLQ-C30) as well as the MIBC-specific QLQ-BLM30 module. Questionnaires were administered at baseline (pre-treatment) and at 6, 12 and 24 months after diagnosis. Patients were grouped by treatment: neoadjuvant chemotherapy (NAC) and radical cystectomy (RC), upfront RC, chemoradiation, and radiotherapy. Linear mixed models were used to assess HRQoL changes over time per treatment group. A total of 518 patients participated in quality of life measurements (46% response rate). After excluding 14 patients who did not complete the EORTC QLQ-C30 and 114 for baseline completion after start of treatment, a total of 390 patients were included of whom 105 underwent NAC and RC, 148 underwent upfront RC, 58 underwent chemoradiation, and 79 underwent radiotherapy alone. Over time, clinically relevant improvements in emotional functioning and future perspective were observed across all treatment groups. However, a temporary worsening in physical functioning was observed at 6 months. Patients treated with RC (with or without NAC) experienced persistent deteriorations in body image and sexual functioning up to at least 2 years after diagnosis, although urostomy-related outcomes improved. Patients undergoing chemoradiation showed improvements in urinary symptoms, while those receiving radiotherapy reported significant worsening of dyspnoea over time. In this largest population-based study to date on HRQoL in MIBC, HRQoL largely recovered to baseline levels during the first 2 years after diagnosis. However, persistent deteriorations in physical and cognitive functioning, body image, and sexual function were observed, particularly in patients treated with RC (with or without NAC).

The Rehabilitation of Women Who Have Had a Mastectomy

Background: Breast cancer is one of the main causes of mortality among women, and mastectomy has a significant effect on the body image, sexuality and psychology of women. The aim of postmastectomy rehabilitation is to improve functionality, minimize complications and promote well-being and quality of life. Objectives: This study aimed to understand the role of nurses specializing in rehabilitation nursing in the rehabilitation of women who have had a mastectomy. Methods: This was a qualitative, exploratory and descriptive study. The participants included seven nurses specializing in rehabilitation nursing who provided structured narratives about their experiences and care strategies in the rehabilitation of women who have had a mastectomy. The interviews were analyzed by thematic categorization via content analysis. Results: Three main categories emerged: the meaning of care, professional intervention strategies and health gains. Care is seen as a developmental and person-centered experience, with a focus on preventing complications. The interventions prioritize personalized projects, emotional support and self-care training. Conclusions: The rehabilitation of women postmastectomy depends on a holistic and individualized approach centered on the person through emotional and functional support. Rehabilitation interventions improve the functionality, quality of life and autonomy of women and are essential for preventing complications and promoting the acceptance of new health conditions.

Body Image Distress and Depression in Head and Neck Cancer Patients- a Narrative Review

Body Image Distress and Depression in Head and Neck Cancer Patients- a Narrative Review

Rejection Sensitivity Mediating The Influence Of Social Anxiety On Body Dysmorphic Concerns: A Comparison Of Indian Students And Employees

This study focuses upon social anxiety, rejection sensitivity, and body image concerns, investigating whether rejection sensitivity mediates this relationship and explores the moderating effects of employment status and state anxiety. Following a quantitative research design, data was gathered from 111 participants. The sample was balanced between academic and professional settings. Pearson’s correlations showed strong associations among social anxiety (SIAS & SPS) and body dysmorphic concerns (BICI). Rejection Sensitivity portrayed low reliability so its dimensions, Rejection Concern (RejConc) and Rejection expectancy (Rejexp) were used. Mediation analysis revealed that rejection concern (RejConc) partially mediated this relationship, while rejection expectancy (RejExp) was not a significant mediator. Moderated mediation analysis indicated that the mediating role of RejConc was significant only for employed individuals, suggesting occupational status influences the of social anxiety on body dysmorphic concerns. No moderating effect of state anxiety was observed attributed to multicollinearity issues. This study opens avenues for future researchers towards studying additional moderating factors, like personality traits and self-esteem, and to employ longitudinal designs clarifying the directional relationships among social anxiety, rejection sensitivity, and body dysmorphic concerns.

Literature Review the Effect Body Image on Vietnamese Youths’ Buying Behaviors in TikTok

This paper explores the influence of body image on Vietnamese Youths’ buying behavior in Tiktok. With the growing popularity of social media, particularly TikTok, body image concerns have become more pronounced, particularly among younger audiences. This study investigates how TikTok’s beauty trends, influencer culture, and social comparison impact consumer behaviors, including purchasing decisions related to beauty, fashion, and fitness. The research highlights key insights from global studies, as well as the specific context of Vietnam, where social media and its commercial aspects are rapidly evolving. Despite the growing body of literature on social media’s influence on body image, there remains a significant gap in quantitative research within the Vietnamese context, particularly on TikTok.

Daily Bursts of Body-Related Self-Conscious Emotions Relate to Attention and Reaction Time in Adolescents.

Body-related self-conscious emotions (e.g.,shame, guilt, envy, and embarrassment), which are particularly salient in sport, are foundational to adolescents' attention and performance. Adolescents' (N = 72) self-conscious emotions and attention were examined using self-reported single-item measures across 4days. After completing these measures, adolescents' reaction time was measured using a hand laterality judgment task. Data were analyzed using multilevel regression models. Controlling for age and gender, attention, and reaction times were regressed on body-related self-conscious emotions in separate multilevel models. Results indicate that, on the days that adolescents experience higher levels of body-related shame, envy, and embarrassment, they had more difficulty blocking out distracting thoughts. Further, higher levels of body-related embarrassment related to longer reaction times. This study is consistent with previous research indicating that body image may significantly impact motor performance. In addition to adolescents' performance, these results may have implications for adolescents' participation and enjoyment of sport experiences.

“Making Choices for Yourself”: A Qualitative Visual Methods Study on Adolescent Boys’ Autonomy in Physical Activity

Understanding the factors that promote and discourage physical activity among adolescent boys is critical for their long-term health and well-being. This qualitative study investigates the influence of autonomy on physical activity, emphasizing the importance of choice and volition while considering how masculinities shape motivations and behaviors. Utilizing innovative visual methods across two time periods, 13 boys in the UK aged 13 to 17 participated in photo-elicitation interviews. Initial interviews involved researcher-led photo-boards depicting motivational topics and physical activities. Participants were then asked to take photographs of what motivates them to be active, which were discussed in follow-up interviews 2 to 12 weeks later. This approach facilitated the co-construction of data and findings between participants and the researcher. Reflexive thematic analysis, framed by Self-Determination Theory and masculinity theories, revealed that perceived autonomy significantly influences adolescent boys’ motivation to participate in physical activity. This study highlights the pressure on boys to conform to hegemonic masculine sports environments. Boys in our study who felt restricted by these expectations either sought alternative forms of physical activity or withdrew altogether. In contrast, boys who experienced autonomy over their physical activity choices reported higher intrinsic motivation. We advocate tailoring programs to offer a range of physical activities that accommodate different preferences and gendered behavior. Addressing rigid masculine expectations and ensuring inclusivity in physical activity will help promote active lifestyles, boost self-esteem, and support positive body image for all adolescent boys.

Determinants of physical activities in settings (DE-PASS): Freshman university students with weight gain - A cross-sectional study

Background During the transition from adolescence to adulthood in university life, some students experience weight gain. The physical activity patterns of students who gain weight may differ from those who do not. This study aims to reveal the physical activity-related behaviors of students who gained and did not gain weight during first year of university. Methods A total of 69 weight-gained (study group) and 51 non-weight-gained (control group) students were included in the study. A semi-structured interview was used to determine the factors influencing physical activity. The International Physical Activity Questionnaire-Short Form (IPAQ) was used to evaluate physical activity levels. The body-esteem scale (BE), which has three parts—BE-appearance, BE-weight, and BE-attribution—and the body appreciation scale-2 (BSA-2) were used to understand body image and the participants' self-evaluation of their body and appearance. Results Changes in eating habits after entering university differed between groups (X2=4.31, p=0.04). A lower percentage of students in the study group than in the control group were aware of their university's sports facilities (X2=4.32, p=0.037). A greater percentage of students in the study group reported feeling bored when they did sport alone than did those in the control group (X2=4.47, p=0.023). While most participants in the study group stated that they did not feel anxious or embarrassed about being observed during physical activity, the BAS-2 and BE-Appearance scores were significantly correlated with IPAQ total scores (r=0.26, p=0.02; r=0.37, p=0.003). Compared with weight-gained females, weight-gained males were more active in the study group (X2=11.89, p=0.003). In control group activity levels of males and females did not differ (p<0.05). Conclusion The findings of this study indicate that the determinants of physical activity differ between students who gain weight and those who do not after entering university. Further research is needed to develop strategies to prevent weight gain among university students.