Body Satisfaction Research Articles

Relationship between Body Dissatisfaction and Body Size of Males in Their Twenties

Background/Objectives: This research aims to identify any relationships between body dissatisfaction and body size among males in their twenties.
 Methods: Participants were recruited for a year from August 2015 to July 2016. Participants were 100 males, of which 50 were white American males and 50 were Korean males in North Carolina, United States of America, who are aged between 20 and 29 years old. TC2-19 3D body scanner was used to measure the participant’s body size. A descriptive analysis of data for demographics and body satisfaction was conducted. The data were analyzed by correlation techniques and regression analyses with SPSS 24 for Windows.
 Results: The results of this research indicate that the participants who have lower BMI, WHR, WCR, or WSR tend to perceive higher evaluations of their appearance, pay more attention to their appearance and are more satisfied with their body areas. Participants who have higher BMI or WHR tend to be more anxious about being overweight. Participants who have lower weight, lower shoulder-to-shoulder and lower girth values tend to show higher AE, AO, and BAS. Participants who have a higher shoulder-to-shoulder, higher upper arm girth, higher chest girth and higher waist tend to have more preoccupation about being overweight.
 Conclusion/Implications: The results of this research can help fashion businesses consider targeting males’ body dissatisfaction in the design of their products by understanding the relationship between body dissatisfaction and body size of targeting males.

Body image perception and body image satisfaction among female medical students of Mysuru

Background: Concerning one's appearance too much can result in sadness, anxiety disorders, disrupted eating habits, and nutritional deficiencies. In India, the idea of body image has received less attention, particularly among young females. The objective of the study is to assess the body image perception and satisfaction among female medical students of Private Medical College, Mysuru. Methods: This cross-sectional study was conducted among 210 female medical students of a Private Medical College in Mysuru using a self-administered questionnaire containing details of sociodemographic information and a validated visual analogue scale. Anthropometric measurements were taken using calibrated instruments. Data was analysed using SPSS version 26. The percentage was calculated for descriptive variables. The chi-square test was applied for analysing categorical variables. Results: The majority of the participants (37.1%) had a neutral perception regarding their body image followed by 33.8% are satisfied and 24.2% are unsatisfied regarding their body image. Body image perception showed that the majority (52.3%) of them had normal weight. Unhealthy weight-changing patterns like skipping meals (24%), and increasing the quantity and frequency of meals (17%) were reported among study participants. Conclusions: From the present study, it can be concluded that 37% had a neutral perception and 24% are unsatisfied with their body image. Psychological parameters like feeling anxious, lack of confidence, and attempts to change their body weight are associated with body image perception which may further result in affecting their mental health.

Is There an Association between Food Consumption According to the Degree of Processing and Body Image (Dis)satisfaction in Adolescents?

(1) Background: Adolescence is characterized by changes in eating habits, with increased consumption of ultra-processed foods and reduced intake of unprocessed or minimally processed foods, which can affect body image satisfaction. Thus, this study aims to verify the association of food consumption according to the degree of processing with body image (dis)satisfaction in adolescents from the 1997/1998 birth cohort of São Luís, Maranhão. (2) Methods: A cross-sectional study was conducted with 2515 adolescents aged between 18 and 19. Food consumption was stratified based on the NOVA classification in culinary preparations, processed foods, and ultra-processed foods, categorized into tertiles. Body image (dis)satisfaction was evaluated based on the Stunkard Body Scale and was classified as satisfaction, dissatisfaction with thinness, and dissatisfaction with excess weight. Multinomial logistic regression was used for associations. (3) Results: Among the adolescents, 77% considered themselves dissatisfied with their body image, with 42.8% dissatisfied with being thin and 34.2% dissatisfied with excess weight. However, food consumption, according to the degree of processing, was not associated with body image (dis)satisfaction. (4) Conclusion: This work highlighted the prevalence of body image dissatisfaction among adolescents but found no association between body (dis)satisfaction and food consumption according to the degree of processing.

Transgender and gender-diverse youth: an update on standard medical treatments for gender dysphoria and the sociopolitical climate.

Transgender and gender-diverse (TGD) youth experience a discordance between their binary sex assigned at birth and gender identity. All TGD youth benefit from compassionate care delivered by clinicians who are informed in matters of gender diversity. Some of TGD youth experience clinically significant distress, termed gender dysphoria (GD), and may benefit from additional psychological support and medical treatments. Discrimination and stigma fuel minority stress in TGD youth and thus many struggle with mental health and psychosocial functioning. This review summarizes the current state of research on TGD youth and essential medical treatments for gender dysphoria. These concepts are highly relevant in the current sociopolitical climate. Pediatric providers of all disciplines are stakeholders in the care of TGD youth and should be aware of updates in this field. Children who express gender-diverse identities continue to express these identities into adolescence. Medical treatments for GD have a positive effect on mental health, suicidality, psychosocial functioning, and body satisfaction. The overwhelming majority of TGD youth with gender dysphoria who receive medical aspects of gender affirming care continue these treatments into early adulthood. Political targeting and legal interference into social inclusion for TGD youth and medical treatments for GD are rooted in scientific misinformation and have negative impacts on their well being. All youth-serving health professionals are likely to care for TGD youth. To provide optimal care, these professionals should remain apprised of best practices and understand basic principles of medical treatments for GD.

INSATISFAÇÃO CORPORAL, MÍDIA E MUSCULARIDADE: a busca pelo padrão inalcançável

Body image can be understood as an internal representation of the individual's physical structure and appearance. One of the dimensions of body image is body satisfaction, which can be understood as the extent to which the standard of beauty internalized by the subject approaches their real body. Evidently, sociocultural factors influence which body type is internalized as ideal and one of these factors is the media. In this way, the present theoretical and reflective study sought to discuss the construction of the male and female beauty standard propagated in beauty pageants, magazines, and toys reported by scientific literature. The male pattern has gone in the direction of muscularity over the decades. The female, for a long time, has gone in the direction of thinness, but now it also seems to be more permissive to muscularity. Thus, the possible negative consequences of the pursue for the ideal body were discussed, such as psychological disorders: anorexia nervosa, bulimia nervosa and muscle dysmorphia. The latter receives special attention precisely because the current male and female standards have converged in the phenomenon of the pursue for muscularity.

Eating behaviors and body self-esteem in couple's satisfaction during COVID-19 quarantine

Background: Many experts agree that the Covid-19 pandemic and lockdown restriction have had an impact on relationships and eating habits in couples, but this hypothesis lacks evidence and empirical studies. Aim: The aim of the study was to investigate the relationship between satisfaction with the couple's relationship, body self-esteem, and eating behaviors during the Covid-19 lockdown. Method: Three hundred and eighty-one subjects, aged between 18 and 60 years (M = 26.88; SD = 9.22), of whom 89.8% women, participated in the survey. The online assessment included: the Relationship Assessment Scale; the Multidimensional Self Concept Scale and the Eating Disorder Examination Questionnaire. Results: The results showed that the relationship and the levels of couple's satisfaction are independent of respect to body experience and eating behavior. On the contrary, bodily experience is negatively correlated with diet, weight, body shape, and restriction attempts. However, the eating style of couple showed a change during the quarantine period, both in healthy and at-risk of ED subjects. Conclusion: The psychological impact of Covid-19 and its lockdown has had profound repercussions on the subjective relationship with body and food but have apparently preserved stable and satisfying bonds. The importance of the study confirmed the primary relation between self and body's satisfaction in subjective dimensions of life.

Body Comparisons Compromise the Benefits Body Diversity Exposure has on Body Satisfaction Among Female Adolescents and Young Adult Women

Body Comparisons Compromise the Benefits Body Diversity Exposure has on Body Satisfaction Among Female Adolescents and Young Adult Women

Exploring gender dysphoria and related outcomes in a prospective cohort study: protocol for the Swedish Gender Dysphoria Study (SKDS)

IntroductionThere has been a drastic increase in the reported number of people seeking help for gender dysphoria in many countries over the last two decades. Yet, our knowledge of gender...

Body Positivity or Humorous Parody? The Impact of Instagram Imagery on Body Image Concerns

Research has shown that Instagram imagery can affect women's body image. However, it remains unclear how Instagram images are perceived, and which type of images can have a positive impact on body image. In this study (N = 170), we examined whether exposure to body positive and humorous parody (vs. body ideal) imagery would be perceived as critiques of thin body ideals, would elicit photo-based activity in the form of “likes”, and would positively affect women's body image. Results showed that both body positivity and humorous parody images elicited more “likes” and were perceived as critiquing thin body standards more than body ideal images. Moreover, women's body satisfaction and positive mood were higher after exposure to body positivity and humorous parody compared to exposure to body ideal images. Women exposed to humorous parody also reported a lower drive for thinness. These findings demonstrate that both body positivity and humorous parody can be considered critiques that improve body image.

Examining the Role of Physical Activity on Psychological Well-Being and Mental Health Postpartum

Postpartum physical activity can positively impact mental and physical health. There is a need to better understand how physical activity is related to various psychological constructs to support physical activity in postpartum women. Thus, the purpose of this exploratory, quantitative, study was to examine differences between postpartum women who were physically active and those who were physically inactive on psychological (e.g., self-compassion) and mental health constructs. Five hundred twenty-five women (Mage = 28.4) completed an online survey. Participants who reported being active following the birth of their last child had significantly higher exercise self-efficacy, self-compassion, and basic psychological needs fulfillment for exercise and significantly lower levels of perceived fatigue, anxiety, and depression compared with their inactive counterparts. However, active mothers had lower body satisfaction than inactive mothers. Women who are active after the birth of a child have improved psychological constructs that may benefit overall well-being and mental health during this challenging transition.

Cinsiyet Değiştirme Ameliyatının Memnuniyet ve Yaşam Kalitesine Etkisi: Sistematik Gözden Geçirme

Gender dysphoria refers to a feeling of awkwardness or discomfort in an anatomically compatible gender role and a desire to have a body of the opposite sex, as well as the negative emotion associated with marked incompatibility between the sex they have and their experienced or expressed gender. It is known that sex reassignment surgeries cause critical changes in the lives of individuals with gender dysphoria. For this reason, it is thought that it is important to follow up individuals before and after surgery. In this systematic review study, it is aimed to examine the effect of sex reassignment surgery for individuals with gender dysphoria on body and sexual satisfaction and quality of life. The framework of the research question was created on the basis of PICOS steps. PubMed, PsycARTICLES and ULAKBİM databases were used in the literature review. The review is based on studies that measure body and sexual satisfaction and quality of life before and after sex reassignment surgery. The study was created using the preferred reporting elements for the PRISMA Statement checklist. The publication year range of the articles evaluated within the framework of inclusion and exclusion criteria among the total articles reached is 2014-2022. The studies were examined in two separate groups: studies on body and sexual satisfaction and studies on quality of life. After examining the articles, it was concluded that sex reassignment surgery increases the body and sexual satisfaction of individuals as well as enhancing the quality of life.

The effectiveness of criteria-based, publicly funded abdominoplasty after massive weight loss: a prospective cohort study

**Background**: With the rising incidence of obesity and bariatric surgery, there has been an increase in body contouring procedures. Abdominoplasty, following massive weight loss, has been shown to improve body image and health-related quality of life. However, the inclusion criteria for this surgery is varied, and the role for public funding is controversial. The aim of this pilot study was to evaluate the benefits of strict, criteria-based and publicly funded abdominoplasty following massive weight loss using patient-reported outcome measures (PROMs).**Methods**: This was a prospective cohort study. Patients who qualified for abdominoplasty completed a general health PROM (SF-36) and a body contouring specific PROM (BODY-Q) pre- and postoperatively at three, six and twelve months. Complications were recorded. PROM scores were analysed using the Wilcoxon Signed Rank Test (p < .05). The study was approved by the Central Adelaide Health Network Human Research Ethics Committee [HREC/16/TQEH/133].**Results**: Twenty-three patients were included in the analysis. The mean follow-up time was four months. The body contouring-specific (BODY-Q) scores improved in eight of nine domains. The general (SF-36) scores improved in six of nine domains. The complication rate was low and minor in nature.**Conclusion**: This pilot study suggests that publicly funded abdominoplasty with specific criteria restrictions has a role in significantly improving body satisfaction and health-related quality of life in patients after massive weight loss.

Body related Shame, Guilt, Dissatisfaction and Depression among University Students with Obesity

Aim: To explore the relationship among body related shame, guilt, dissatisfaction and depression among university students with obesity. Study design: Correlation research design was used. Place and duration: The sample was selected from four different public and private sector universities of Lahore, Pakistan and the research was conducted from February-June 2022. Methodology: Purposive sampling strategy was used to select sample (n=200). The Weight related Body Shame and Guilt Scale, Depression Scale from DASS-21 and Body Satisfaction Scale were administered on the participants along with demographic sheet. Results: Weight-related body shame has significant positive correlation with guilt (.72**), depression (.77**) and BMI (.72**). Furthermore, weight-related body shame (β=.34), weight-related body guilt (β=.28), general dissatisfaction (β= .81), head dissatisfaction (β=.30), and body dissatisfaction (β=.27) were found to be significant positive predictors of depression among university students with obesity. Female students with obesity had more body-related shame, general dissatisfaction, head and body dissatisfaction. Conclusion: This research is helpful to understand the role of body related shame and guilt in causing depression among students with obesity. Keywords: Obesity, body shame, guilt, dissatisfaction, depression

Unexcused absence from physical education in elementary school. On the role of autonomous motivation and body image factors

Physical education (PE) is an essential school subject due to its potential to promote well-being and health in all children. Yet, PE stands out among other subjects in terms of truancy. This study is one of the first to examine if unexcused absence from PE is associated with early adolescents' body image and autonomous motivation towards PE. A total of 526 Swedish 6th graders (Mage = 12.28, SD = 0.31) reported the frequency of unexcused absence from PE and answered questions about aesthetic and functional body image, social physique anxiety, and autonomous motivation. Findings showed that unexcused absence from PE was associated with less autonomous motivation and higher social physique anxiety. Participants who had never been absent reported higher functional body image investment and satisfaction. Analyses showed that whereas the aesthetic aspects of body image were associated with decreased autonomous motivation toward PE, functional aspects predicted higher autonomous motivation. The study sheds novel light on the links between absence from PE, body image, and autonomous motivation. As absence may have real-life practical effects for school achievement, health, and well-being, the findings demonstrate the importance of mitigating social physique anxiety and promoting an inclusive and body positive PE context early on.

Influence of menarche on perception of body - dimension and - image of active and insufficiently active girls

Objective: verify the influence of menarche in the perception of the dimension and the body image of active and inactive girls. Methods: Thirty-eight girls were distributed into two groups active and insufficiently active subjects and analyzed before and after menarche. Anthropometric parameters and perceptions of body size and body image were used as evaluation parameters. Results: After menarche, all the girls in both groups presented alteration (p <0.05) only in the anthropometric parameters and in the body perception index of the hip after the menarche. No significant changes were identified (p> 0.05) between groups. Conclusion: menarche induced anthropometric alterations and different perceptions of hip size, but without modifying the silhouettes choices and body satisfaction independently of the level of physical activity.

Body satisfaction and self‐perception profile: Reliability and validity analyses of the Children's body image scale for Turkish children

AbstractIn recent years, appearance, and body image in particular, has become a very important concern not only for adults but also for children. Children's self‐evaluation of their bodies is critical in the occurrence of eating disorders. This study aims to conduct (1) a validity and reliability analysis of the Children's Body Image Scale (CBIS) adapted to the Turkish culture and (2) the relationship between body satisfaction, self‐worth and physical appearance. The psychometric properties of the CBIS were examined on a sample of 473 (211 girls and 262 boys) children aged 8–11 (mean 9.38). The data obtained from boys and girls were divided into two groups according to grade and analysed using descriptive and inferential statistics. The reliability level of the scale was at an acceptable level, and a statistically significant relationship was found between the scale's Body Mass Index and the dimensions of Self‐Perception Profile. The results revealed that there is a significant relationship between body satisfaction and general self‐worth and physical appearance. In addition, the scores obtained on the CBIS after a 3‐week period showed significant internal consistency and test–retest reliability. The analyses revealed that the CBIS is a valid and reliable measurement tool for Turkish children. The results of the study can be a useful tool for education and health professionals that they need screening tools to help them detect body dissatisfaction. The study also showed some correlates of high body dissatisfaction in children that can be used before the rise in eating disorders in adolescence.

The associations between body dissatisfaction, exercise intensity, sleep quality, and depression in university students in southern China.

In recent years, depression in early adulthood has become an urgent global public health concern. The university years mark a transitional period from adolescence to adulthood. Young people are required to face academic and life pressures independently, which increases the risk of mental health problems in university. The main goal of the current study was to explore the sex differences in depression, body dissatisfaction, sleep quality, and exercise intensity among university students in southern China and to analyze the factors affecting the level of depression among university students. In total, 1,258 university students aged 18-23 years were recruited for this study. All participants completed anthropometric measurements, the Self-rating Depression Scale, Physical Activity Rating Scale, and Pittsburgh Sleep Quality Index. Body dissatisfaction levels were measured using sex-appropriate silhouettes. Compared with young women, young men had higher exercise intensity and sleep quality, whereas young women's body dissatisfaction and depression levels were significantly higher than those of young men. Sleep quality score (β = 0.34, p < 0.01), sex (β = 0.15, p < 0.01), physical activity score (β = -0.14, p < 0.01), and body dissatisfaction (β = 0.14, p < 0.01) were significant predictive factors of the Self-rating Depression Scale score. Low levels of physical dissatisfaction have a positive effect on depression, and high levels of physical activity and quality sleep can also improve depressive symptoms. At the same time, increasing body satisfaction has the effect of increasing physical activity and improving sleep quality. Therefore, there is great potential to prevent and ameliorate depression by reducing body dissatisfaction.

Internalization of the Western Standard of Beauty and Body Satisfaction: Evaluation Utilizing COPS and SATAQ-3 Questionnaires among Girls with Scoliosis.

Background and Objectives: Patients with adolescent idiopathic scoliosis (AIS) more frequently present significant back-related body image disturbances compared with healthy controls. The study aimed to adapt two screening questionnaires: Sociocultural Attitudes Towards Appearance Questionnaire (SATAQ-3) and Cosmetic Procedure Screening Questionnaire (COPS), that could identify AIS patients, especially those threatened with body image disorders and might predict dissatisfaction with a desired-by-patients cosmetic result of treatment. Materials and Methods: In total, 34 AIS patients who undergo Cheneau brace treatment were asked to complete SATAQ-3 and COPS. Results: AIS patients presented a high level of internalization. Clinical and radiological factors that play a crucial role in the evaluation and decision process during brace treatment were not significantly associated with COPS and SATAQ-3 total scores. The SATAQ-3 total score and COPS results were also not related to sociodemographic parameters of the analyzed group. Conclusions: The presented study confirms the usefulness of the questionnaires, which aimed to isolate sociocultural risk factors of body image disorders in scoliosis patients as predictors of treatment dissatisfaction and worse compliance.

Body Image: A Study Concerning Teenage Social Media Involvement and Body Satisfaction

People have been influenced by social media, through both subtle and explicit means that appearance is crucial to a positive and successful experience as a person. While the message may not be directly stated, the strong implication that society needs to fit the ideal body standard can have detrimental consequences, especially amongst impressionable teen audiences. The social media platform, Instagram, is greatly responsible for this trend due to its focus on photo-sharing. My research investigated Instagram's portrayal of an unrealistic body image and social media's influence over the perception of one's body image. It aimed to answer the question “What effect does social media's portrayal of the unrealistic ideal body have on male and female Californian high school students’ own body satisfaction?”. To do this, I conducted a survey of reviewing students' body satisfaction before and after reviewing images of popular influencers through Google Forms. I had participants identify social media's portrayal and reflect on their interactions with social media. After analyzing the data, I concluded that while both genders' body satisfaction was impacted negatively by social media, young women were impacted more significantly than young men. The results of this study give insight into how society influences body image and how social media can be used as a method to promote the ideal body standard. It explores males and their experiences with social media more deeply and in comparison to women.

Power, Self-Esteem, and Body Image

Abstract: We expected power – the perceived capacity to influence others – to be an antecedent of positive body image because power is closely linked to self-esteem, which in turn is linked to body image. In a cross-sectional study ( N = 318), sense of power was positively related to body appreciation and satisfaction with one’s appearance. Self-esteem partially mediated this effect. In an experimental study ( N = 114), participants assigned to a high-power group indicated more body appreciation, reported more body satisfaction, and estimated themselves to be taller than participants assigned to a low-power group. Self-esteem mediated all the effects. Altogether, power affected body image directly but also indirectly through elevated self-esteem. Implications refer to clinical prevention and intervention programs.