Ideal Body Image Research Articles

The Relationship Between Body Image and Self-esteem

Body image is one of the significant components of the individual’s self-concept that provides the opportunity to reach a more healthy physical and mental state. In this way, the perception of our body and those feelings, which are associated with this image greatly influence not only our self-concept, but our self-esteem, too. The aim of my study was to understand better the relationship between body image and self-esteem, as well as my long-term objective is to provide a more effective assistance for individuals with negative self-concept that is based on poor body image. I used Figure Rating Scale (Stunkard et al., 1983; Thompson Altable, 1991) and Rosenberg Self-Esteem Scale (Rosenberg, 1965) by young adults in my study. The results confirmed closed correlation between the examined factors. Major differences between the perceived and ideal body images predicted lower level of self-esteem. Furthermore, in many cases, distortions of visual perception were also explored by individuals with negative body image. Additional researches are needed to understand better the development of self-concept and its connection with self-esteem.

Self- Perception of Body Weight Status in Older Dutch Adults.

The prevalence of obesity is highest in older persons and a correct self-perception of body weight status is necessary for optimal weight control. The aim of this study was to determine self-perception of, and satisfaction with, body weight status, and to compare current versus ideal body image in a large, nationally representative sample of older people. Furthermore, determinants of misperception were explored. A cross-sectional study. The Longitudinal Aging Study Amsterdam (LASA), conducted in a population-based sample in the Netherlands. 1295 men and women aged 60-96 years. Body weight status was assessed using measured weight and height. Self-perceived body weight status, satisfaction with body weight and current and ideal body image were also assessed. Multiple logistic regression analysis was used to investigate the association of age, educational level and objectively measured BMI with underestimation of body weight status. The prevalence of obesity was 19.9% in men and 29.3% in women. The agreement between objective and self-perceived body weight status was low (Kappa < 0.2). Among overweight and obese persons, 42.1% of men and 44.1% of women were (very) dissatisfied with their body weight status and >99% of obese participants desired to be thinner (ideal body image < current image). Only 4.4% of obese men and 12.3% of obese women perceived their body weight status correctly. Higher age (women), lower educational level (men) and higher BMI (all) were associated with greater underestimation of body weight status. Many older persons misperceive their body weight status. Future actions to improve body weight perception in older persons are necessary to increase the impact of public health campaigns focussing on a healthy body weight in old age.

Body image perception and its association with body mass index and nutrient intakes among female college students aged 18-35years from Tabriz, Iran.

Recent studies have shown that body image perception is an important factor in weight management and can be influenced by several social or cultural factors in Western or non-Western societies; however, body image perception and its nutritional and demographic determinants in Iran have not been extensively studied. In the current study, we aimed to evaluate body image perception and its socio-demographic and nutritional determinants among female university students in Tabriz City of Iran. In the current cross-sectional survey, 184 female students aged 18-35 years from Tabriz, Iran, were enrolled. Anthropometric variables including weight, height, waist and hip circumference were measured and body mass index (BMI) and waist to hip ratio (WHR) were calculated. Body image perception and distortion were assessed by Figure Rating Scale (FRS) developed by Stunkard consisting of nine silhouettes. Nutrition intake was assessed by a 3-day 24-h dietary recall method and analyzed by Nutritionist IV software. Most of the participants in the underweight (41.66%), normal weight (67.71%) and overweight (57.14%) categories of BMI selected the thinnest figure as their desirable or ideal body image perception. The total prevalences of body image dissatisfaction and distortion were 51.63% and 64.13%, respectively. Subjects who had undistorted body image perception consumed more time for physical activity and had more night sleeping hours compared with others (P < 0.05). Subjects who perceived themselves as being of normal weight had significantly lower intake of total fat and saturated fatty acids and higher intakes of monounsaturated fatty acids (MUFAs) compared with other groups (P < 0.05). According to our findings, female participants had a higher tendency to consider thinness as the preferred body image style. Persons with undistorted body image perception had healthy nutritional status compared with others. Due to high prevalence of body image dissatisfaction, the need for appropriate interventional programs to prevent the associated co-morbidities is emphasized.

The Distance Between Selves: The Influence of Self-Discrepancy on Purpose in Life

The present investigation (total N = 643) sought to examine for the first time self-discrepancy theory in relation to purpose in life. Negative associations were found between purpose and discrepancies in perceptions of one's actual and ideal personality (Study 1) and body image (Study 2). Study 3 further demonstrated experimentally that individuals describing differences between their actual and ideal physique reported less purpose than those describing similarities. Finally, Study 4 sought to compare the effects of actual/ideal and actual/ought self-discrepancies on purpose in life. Participants who wrote about differences between their actual/ideal or actual/ought selves subsequently reported less purpose than those who wrote about similarities between these domains. However, neither a main effect nor an interaction emerged between actual/ideal versus actual/ought conditions, thereby suggesting that greater discrepancy denigrated purpose independent of self-domain. Importantly, agency emerged as a mechanism explaining the association between both actual/ideal and actual/ought discrepancies and purpose.

Eating behavior control model in obese adolescents based on individual beliefs and ideal body image

Background: Obesity epidemic has become a public health issue in Indonesia, particularly among children and adolescents. Research on the eating behavior control model, especially on individual belief and ideal body image among Indonesian adolescents, is limited. Objective: To develop a model of eating behavior control in obese adolescents based on individual belief and ideal body image. Materials and Methods: Data collected from 120 obese Indonesian adolescents aged 14–18 years in five senior high schools were used. Questionnaires and interviews were used to assess individual characteristic, belief, ideal body image, and social support. Model on eating behavior control was assessed using partial least square. Result: Individual belief through perceived threat, the threat of weight gain and the potential threat of a disease, leads to improved eating behavior control in obese adolescents. Ideal body image, consisting of appearance, evaluation, orientation, satisfaction, anxiety, and perception, can enhance good eating behavior. Conclusion: Favorable eating behavior of obese adolescents is affected by individual beliefs and ideal body image. Health educators should consider this issue with young people to develop strategies and intervention more relevant and appropriate.

Perceived and Ideal Body Image in Young Women in South Western Saudi Arabia.

Objectives. The aim of this study was to investigate perceived and ideal body image (BI) and associated factors among female university students in Saudi Arabia. Methods. This cross-sectional study included 663 university female students. Anthropometric measurements including weight, height, BMI, and BI perception (the 9-figure silhouette) were obtained. Descriptive and logistic regression analysis were conducted. Results. An agreement between actual, perceived, and ideal BI was found in 23% of the participants. Behavioral (activity levels), social (presence of obese parents and fathers' level of education), and economic factors (households' monthly income, number of cars in the household, and kind of residence) were positively and significantly associated with the desire to be thinner. Similarly, socioeconomic associations (number of sisters and number of cars in the household) correlated positively and significantly with the desire to be heavier. Conclusions. The whole family should rather be considered in interventions related to appearance concerns and BI discrepancies. Furthermore, campaigns targeting improvement of adolescents' physical self-image should be a major priority of the public health sector.

The relationship between substance use, body image, and social physique anxiety amongst school-aged adolescents on theTexas/Mexico border

Background: Marijuana and alcohol use are higher in Hispanic youth in the U.S. compared with their non-Hispanic peers. Among adolescents, negative body image (BI) is associated with risky behaviors including substance use. Few studies have looked at the link between BI and substance use among adolescents, particularly along the US-Mexico border. The purpose of this study was to examine the relationship between BI and substance use among 6th-12th grade students living along the south Texas-Mexico border. Methods: Using a cross-sectional design, 556 Mexican-American students (44.9% male, M age = 13.22 years) from randomly selected schools representing 6th-12th grades near the south Texas/Mexico border self-reported age, gender and substance use behaviors, and completed measures of social physique anxiety (SPA), perceived and ideal BI. BI dissatisfaction, SPA, and substance use were compared by gender and grade level. Prevalence ratios were calculated to assess the likelihood of students using alcohol, tobacco or marijuana. Results: No differences in BI dissatisfaction or social physique were found across grades. Girls had higher SPA scores compared to boys (P= 0.006), but no differences were found for BI dissatisfaction. Older students reported smoking and drinking more than younger students. As SPA increased the prevalence of drinking decreased. Conclusions: Future public health efforts to reduce substance use among Hispanic youth may start before or during middle school. Consideration of physical self-presentation might be important given the timing of first use coincides with growth and maturation.

Body image in brace treated and untreated patients: preliminary results from BrAIST

Methods Data from 178 BrAIST subjects that chose treatment were used. Subjects that switched treatment during the study were not included in the analyses. Body image constructs, based on cognitive-behavioral perspectives (1), were used to measure the following: how adolescents’ 1) think they look (self-body image), 2) want to look (ideal-body image), and 3) the difference between these constructs (self-ideal body image discrepancy). The Spinal Appearance Questionnaire (SAQ) (2) measures these constructs and scores were compared with largest curve size, BMI, and qualityof-life measures. Wilcoxon ranked sum tests were conducted to test differences in self-body image means, idealbody image means, and self-ideal body image discrepancy means between the treated and untreated groups at baseline and at 6, 12, 18, and 24 month follow-up visits.

Interoceptive sensitivity, body image dissatisfaction, and body awareness in healthy individuals.

Relationships among interoceptive sensitivity (IS), body image dissatisfaction, body mass index (BMI), and self-reported body awareness were investigated in a cross-sectional study. Eighty-two Norwegian high school students and 70 Hungarian undergraduate university students participated in the study. Subjects completed two questionnaires (Body Image Ideals Questionnaire - BIQ; Body Awareness Questionnaire - BAQ) followed by the assessment of interoceptive sensitivity using the Mental Tracking Method (MTM). An inverse, medium-level relationship between body image dissatisfaction and IS was found in both the Norwegian and the Hungarian samples. The relationships between IS and self-reported body awareness, and between body image dissatisfaction and BMI were uniformly non-significant in both samples. Predictors of body image dissatisfaction were resting heart rate, gender, and IS in the regression analysis after controlling for BMI, age, and nationality. The negative relationship between IS and body image dissatisfaction described in patients with anorexia nervosa also exists in healthy individuals. There is no direct connection between IS and self-reported body awareness.

Stimulus-response compatibility tests of implicit preference for food and body image to identify people at risk for disordered eating: a validation study

The aim of this study was to incorporate implicit measures of relevant social cognition into eating disorder research. Fifty-three females diagnosed with an eating disorder (ED), and 41 at-risk females were recruited via ED support websites, along with 23 healthy females for comparison. Computerised online tests assessing subconscious normative ideal body image (IBI-BIAT) and personalised self-identification body image (PBI-BIAT) associations and food preferences (FP-AAT) were administered, followed by the modified version of the Eating Disorder Examination Questionnaire (EDE-Q). Anthropometric data, age, need for social approval, self-reported measures of self-esteem, normative perception and body image satisfaction were recorded. Self-reported diagnosed ED status was corroborated with BMI and EDE-Q. Diagnostic performance of the implicit measures was assessed with ROC analysis. Those diagnosed with ED showed significantly stronger automatic preferences for and self-identification with thin body image, compared to healthy females, but no differences were found in food preferences. The IBI-BIAT showed better diagnostic power than PBI-BIAT, correctly classifying 87% of the diagnosed participants. No correlation was found between IBI-BIAT and the explicit measures. The results suggest that the underlying subconscious social cognitive factors of pathological eating are linked to body image, not to food items per se.

The implications of body-image dissatisfaction among kidney-transplant recipients

The role that body image plays in the psychological adjustment of kidney-transplant recipients is an understudied issue. In the current study, the association between three variables – (a) body-image dissatisfaction, (b) quality of life (QOL), and (c) psychological distress – was investigated. The research participants were 45 kidney-transplant recipients who were under follow-up care at the Transplant Unit of the Tel-Aviv Medical Center (Israel). Body image, psychological distress, and QOL were measured using self-report questionnaires [Body-Image Ideals Questionnaire (BIIQ), Brief Symptoms Inventory (BSI), and SF-12]. Medical and background data were collected from medical and administrative records. The findings indicated an association between higher level of body-image dissatisfaction and a decrease in several quality-of-life dimensions (role emotional, physical pain, general health, and social functioning), and with an increase in psychological distress. These findings highlight the importance of body-image dissatisfaction as a factor that is associated with QOL and psychological distress among kidney-transplant recipients. Body image warrants further attention and should be screened and treated among those who demonstrate high levels of dissatisfaction.

MEDYANIN KADIN ESTETİĞİ ÜZERİNE ETKİLERİ VE EBENİN ROLÜ

Influences of media on women’s aesthetics and the role of midwife Media which is a common name given to all means of mass communication (television, internet, newspaper etc.) is defined as 4th power after the legislation, execution and jurisdiction. As in many areas, this power has a significant impact on the women’s perception of aesthetics. Media has both positive and negative influences on women's aesthetics. Examples for positive influences can be some sports and nutrition programs that help women to have the ideal weight and the use of cosmetic products and interventions which have good evidence value. Negative influences can be representing women in the media as an object of sexual-magazine, women not eating (anorexia nervosa), or eating and vomiting (bulimia nervosa) to achieve the ideal body image that the media offers to society and starting improper diet and the drug. Midwives that play a key role in the protection and promotion of women health have many important educational, defensive, caregiver, researcher, leadership and counseling roles regarding the influences of media on women aesthetics. The purpose of this review is to show both positive and negative influences of media on women's aesthetics and reveal the role and the responsibilities of midwives in this issue.

Eating Disorder Risk and Body Dissatisfaction Based on Muscularity and Body Fat in Male University Students

Objective: To investigate the relationship between risk of eating disorders, body dissatisfaction, and perceptual attractiveness in male university students. Participants: Research was conducted January–April 2012 and involved 339 male and 441 female students. Methods: Eating disorder risk was assessed with the Eating Attitudes Test (EAT) and body dissatisfaction and perceptual attractiveness determined with the Bodybuilder Image Grid (BIG). Results: There was a positive correlation (r = .16, p < .01) between the EAT and fat dissatisfaction and a negative correlation (r = −.14, p < .05) for muscle dissatisfaction, 28% of the males had an EAT score indicating that they were at risk for an eating disorder. Males chose a significantly more muscular and leaner body type than what females chose to be attractive. Conclusion: College-aged males may be at risk for eating disorders based on distortions in their perceived ideal body image, both for fat and muscle.

African American male and female student perceptions of Pulvers Body Images: implications for obesity, health care, and prevention.

Differences in male and female perception response to the Pulvers Body Image Scale (PBIS) were examined among 356 freshmen African American students attending an urban historically Black college/university (HBCU). Participants completed a questionnaire identifying images that best represented their current, healthy, and ideal body image. Compared with males, more females selected the normal body image as their ideal (63.3% vs. 15.3%) and healthy body shape (59.3% vs. 15.3%) (p&lt;.001). Compared with females, more males selected the overweight body image as their ideal (44.6% vs. 30.2%) and healthy body shape (52.2% vs. 36.2%) (p&lt;.01). Similarly, more males selected the obese body image as their ideal (40.1% vs. 6.5%) and healthy body shape (32.5% vs. 4.5%) compared with females (p&lt;.001). Male freshmen at an HBCU perceive a larger body image as healthy and ideal more often than their female counterparts, thereby increasing the potential for their weight-related health risks.

Preference and Fitness of Jackets by Body Shape: Focused on the Female University Students

This study investigated the jacket preferences and actual fit according to body image perception of female university students in their early twenties, using a survey questionnaire method to analyze areas of dissatisfaction and improvements based on wearing experience. On the relationship between jacket and body image perception, female students with poor body image expressed the highest rate of "not satisfied" with purchase, which was significant. On buying preferences, the "Internet" was the primary place of purchase and "design" of jacket had highest consideration on the decision to buy. "Princess with a cinched - in waist" was the most preferred silhouette, and the most preferred length was "below the hip line." The most preferred cut was "basic," a jacket with a "tailored-collar of notched lapel shape," and "2-buttons." On discomfort and improvement of jacket fitness, students were most dissatisfied with "arm hole." The studies of production of a jacket which fitness and activities is both considered for female university students in their early twenties who use clothes to make them look more like their ideal body image.

Body Weight Concerns among Urban Adolescent Girls: A Microlevel Study

Growing consciousness about ideal body image leads to dietary modifications and consequent eating disorders among girls in developing countries like India. The present study aims to (i) assess the prevalence of body weight consciousness and related behaviours among a group of adolescent girls; (ii) assess the sociodemographic correlates of weight related behaviours; and (iii) compare weight related behaviours of the girls of two religious groups residing in Howrah. The study is the outcome of a cross-sectional school based survey involving 280 (159 Hindu and 121 Muslim) girls from standards 8 to 11. Significant differences exist between two religious groups with respect to their family size, socioeconomic profile, and media exposures (in terms of watching television). Consciousness about body weight among girls shows significant difference with respect to religion, family size (χ2=64.77), father’s occupation (χ2=60.28), level of education of both the parents, and media exposure (P&lt;0.05). Consciousness about body weight drives them to adopt several behavioural measures like calorie restriction, food avoidance, and dieting. Sociodemographic correlates of all these behaviours have been analyzed. The study documents that concern over body image and weight loss is quite important among these urban girls.

대학생의 체형인식, 불안, 심리적 유연성과 이상섭식태도 간의 관련성

Abstract This study examined the relationships among body perception, anxiety, psychological flexibility, and abnormal eating habits of college students. Data was collected through a self reported structured questionnaire from 289 Korean college students using convenient sampling methods from April 20 to June 30, 2013. Multiple linear regression revealed the subjective body perception (β=0.28, p <.001), ideal body image (β=-0.15, p =.004), anxiety (β=0.21, p <.001), and psychological flexibility (β=-0.13, p =.032) to be significant predictors of abnormal eating habitsof college students. These variables accounted for 26% of abnormal eating habits (F=17.42, p <.001). Therefore, as a strategy for reducing abnormal eating habits, therapeutic nursing intervention will be needed to improve the psychological flexibility and control anxiety as well as correct the distorted body perception. Key Words : Anxiety, Diet, Perception, Pliability, Students 이 논문은 2013년도에 청주대학교 보건의료과학연구소가 지원한 학술연구조성비(특별연구과제)에 의해 연구되었음.

Prevalence and sociodemographic trends of weight misperception in Korean adolescents.

BackgroundRapid physical and emotional growth occurs during youth. Adolescence is one of the most important periods for adapting to body change and establishing an ideal body image. Body change is an important and sensitive concern for adolescents, and the values and self-conception established at this time affect various aspects of the entire life. This study aimed to investigate the prevalence and trends of weight misperception among adolescents in Korea.MethodsWe analyzed raw data from the 2011 Korea Youth Risk Behaviour Web-based Survey-VII (KYRBWS-VII), in which 73,474 adolescents from the middle-school first grade to the high-school third grade (aged 12–18) participated. For the multivariate logistic regression model, the dependent variable was existence of misperception (yes/no) and independent variables were sociodemographic factors.ResultsWe found that the prevalence of weight misperception was 49.3% (overestimation, 23.7%; underestimation, 25.6%). Among male students, 65.0% underestimated their weight, whereas 62.2% of female students overestimated their weight. Multivariate logistic regression analysis revealed that gender (OR = 1.254; 95% CI = 1.214–1.294; p < 0.001) and socioeconomic status (OR = 1.173; 95% CI = 1.121–1.228; p < 0.001) were significantly associated with weight misperception. Compared with overweight/obese adolescents, adolescents whose BMI-based body weight was underweight or normal showed 2.386-times higher (OR = 2.386; 95% CI = 2.045–2.783, p < 0.001) and 32.804-times higher (OR = 32.804; 95% CI = 29.829–36.077, p < 0.001) body shape misperception, respectively.ConclusionsAn effective obesity intervention program for adolescents must reflect and monitor body shape perception as well as BMI, and should include subjects who overestimate as well as underestimate their weight.

Ideal body image: A male perspective on self

Societal notions of masculinity have changed greatly in the last two decades and males appear more interested in improving or maintaining their appearance in ways traditionally reserved for women (such as the use of cosmetic grooming products). Where female body dissatisfaction and drivers of appearance-related image modification have been studied from a feminine perspective, little research has focused on the perspective of men in relation to these issues. The current study thus examines how males of different ages perceive their physical appearance and what motivates them to undertake activities related to changing or maintaining that appearance. The study does this by asking males to compare themselves to male body images as constructed in the media and by society more generally. An exploratory approach to research is undertaken, utilising focus groups and depth interviews with males in two age cohorts (18–25years and 33–45years). Results suggest that there is a difference in overall perceptions of body image between the two groups, with younger males striving for a lean and muscular body and older males focused on health and lifespan concerns. In contrast to research examining female body perceptions, this study indicates that the media and social comparison act as positive motivators rather than sources of body dissatisfaction.

An Investigation of Female College Students' Body Weight Perception Deviation and Its Reasons

References suggested that there are two components of body-image dysfunction:(a) perceptual body-size distortion and(b) cognitive-evaluative dysfunction. Also, reference indicated that an individual's perception of body weight is an imperative component for understanding a dissatisfied body-image. Thus, the purpose of this study was to investigate female college students' perceptions on their own body weight in relation to others. By analyzing college female students' social perceptions on the deviation of their body weight in relation to a standardized normal female body weight, the study used the male students' perceptions as a social standard of proper body weight image. Additionally, the reasons of the college students' perceptions of deviation of body weight were also examined as well. The body image materials of PFRS(the female Photographic Figure Rating Scale) consist of ten photographic real female body images varying in body mass index(BMI) from emaciated to obese. Participants of the study were randomly selected from 6 universities and colleges, which included 1005 female students and 190 male students. The female participants were asked to choose the images in the PFRS representing their body size, ideal body size, and the most attractive body size respectively. To estimate the images of body weight based on the PFRS(assume that the image was as high as her), the participants were asked to report their actual body weight, and their perception on the desired ideal body weight. The male participants were asked to choose the most attractive body image from the PFRS. Based on the obtained research data, the attempt of this study was toreveal the female college students' perceptions for the ideal body image so that the distance of deviation to ideal body image could be identified as well. In addition, the current study used three research models:(a) mirror model,(b) generalized model and(c) relevant model in order to reveal the reasons of the body weight perceptual deviation. The results of this study showed that the female students overestimated their own BMI(Body Mass Index); specifically, the female students tended to overestimate the BMI of the female students with normal weight or underweight, but underestimate the BMI of those overweight females. The score on the subjective social pressure of their body weight is higher than the real social pressure, which means that these students exaggerated the social pressure of body weight. Moreover, the female students' perceptions on body image deviated to others were more possible to influence their self-perception deviation. Cognitive evaluation mentioned on the paper is not an important factor of weight perception deviation of the female college students, but the relation between these two factors should be further studied.