Self-perceived Body Image Research Articles

Emotional Eating and Poor General Lifestyle Prevalent among Obese Young Adults

Aim: To evaluate the association between obesity and lifestyle factors, eating behaviors related to emotional eating, and body perception. Methods: A cross-sectional study was carried out with individuals of both sexes by taking anthropometric, biochemical and clinical measurements. Questionnaires were used to evaluate lifestyle, eating habits, emotional eating behavior and self-perception of body image. The participants were stratified according to body mass index (BMI). Results: A total of 318 subjects were evaluated (44% women), with an average age of 34 ± 8 years. Regarding the lifestyle questionnaire, the normal BMI group obtained a higher score [ 78.5 (71-82)] than did the overweight [76 (69-80)] and obesity groups [73 (65-79)], (p=0.005); this finding indicated that the normal BMI group had a healthier lifestyle. Conversely, the questionnaire on emotional behaviors related to emotional eating showed that the normal BMI group had lower scores [7 (3-13)] than the overweight [8 (3-15)] and obesity groups [12 (5 -21)], (p=0.008). Being a very emotional eater significantly increases the risk of obesity (OR= 3.83 (95% CI, 1.67-8.7) (p=0.002). Overall, 51.1% of the participants had a self-perception that was incorrect according to their BMI. Conclusion: Individuals frequently have a misperception of their body shape. People with obesity had lifestyle factors that were less favorable for their health as well as higher rates of emotional eating, both of which are risk factors for obesity.

The Effects Of Aerobic, Resistance, And Combination Training On Satisfaction With Physical Function And Appearance

PURPOSE To determine the effects of aerobic training (AT), resistance training (RT), and combination training (AT/RT) on personal satisfaction with physical function (SPF) and appearance (SPA). We also examined the sex-specific relationships between objective measures of body habitus and cardiorespiratory fitness with changes in these satisfaction scores. METHODS Participants (n=130 from the STRRIDE AT/RT randomized trial) completed one of four 8-month exercise programs: 1) AT: 14 kcal exercise expenditure per kg per week (KKW) at 75% VO2peak; 2) RT: 3 days per week, 8 exercises, 3 sets per exercise, 8-12 repetitions per set; 3) AT/RT: full combination of the AT and RT programs; 4) AT-High Amount (AT-H): 21 KKW at 75% VO2peak. The Satisfaction with Physical Function and Appearance Questionnaire [7-point integer scale ranging from -3 (very dissatisfied) to +3 (very satisfied)] was administered at baseline and post-intervention. We also assessed measures of body habitus (weight, lean and fat mass, and minimal waist and hip circumferences) and cardiorespiratory fitness (VO2peak). Paired t-tests determined post- minus pre-intervention change score significance within training groups (p<0.05). Sex-specific correlations examined the relationship between changes in SPF and SPA with changes in body habitus and fitness. RESULTS After 8 months of training, all groups significantly improved their SPF scores, ranging from 1.8 (AT) to 2.8 points (AT-H), and their SPA scores, ranging from 0.8 (RT) to 2.4 points (AT-H). Change in SPF was significantly correlated with change in fat mass (r = -0.34) in women and change in VO2peak (r = 0.29) in men. Change in SPA was significantly correlated with change in fat mass (r = -0.39), waist circumference (r = -0.25), and weight (r = -0.30) in women and change in hip circumference (r = -0.28), weight (r = -0.32), and lean mass (r = -0.45) in men. CONCLUSIONS On average, all of the STRRIDE AT/RT training groups improved their self-reported satisfaction with physical function and appearance. We observed sex-specific differences in the relationships between changes in SPF and SPA with changes in body habitus and fitness. These correlative results can help inform future research targeting the mediating effects of exercise on self-perception of body image and function.

Autoimagem corporal e prevalência de sobrepeso e obesidade em estudantes universitários

Objetivo: Investigar o sobrepeso/obesidade, a autopercepção da imagem corporal de universitários e as associações entre essas variáveis com características sociodemográficas, vinculadas à Universidade e aos comportamentos relacionados à saúde. Métodos: Estudo transversal, exploratório e quantitativo, realizado entre janeiro e fevereiro de 2017, com 324 universitários das áreas da Saúde, Exatas e Humanas. Utilizou-se questionário de Indicadores de Saúde e Qualidade de Vida de Acadêmicos para avaliar características sociodemográficas, vínculo com a universidade e comportamentos relacionados à saúde. Avaliou-se a autopercepção da imagem corporal, através da escala de silhuetas, e o estado nutricional, pelo índice de massa corporal. Realizaram-se análises descritivas e regressão Logística Multinominal. Resultados: A prevalência de sobrepeso/obesidade foi de 43,2% (n= 141) e de insatisfação com a imagem corporal foi de 76,5% (n= 248). As universitárias apresentaram maiores chances de sobrepeso e obesidade (IC 95%:1,0-2,7; p 0,03). Os estudantes casados (IC 95%:1,8-5,9; p 0,01), que trabalham (IC 95%:1,4-3,7; p 0,01), com renda igual ou superior a um salário mínimo (IC 95%:1,4-4,8; p 0,01), tiveram maior chance de sobrepeso. O estado de saúde regular relacionou-se com maior insatisfação com a imagem corporal (IC 95%:1,4-5,7; p 0,01). A melhor aptidão física associou-se com menor chance de insatisfação corporal (IC 95%: 0,06-0,47; p 0,01). Conclusão: Elevada prevalência de sobrepeso/obesidade e de insatisfação com a imagem corporal entre os universitários. Existe associação da prevalência de sobrepeso com faixa etária, sexo, estado civil, trabalho, renda, consumo de carne vermelha, assim como entre a autopercepção da imagem corporal com a autopercepção do estado de saúde, aptidão física e turno de estudo.

Body Mass Index and Nationality (Argentine vs. Spanish) Moderate the Relationship Between Internalization of the Thin Ideal and Body Dissatisfaction: A Conditional Mediation Model.

It is believed that Women’s exposure to Western sociocultural pressures to attain a “thin-ideal” results in the internalization of a desire to be thin that consequently leads to body dissatisfaction (BD). It is also well documented that body mass index (BMI; kg/m2) correlates with BD. We tested for the first time a conditional mediation model where thin-ideal Awareness predicted BD through Internalization of the thin ideal and the path from Internalization to BD was hypothesized to be moderated by BMI and Nationality (Argentine vs. Spanish). The model was tested with a sample of 499 young women (age = 18 to 29) from Argentina (n = 290) and Spain (n = 209). Awareness and internalization were measured with the SATAQ-4 (Schaefer et al., 2015) and BD was measured with the BSQ (Cooper et al., 1987). The model was analyzed using PROCESS v3.1 (Hayes, 2018). As hypothesized, thin-ideal awareness predicted BD through internalization and the path from internalization to BD was moderated by BMI and nationality. Specifically, internalization predicted BD at all level of BMI and in both samples, but the relationship between internalization and BD increased with BMI and was also stronger among Spaniards than Argentines. We argue that the findings are congruent with theories that predict that economic development and modernization contribute to normative female BD through internalization of the thin ideal and that upward social comparisons or cognitive discrepancy between self-perceived body image and the sociocultural thin ideal interacts synergistically with thin-ideal internalization to increase BD.

INTERRELATIONSHIP OF STRESS, BODY IMAGE, NEGATIVE MOOD STATE AND SUSCEPTIBILITY TO ABNORMAL EATING BEHAVIOUR AMONG GAME SPECIFIC FEMALE ATHLETES: AN EXPLORATORY APPROACH

Purpose: To achieve and maintain a perfect body shape athlete often follows restrictive dieting which ultimately leads them to eating disorders. The purpose of the study was to identify whether there is an interrelationship of abnormal eating behaviours, perceived stress, negative mood state and self-perception of body image among athletic population and another was to observe the consequences of negative psychological well-being and game specificity on food choices and frequency. A secondary purpose of this study was to identify the “at risk-eating disorder” participants who were involved in different sports category. Methods: One thirty eight healthy young female participants matched for BMI were selected by purposive sampling. Subjects were divided into 4 categories i.e. aesthetic games group, endurance groups, strength group and healthy controls. Structured questionnaires were used for data collection during their non-competitive session. ANOVA followed by Scheffe’s test was applied to compare different parameters among the groups. Regression model examined the associations among disordered eating behaviours, stress, body shape concern, emotional eating, total mood disturbance and food choice. Findings: Result revealed disordered eating behaviour was significantly prominent in control and aesthetic game group than other two groups. Control group obtained the highest score in stress and emotional eating while aesthetic game group secured the highest score in body shape concern. Mood disturbance was more prevalent in strength group. Body mass index, body shape concern, emotional eating and total mood disturbance were identified as strongest predictor of EAT-26 scores. The result revealed that controls and aesthetic game group exhibit more abnormal eating behaviours than others. Value: This result will help to indicate abnormal eating behaviour and its relation with psychological well-being among female athletic population. Interventions programmes should be designed to cope up with competitive pressure to avoid abnormal eating behaviour. Article visualizations:

The Effect of Schroth Therapy on Thoracic Kyphotic Curve and Quality of Life in Scheuermann's Patients: A Randomized Controlled Trial.

Study DesignRandomized controlled single-blinded clinical trial.PurposeTo evaluate the efficacy of Schroth therapy on thoracic curve angle, pain, and self-perceived body image (SPBI) of the back in Scheuermann’s patients in comparison with the efficacy of classic anti-gravitation exercises.Overview of LiteratureScheuermann disease is the most common cause of hyperkyphosis of the thoracic and thoracolumbar spine during adolescence. However, very few studies evaluated the effect of exercises on the progression of kyphosis in Scheuermann patients. Schroth three-dimensional exercise therapy was found in several studies to be effective in the treatment of adolescent scoliosis; however, we found no randomized controlled trials that evaluated the efficacy of this method in Scheuermann patients.MethodsA total of 50 young adults (males and females) with Scheuermann’s disease were randomly divided into either the experimental group (Schroth therapy treatment, n=25) or the control group (classic anti-gravitation exercises, n=25). Participants in both the groups were provided a course of individual treatment sessions during few weeks, with one appointment per week. They were required to perform the exercises daily throughout the study period (12 months) and fill their performance in a research log. We evaluated the thoracic Cobb angle (main outcome measure), pain, SPBI, flexion of the shoulder (supine), flexion of the shoulder (standing), kyphotic deformity measured using inclinometer, and L5 kyphosis apex line (L5-KAL) as well as administered the Scoliosis Research Society-22 Questionnaire for the participants before the treatment, after 6 months, and 1 year postoperatively. These results were then compared.ResultsIn the mixed analysis of variance, the main effect of time was significant in the thoracic kyphosis (F [1]=5.72, p=0.02), and in the L5-KAL (F [1]=5.76, p=0.02). The main effect of time on the kyphotic deformity, measured using an inclinometer, did not reach the significance level; however, it showed the tendency (F [1]=2.80, p=0.07). In the group-by-time interaction, a significant difference was found in the thoracic kyphosis (F [1]=4.91, p=0.03) and in the kyphotic deformity, measured using an inclinometer (F [1]=4.05, p=0.02). Thus, the Schroth therapy group showed significantly greater improvement than the classic anti-gravitation exercises group.ConclusionsThe present findings indicate that back exercises in general, and Schroth therapy in particular, is an effective treatment for preventing and significantly improving the thoracic Cobb angle and symptomatic representation in Scheuermann’s patients.

Clitoral frenuloreduction: A new surgical intervention

BackgroundA clitoral frenuloreduction surgical intervention has not been described in the medical literature and through clinical-scientific research, a new surgical clitoral frenuloreduction intervention was developed. This procedure is based on the new anatomical discovery of the clitoral infrafrenulum fascial bundle, which is the deep stratum of the clitoral frenulum. MethodsA descriptive case series clinical research was designed with objectives to: develop a new clitoral frenuloreduction surgical intervention; evaluate surgical outcomes; assess the impact of this operation on genital self-perceived body image; female sexual activities; and to record complications. The primary outcome measured the ability to implement a new clitoral frenuloreduction surgical intervention. The secondary outcome measured: surgical outcome; the impact of this operation on external genital self-perceived body image; female sexual activities; quality of life; and recording potential complications. The validated instruments were used in the study. ResultsA clitoral frenuloreduction surgical intervention was executed in the procedure room on an outpatient basis under local anesthesia with light conscious sedation (oral Valium and Phenergan rectal suppositories). No complications were recorded. Three-consecutive women were subjected to a new clitoral frenuloreduction surgical procedure. The average time of surgery was 27 minutes. Improvement of sexual activities, quality of life, self-perceived body image, social life, and no feelings of regret of undergoing surgery was recorded. ConclusionsIn the current study, clitoral frenuloreduction was easy to implement without complications and with very pleasing aesthetic surgical outcomes. Self-perceived body image, quality of life, and sexual activities improved.

Body-image and -size perception after a single session of HIIT body work in healthy adult men

It was our objective to analyze the effects of a single session of whole body HIIT on body-image and -scheme parameters of healthy adult men. Twenty-one active, healthy adults performed high-intensity intermittent training based on full body exercise. The training session involved 20 sets of 30 second all-out exercise and 30 seconds of passive recovery between sets. All subjects underwent blood lactate measurement, rate of perceived exertion, feeling scale and body image assessment and perception of body size measurements. Significant differences (p&lt;0.001) were found on blood lactate but not in feeling scale. The values of current and adequate silhouette did not differ between each other and the real silhouette. Significant differences were found on Image Marking Procedure (IMP) (p&lt; 0.003). Additionally, significant differences (p= 0.009) were found on prevalence of adequate, hypoeschematic and hypeschematic. Although alteration was not found on self-perception of body image, a single session of HIIT body work promoted alteration on body size perception in healthy adult men.

Relationship between early menarche, obesity, and disordered eating behaviors: a school-based cross-sectional survey in Northern Saudi Arabia.

BackgroundObesity and disordered eating (DE) behaviors are serious health concerns, regularly observed among female adolescents, which could progress to adverse psychological and nutritional sequels.AimThe aim of this study was to determine the prevalence of obesity and the self-reported DE behaviors among high school female students and to evaluate their self-perception of body image, peer pressures, and need for dietary consultation.MethodsThis is a school-based cross-sectional study conducted in 2018. Self-administered surveys and anthropometric measurements were obtained from adolescent females, randomly selected from eight schools in northern Saudi Arabia. Sample characteristics were age, menarche, and DE behaviors (binge eating, self-induced vomiting, and usage of laxatives). Body mass index was converted to percentiles using the age-to-gender scale. Self-perception of body image, perceived peer pressures, and the Eating Attitude Test-26 (EAT-26) were scored, summated, and then presented in percentage mean scores (PMSs) and mean scores (MSs).ResultsSample comprised 399 participants. One hundred twenty-eight (32.1%) participants reported early age of menarche (≤12 years). Sixty-five (16.3%) participants reported the prevalence of overweight/obesity, 123 (30.8%) participants reported binge eating, 28 (7.0%) participants reported self-induced vomiting, and 21 (5.3%) participants reported usage of laxatives. The PMS of self-perception of body weight and peer pressure was 68.7±27.1 and 41.9±23.5, respectively. One hundred ninety-two (48.1%) participants needed professional dietary help. Students with early age of menarche were 1.7 times more likely to be overweight/obese (adjusted [adj] P=0.018) compared to others. Overweight/obese participants had significantly poorer self-perception of body image (PMS =47.4±25.0) and higher perceived peer pressure (PMS =49.5±23.1) compared to underweight/normal weight students (PMS =72.8±25.6 [P<0.001] and PMS =40.5±23.3 [P=0.005], respectively). Participants with early age of menarche complained of higher perceived peer pressure compared to others (P=0.045). Participants with DE behaviors had higher peer pressure (PMS =46.8±23.5) and higher scores on E-26 (MS =22.2±11.4) compared to their counter groups (P=0.002 and 0.016, respectively).ConclusionThe high rate of overweight/obesity and DE behaviors among female adolescents is alarming. Special consideration should be made for those with early menarche who were more prone to overweight/obesity.

Examining body image in retired collegiate volleyball players

The purpose of this study was to examine the self-perceived body image of female volleyball players more than 10 years after their collegiate playing careers have ended. Utilizing a phenomenological approach, we surveyed and later interviewed ten former collegiate volleyball players ranging in age from 29 to 52. We identified and explored four emergent themes. These were (a) maintaining an athlete identity, (b) focusing on new priorities, (c) physical changes, and (d) body image. Most of the women have maintained their athletic identity to some degree, however new priorities, including work motherhood, have lessened its importance. As a result of the decreased emphasis on sport and the accompanying aging process, the women recognize physical changes, many of which have altered their perception of their overall body image but have not caused a significant amount of distress.

Scheuermann's Disease: Radiographic Pathomorphology and Association with Clinical Features.

Study DesignCross-sectional analytical study.PurposeTo evaluate the spinal radiological features in patients with Scheuermann’s disease and the association between the thoracic kyphosis angle and clinical presentation.Overview of the LiteratureScheuermann’s disease is the most common cause of hyperkyphosis of the thoracic and thoracolumbar spine in adolescents; however, literature is limited in this area.MethodsData regarding 150 successive X-ray images of 95 males and 55 females diagnosed with Scheuermann’s disease were retrieved from the digital archives of the Maccabi Healthcare Services in Tel Aviv. Data included thoracic kyphosis angle (T3–T12), cervical lordosis (C2–C7), lumbar lordosis (L1–S1), sacral slope (SS), number and location of the anterior wedged vertebrae (AWV, minimum 5°), and C7 plumb line. Other data included age, sex, height, family history, Risser sign, self-perceived body image (rated by the Numeric Rating Scale [NRS]), and back pain during the previous week (rated by the Numeric Pain Rating Scale [NPRS]).ResultsSignificant positive associations were observed between the Cobb angle of thoracic kyphosis and age (r =0.186, p =0.023), cervical lordosis (r =0.263, p <0.001), lumbar lordosis (r =0.576, p <0.001), SS (r =0.236, p <0.004), T10–T12 Cobb angle (r =0.319, p <0.001), and number of AWV (r =0.519, p <0.001). The highest frequency of vertebral wedging was noted in T7 (68%), followed by T8 (65%) and T9 (44%). The NPRS showed a significant association only with SS (r =0.219, p =0.014). Significant positive associations were observed between the NRS for self-perceived body image, the thoracic kyphosis (r =0.494, p <0.001), and the number of AWV (r =0.361, p <0.001).ConclusionsThoracic kyphosis was significantly associated with cervical and lumbar lordosis, SS, T10–T12 Cobb angle, and AWV number. Pain was not substantial; however, self-perceived body image, the most common complaint of patients with Scheuermann’s disease, was high and significantly associated with thoracic kyphosis and the number of AWV.

Mismatch in Children's Weight Assessment, Ideal Body Image, and Rapidly Increased Obesity Prevalence in China: A 10-Year, Nationwide, Longitudinal Study.

Objectives:This study examined secular trends in children’s weight status assessment, measured weight status and ideal body image, and their associations with subsequent changes in BMI, and it explored the differences between sociodemographic groups in China.Methods:Longitudinal data from the China Health and National Survey of 4,605 children aged 6-17 collected during 2000-2011 were used and fitted to mixed models.Results:Overweight/obesity prevalence increased from 6.5% to 16.8%, but children’s fat body perception remained around 2.0% between the years 2000 and 2011; 49.0% of children underestimated their weight status at baseline. Self-body image of most participants was tracked during follow-up. Children who perceived themselves as being fat at baseline had a higher BMI increase over time during follow-ups than those with an average body image (β[SE] =0.99[0.14]kg/m2/year, p <0.001). Boys, young, recent cohort, and rural children had higher BMI increases than their counterparts. Over time, thin body silhouette became more desirable (8.4% p higher, p<0.001).Conclusions:Chinese children experience a large incongruence between their weight status assessment, ideal body image, and actual weight status. Health promotion programs should examine their role in assisting children in developing healthy body images and gaining greater self-motivation towards promoting a healthy lifestyle.

Self-perceived body image, dissatisfaction with body weight and nutritional status of Brazilian adolescents: a nationwide study

ObjectivesThe purpose of this study was to evaluate the agreement and risk factors for underestimation and overestimation between nutritional status and self-perceived body image and to assess the prevalence and associated factors for dissatisfaction with body weight among Brazilian adolescents. MethodsStudents aged 12–17 years participating in the Study of Cardiovascular Risk in Adolescents (“ERICA”), a multicenter, cross-sectional, school-based country-wide study, were included (n=71,740). Variables assessed as covariates were sex, age, skin color, socioeconomic status, and common mental disorders (screened by the General Health Questionnaire, GHQ-12). Multinomial logistic regression was used to explore the association between covariates and combinations between self-perceived body image and body mass index (agreement, underestimation and overestimation). The associations between dissatisfaction with body weight and exposure variables were investigated using multivariable Poisson regression models. ResultsApproximately 66% students rightly matched their body mass index with self-perceived weight (kappa coefficient was 0.38 for boys and 0.35 for girls). Agreement was higher among younger students and adolescents from low income households. Male sex, older age, and GHQ-12 score ≥3 were associated with weight overestimation. Prevalence of dissatisfaction with body weight was 45.0% (95% CI: 44.0–46.0), and higher among girls, older adolescents, those with underweight or overweight/obesity, as well as those who were physically inactive and with GHQ-12 ≥3. ConclusionsMost of the sample rightly self-perceived their body image according to body mass index. Students with body image misperception and those dissatisfied with their weight were more likely to present a positive screening for common mental disorders.

Evaluating The Effectiveness Of The Girls On The Run Program With Respects To Self-esteem, Self-perceived Body Image, And Aerobic Capacity.

Evaluating The Effectiveness Of The Girls On The Run Program With Respects To Self-esteem, Self-perceived Body Image, And Aerobic Capacity.

One-step intraoperative radiotherapy optimizes conservative treatment of breast cancer with advantages in quality of life and work resumption

BackgroundIntraoperative radiotherapy (IORT) could be not-inferior to external beam radiotherapy (EBRT) in selected patients, but toxicities, self-perception of body image, quality of life, and resumption of work or daily activities have been poorly explored. The aim of the present study was to compare these outcomes between EBRT, IORT full-dose (IORT-f) and IORT boost (IORT-b). Methods443 consecutive patients, candidates for breast-conserving surgery, were included: EBRT was performed in 220 patients (49.7%), IORT-f in 140 patients (31.6%), and IORT-b in 83 patients (18.7%). Radiotherapy-related toxicities were registered. Patients were evaluated at 6 months for Body Image after Breast Cancer Questionnaire (BIBCQ) to assess possible changes in self-perception of body image and limitations. A second questionnaire explored the impact of EBRT, IORT-f and IORT-b on resumption of work and normal daily activities. ResultsEBRT had a higher risk of breast fibrosis and retraction (OR 3.58, 95% CI 1.024–12.526, p = 0.046) and breast edema (OR 6, 95% CI 2.077–17.335, p = 0.001) compared to IORT-f, but a lower risk of seroma compared to IORT-b (OR 0.36, 95% CI 0.166–0.785, p = 0.01). The BIBCQ scores showed a better outcome in arm concerns with IORT-f (−3.3) vs. IORT-b (−1.3, p = 0.002) and EBRT (−1.7, p = 0.006), although biased by the lower rate in axillary dissections. Return to daily activities occurred after 70.6 days with EBRT vs. 41 days with IORT-f (p < 0.0001) and 53.3 days with IORT-b (p = 0.07), without any effect of age or axillary dissection. ConclusionIORT could reduce adverse effects, allowing faster resumption of job and houseworks.

Uso de Facebook y la autopercepción de la imagen corporal en mujeres

The present research is a quantitative study and an applied, transversal and descriptive correlational study about the use of Facebook and self - perception of the body image in a group of university students. The purpose was to determine the relationship between the use of Facebook and self-perception of the body image. For this case it was used a scale that measured the used of Facebook and a body shape questionnaire. These were applied to 106 students whose ages ranged from 17 to 24 years old, from the first, fifth and tenth semester of the undergraduate department of Psychology and Communications from a Private University of Lima Metropolitana. The results show a positive and significant relationship between the use of Facebook and negative self-perception of body image in women (r=0.247; p<0.05).

Predictors of men's genital self-image across sexual orientation and geographic region

Factors that contribute to men's genital self-image are not well known, despite the documented psychological importance of body image more broadly. The current study used a simultaneous multiple regression to examine the relationship(s) between genital self-image, body image, pornography use, circumcision status, age, and social appearance anxiety among men from different geographic locations, and of differing sexual orientations (N=674). Participants were recruited from Canada (n=285), the United States (n=214), and Western Europe (n=121) through online recruitment methods. A total of 372 gay men/other men who have sex with men (MSM) and 302 heterosexual men were included in the present analyses. Men's genital self-image was significantly predicted by self-perceived body image and social appearance anxiety. Further univariate and multivariate analyses discussed include age, sexual orientation, country of origin, solo porn use, and circumcision status. Implications of the continued importance of parsing the differences between genital self-image and related variables for understanding sexual functioning and overall self-esteem are discussed.

Self-report of temporomandibular joint clicking and psychological factors: is there an association?

The objectives of this study were to test the hypothesis that self-reported TMJ clicking sounds in adolescents are positively associated with non-specific somatic symptoms, self-perception of body image and care-seeking behaviour. A cross-sectional study was carried out in 353 young adolescents (48·4% females) recruited from community (N = 272) and orthodontic clinic (N = 81) settings. Assessments included self-reported TMJ clicking, non-specific physical symptoms, body image concerns and for the clinic sample only, the source of motivation for treatment. TMJ sounds were self-reported by 19% of the sample and were associated with higher scores for non-specific physical symptoms and body image concerns (P < 0·001). Adolescents who were self-motivated to seek orthodontic treatment had greater scores for non-specific physical symptoms, more body image concerns and tended to report TMJ sounds more often (26·3% and 7·7% respectively; P = 0·41) than those who were solely parent/family-motivated to seek treatment. Self-reported TMJ sounds in adolescents were associated with a propensity to somatisation and concerns with body image. Care-seeking adolescents have greater non-specific physical symptoms and body image concerns and tend to report more frequent TMJ sounds.

Factors associated with healthcare professional's rating of disfigurement and self-perceived body image in female patients with head and neck cancer.

The purpose of this study was to determine factors associated with self-perceived body image in female patients with head and neck cancer (HNC), and factors associated with healthcare professional's rating of disfigurement, as well as the correlation between patient and observer ratings. This cross-sectional study recruited 105 women with HNC at a large medical centre. Measures of facial disfigurement and body image, as well as demographic and clinical characteristics, were collected. Multivariate multiple linear regression modelling was used to identify factors associated with healthcare professional's rating of disfigurement and patient self-perceived body image. Disfigurement ratings by healthcare professionals were positively associated with patient self-perceived body image. Medical treatment, cancer stage, radiation dose and cancer site were significantly associated with disfigurement. Medical treatment was an important predictor of perceived body image. These findings indicate a moderate prevalence of disfigurement among women with HNCs. Patients with more disfigurement were more likely to have dissatisfaction with their body image. Nursing professionals need to carefully assess the appearance of women with HNC. Camouflage interventions can be used to help appropriately cope with the disfigurement, and to achieve improved satisfaction with their body image.

Cardiometabolic risk and female sexuality: focus on clitoral vascular resistance

Abstract Introduction The relation between sexual and cardiovascular health in women is not well defined. Clitoral color Doppler ultrasound (CDU) with assessment of the pulsatility index (PI), reflecting resistance to blood flow, has been proposed as an objective measurement of sexual functioning. Aim To investigate associations between clitoral PI and cardiometabolic risk factors, sexual and intrapsychic parameters, and self-perception of body image. Methods Seventy-one adult heterosexual women in a stable relationship attending our clinic for sexual dysfunction were consecutively recruited. Main Outcome Measures Patients underwent physical, laboratory, and clitoral color Doppler ultrasound examinations and completed the Female Sexual Function Index, the Middlesex Hospital Questionnaire, and the Body Uneasiness Test (BUT). Results Clitoral PI was positively correlated with body mass index (r = 0.441, P P P = .029), insulin (r = 0.628, P = .002), homeostatic model assessment index (r = 0.605, P = .005), triglycerides (r = 0.340, P = .011), total cholesterol (r = 0.346, P = .010), and low-density lipoprotein cholesterol (r = 0.334, P = .016). All relations, with the exception of glycemia, retained statistical significance after adjusting for age, smoking habit, and years since menopause ( P P P = .001; MetS: F = 7.37, P = .019). In particular, a stepwise increase of PI was found as a function of increasing MetS components (β = 0.434, P = .007). Clitoral PI was negatively associated with Female Sexual Function Index arousal (β = −0.321, P = .014) and satisfaction (β = −0.289, P = .026) scores and positively associated with Middlesex Hospital Questionnaire somatized anxiety symptoms, even after adjusting for age, smoking habit, years since menopause, and current use of psychiatric medication (β = 0.354, P = .011). A positive association also was observed between PI and the BUT positive symptom distress index (β = 0.322, P = .039) and BUT for dislike of the womb, genitals, and breast (β = 0.538, P P P P = .038 for positive symptom distress index; P Conclusion Clitoral vascular resistance is positively associated with MetS (in particular insulin resistance), decreased sexual arousal, body image concerns, and increased somatized anxiety symptoms. Further studies are needed to establish whether treatment of metabolic abnormalities might improve clitoral color Doppler ultrasound indices and sexual outcomes.