Social Physique Anxiety Research Articles

The Role of Social Physique Anxiety, Social Support, and Perceived Benefits and Barriers To Exercise in an All-Female Fitness Camp Intervention

The Role of Social Physique Anxiety, Social Support, and Perceived Benefits and Barriers To Exercise in an All-Female Fitness Camp Intervention

Sketching people: Prospective investigations of the impact of life drawing on body image

Three studies were conducted to establish the extent to which life drawing is effective at promoting positive body image. Study 1 (N=84 women) showed that life drawing had a positive impact on state body image, but only if artists observed a human model and not non-human objects. Study 2 (N=61 women, 61 men) showed that life drawing had a positive impact on state body image for women and men, irrespective of whether artists observed a sex-congruent or -incongruent model. Study 3 (N=23) showed that participating in weekly life drawing sessions for a 6-week period resulted in significantly elevated trait positive body image (body appreciation and body pride) and embodiment, and in reduced social physique anxiety; however, the intervention had no significant impact on negative body image (drive for thinness or muscularity). These results highlight the potential of life drawing for promoting positive body experiences.

Self-compassion as a predictor of social physique anxiety in athletes

The purpose of this study is to examine the explanatory effect of self-compassion on social physique anxiety in athletes. The study was conducted with the participation of a total of 462 athletes, 145 female and 317 male, who were studying at Yasar Dogu Faculty of Sport Sciences. Self-compassion Scale and Social Physique Anxiety Scale (SPAS) were used in the study. Independent sample t-test analysis showed that average scores of athletes for physical appearance comfort (PAC) t (250)=.158 , p >0,5) and expectations of negative evaluation (ENE), t (262)=.649, p >0,5 did not show a significant difference in terms of gender. According to the results of Pearson Product-Moment Correlation analysis, negative significant association was found between PAC subscale of social physique anxiety and self-kindness, common humanity and mindfulness dimensions of self-compassion while a positive significant association was found between self-judgment, isolation and over identification. Negative significant association was found between ENE subscale of social physique anxiety and self-kindness and mindfulness dimensions of self-compassion while a positive significant association was found between self-judgment, common humanity, isolation and over identification. Multiple regression analysis results presented the high level explanatory effect of self-compassion levels and the PAC of social physique anxiety , R =0.60, R² =0.36, p ˂.01. Similarly, explanatory effect of ENE area of social physique anxiety, R =0.38, R²= 0.15, p ˂.01 was also presented.

Body Image Concerns as Predictors of Psychology Students' Confidence with Clients

Objectification theory posits that social situations invite scrutiny and dissatisfaction with appearance (especially among women), in turn affecting mental health, sexual satisfaction, and enjoyment of social interactions. The limited exploration of body image within the workplace is surprising. Ninety‐three university students studying psychology were tested in a mediation model, which gender predicted body image disturbances and, in turn, undermined client confidence. Female participants were less confident, that confidence was related to weight preoccupation, appearance orientation, and social physique anxiety, and that these body image variables fully mediated the relationship between gender and client confidence. Further research is needed to rule out third variable explanations for these associations (via self‐esteem).

The hijab as a protective factor for body image and disordered eating: a replication in French Muslim women

ABSTRACTWe examined differences in body image and disordered eating between Muslim women who do and do not wear the hijab in France, a nation marked by religious-based sartorial censorship. In an online survey, 450 French Muslim women completed measures of hijab use, weight discrepancy, disordered eating, body image-related constructs, religiosity, perceived support from Allah, and perceived discrimination. Controlling for religiosity and support from Allah, women who wore the hijab reported significantly lower weight discrepancy, body dissatisfaction, drive for thinness, social physique anxiety, internalisation of the thin and muscular ideals, and pressure to attain ideals from peers and the media, though they also reported significantly higher perceived discrimination than those who did not wear the hijab. Further analyses showed that use of the hijab was significantly associated with weight discrepancy and disordered eating. Our results suggest that use of the hijab may offer a protective element for French Muslim women.

The relationship of anthropometric measurements with psychological criteria in female athletes

Sports and exercise settings as well as other socio-cultural environments emphasize a thin and physically fit female body. However, there is a clear need for a better understanding of the physical and psychological correlates of social physique anxiety and body image dissatisfaction in female athletes. This study aimed to examine the association of the social physique anxiety, body image satisfaction, and personality with the anthropometric measurements in female college athletes according to their sport type using the Co-Plot technique. The sample included 63 female athletes ranging in age from 18 to 26. Results of the Co-Plot analysis revealed a significant association among social physique anxiety, personality and anthropometric measurements. This means that certain physical measurements may lead to greater social physique anxiety and body image dissatisfaction in female athletes. It was found that females having higher levels of social physique anxiety and thus, lower levels of body image satisfaction may be less emotionally stable and more negatively perfectionist. In conclusion, the results of the present study provided evidence to the claim that both physical self-perception and anthropometric measurements may be closely associated with psychological criteria in female athletes.

Social physique anxiety scale and ego-resilience body elasticity analysis for the disabled according to a 10-week engagement sitting badminton

Social physique anxiety scale and ego-resilience body elasticity analysis for the disabled according to a 10-week engagement sitting badminton

Social Physique Anxiety and pressure to be thin in adolescent ballet dancers, rhythmic gymnastics and swimming athletes

Participation in sports may influence negative body image and Social Physique Anxiety (SPA) as there is pressure by significant others to have a certain body image. The aim of the present study was to examine possible differences in SPA and perceived pressure to be thin between female preadolescent and adolescent ballet dancers, rhythmic gymnastics, and swimming athletes, and to predict SPA by global self-esteem, pressure to be thin, BMI, and training age. In the study participated 23 ballet dancers, 47 rhythmic gymnastics athletes, and 32 swimming athletes. They completed self-reported questionnaires assessing SPA, perceived pressure to be thin by coaches, parents and friends, global self esteem, and body image. There were no significant differences between groups in SPA, global self-esteem, perceived pressure to be thin, and in rates of body image (χ2 = 1.65, p = .800). Hierarchical linear regression showed that SPA was predicted significantly by global self-esteem and BMI (R = .58, R2 = .34, F(6,95) = 8.13, p < .001). It seems that there are similarities between ballet dancers, rhythmic gymnastics athletes, and swimming athletes although ballet is considered as a non-competitive physical activity. Intervention programs in order to reduce SPA and enhance global self-esteem should be addressed to each group.

Social Physique Anxiety and Intention to Be Physically Active: A Self-Determination Theory Approach

Purpose: Based on self-determination theory, the purpose of this study was to analyze the relationship between social physique anxiety and intention to be physically active, while taking into account the mediating effects of the basic psychological needs and behavioral regulations in exercise. Method: Having obtained parents' prior consent, 390 students in secondary school (218 boys, 172 girls; Mage = 15.10 years, SD = 1.94 years) completed a self-administered questionnaire during physical education class that assessed the target variables. Preliminary analyses included means, standard deviations, and bivariate correlations among the target variables. Next, a path analysis was performed using the maximum likelihood estimation method with the bootstrapping procedure in the statistical package AMOS 19. Results: Analysis revealed that social physique anxiety negatively predicted intention to be physically active through mediation of the basic psychological needs and the 3 autonomous forms of motivation (i.e., intrinsic motivation, integrated regulation, and identified regulation). Conclusion: The results suggest that social physique anxiety is an internal source of controlling influence that hinders basic psychological need satisfaction and autonomous motivation in exercise, and interventions aimed at reducing social physique anxiety could promote future exercise.

Body Image, Maturation, and Psychological Functioning in College Cheerleaders: A Matter of Position?

ABSTRACT This study examined body image correlates of disordered eating and depression among cheerleaders. Female collegiate cheerleaders (N = 243) completed a battery of surveys, including current and ideal body image related to clothing (i.e., daily clothing, midriff, and full uniform) and meta-perceptions (i.e., perspectives of parents, friends, and coaches). For body image dissatisfaction, all ideal body images were significantly smaller than current body images. Flyers that were significantly shorter and lighter had a lower body mass index and were later maturing, and they reported less dissatisfaction related to daily clothing and from the perspective of parent and friend than bases and back spots. After controlling for body mass index (4%), stepwise regression analyses indicated midriff uniform dissatisfaction (32%), social physique anxiety (6%), and parent meta-perception discrepancy (2%), which predicted disordered eating risk, whereas depression risk was predicted by social physique anxiety (19.1%) and coach meta-perception discrepancy (5.6%). In conclusion, specific focal points for social agents and sport governing bodies are offered with the goal of enhancing recognition, opportunities, and resources for the future of cheerleading.

Muscle Dysmorphia Symptomatology and Associated Psychological Features in Bodybuilders and Non-Bodybuilder Resistance Trainers: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis.

Muscle dysmorphia (MD) is associated with a self-perceived lack of size and muscularity, and is characterized by a preoccupation with and pursuit of a hyper-mesomorphic body. MD symptoms may hypothetically be more prevalent in bodybuilders (BBs) than in non-bodybuilder resistance trainers (NBBRTs). Our objective was to compare MD symptomatology in BBs versus NBBRTs and identify psychological and other characteristics associated with MD in these groups. We searched relevant databases from earliest record to February 2015 for studies examining MD symptoms in BBs and/or NBBRTs. Included studies needed to assess MD using a psychometrically validated assessment tool. Study quality was evaluated using an adapted version of the validated Downs and Black tool. We calculated between-group standardized mean difference (effect sizes [ESs]) and 95% confidence intervals (CIs) for each MD subscale, and performed meta-analysis when five or more studies used the same MD tool. We also extracted data describing psychological or other characteristics associated with MD. Of the 2135 studies initially identified, 31 analyzing data on 5880 participants (BBs: n=1895, NBBRTs: n=3523, controls: n=462) were eligible for inclusion, though study quality was generally poor-moderate (range 7-19/22). Most participants were male (90%). Eight different MD assessment tools were used. Meta-analysis for five studies all using the Muscle Dysmorphia Inventory (MDI) revealed there was a medium to large pooled ES for greater MD symptomatology in BBs than in NBBRTs on all MDI subscales (ES 0.53-1.12; p≤0.01). Competitive BBs scored higher than non-competitive BBs (ES 1.21, 95% CI 0.82-1.60; p<0.001). MD symptoms were associated with anxiety (r 0.32-0.42; p≤0.01), social physique anxiety (r 0.26-0.75; p<0.01), depression (r 0.23-0.53; p≤0.01), neuroticism (r 0.38; p<0.001), and perfectionism (r 0.35; p<0.05) and were inversely associated with self-concept (r -0.32 to -0.36; p<0.01) and self-esteem (r -0.42 to -0.47; p<0.01). MD symptomatology was greater in BBs than in NBBRTs. Anxiety and social physique anxiety, depression, neuroticism, and perfectionism were positively associated with MD, while self-concept and self-esteem were negatively associated. It remains unclear whether these characteristics are exacerbated by bodybuilding, or whether individuals with these characteristics are attracted to the bodybuilding context.

Emotional Intelligence and Its Association with Social Physique Anxiety and Performance among Sprinters

Emotional Intelligence and Its Association with Social Physique Anxiety and Performance among Sprinters

An Investigation of the Relationship Between Body Composition, Social Physique Anxiety, and Exercise Motives

Health and fitness professionals widely promote physical activity recommendations as put forth by ACSM, however, according to recent data from the CDC, only 20.2% of U.S. adults currently meet the combined recommendation for aerobic exercise and strength training on a weekly basis. The possibilities of factors that may impact this lack of exercise compliance is infinite. Variations among individuals in terms of body composition and psychological variables may have synergistic functions and may differ by age. PURPOSE: Investigate the relationship between body composition, exercise motivations, social physique anxiety (SPA), exercise confidence, and exercise stage of change (SOC) among adults across the age span. METHODS: 192 participants (males = 89, females = 103) completed a demographic questionnaire, the Stages of Change for Exercise—Short Form, Social Physique Anxiety Scale, Exercise Confidence Survey, and Exercise Motivations Inventory-2, and body composition via DEXA. RESULTS: One-way ANOVA revealed that males were more motivated by social recognition (p = 0.003), affiliation (p = 0.029), and competition (p < 0.001); females were more motivated by weight management (p = 0.050) and appearance (p < 0.001). Males also had lower SPA (28.20 ± 9.71 vs. 35.25 ± 10.87) (p < 0.001), higher exercise confidence (24.91 ± 13.31 vs. 30.42 ± 17.32) (p = 0.016), and were more likely to be maintainers for SOC (p = 0.006). Age was correlated to weight management (r = 0.305, p < 0.001), ill-health avoidance (r = 0.271, p < 0.001), social recognition (r = -0.258, p < 0.001), health pressures (r = 0.219, p = 0.002), nimbleness (r = 0.204, p = 0.004), challenge (r = -0.232, p = 0.001), and appearance (r = 0.172, p = 0.017). %BF was correlated to weight management (r = 0.495, p < 0.001), enjoyment (r = -0.427, p < 0.001), competition (r = -0.374, p < 0.001), revitalization (r = -0.351, p < 0.001), social recognition (r = -0.303, p < 0.001), challenge (r = -0.280, p < 0.001), stress management (r = -0.274, p = 0.001), affiliation (r = -0.159, p = 0.027), and ill-health avoidance (r = 0.153, p = 0.034). CONCLUSIONS: While exercise motivations changed and %BF increased with age, overall males had different exercise motivations, lower SPA, lower %BF, higher exercise confidence, and were more likely to be maintainers than females, regardless of age.

Relationships among perceived body appearance, social physique anxiety, physical self-concept, and dispositional flow state of exercise participants

In the recent years, body related perceptions have become very important for both men and women. The purpose of this study was to investigate whether the dispositional flow state of exercise participants was predicted by social physique anxiety, perceived appearance, and physical self-concept. The study sample comprised of 137 men (M age = 23.00, SD = 3.14) and 114 women (M age = 23.34, SD = 3.21) exercise participants exercising regularly more than six months at different sport centers and university’s sport centers. The participants have engaged in different sport and exercise types, such as fitness, plates, body building, swimming, team sports, walking, yoga, and capoeira. Participants have been exercising approximately three times in a week. Psychological questionnaires were used to measure the social physique anxiety, perceived appearance, physical self-concept and dispositional flow of exercise participants. A hierarchical multiple regression analysis suggested that social physique anxiety, perceived appearance, and physical self-concept significantly contribute to exercisers’ dispositional flow. Findings suggest that the positive body related perceptions may influence the exercise participants’ flow experience, then, enjoyment derive from the exercise may contribute to maintenance of exercise behavior. Therefore, to experience positive feelings in exercise setting, exercise participants’’ should focus what their bodies can do instead of focusing their physical appearance.

Analysis Of Self Efficacy And Social Physique Anxiety Between Women Engaged In Physical Exercise And Those Having Sedentary Lifestyle

Analysis Of Self Efficacy And Social Physique Anxiety Between Women Engaged In Physical Exercise And Those Having Sedentary Lifestyle

“Hot, Black Leather, Whip”

This article employs a content analysis to investigate whether and how the violent woman archetype in action film changed from 1960 to 2014. We find a trend toward hypersexualized female action leads (FALs), starting in the 2000s. This trend is in line with the broader social trends of hypersexualization during this period, evidenced in a variety of other media sources. We then combine these findings with existing research to discuss the likely affects on viewers’ attitudes and beliefs. We suggest that the trend toward hypersexualizing FALs has harmful public health affects and is part of a broader cultural backlash against gender equity. Public Health Significance Statement: This study finds a trend toward hypersexualization of female protagonists in action cinema that contributes to the cultural normalization of female objectification. This normalization has been linked to clinical depression, habitual body monitoring, diet restriction, symptoms of anorexia and bulimia, social physique anxiety, shame about bodily functions, inhibited cognitive functioning, diminished motor skills, diminished sexual pleasure, lower self-esteem, diminished personal efficacy, and lower overall well-being for women.

Psychological and Cortisol Responses to and Recovery From Exposure to a Body Image Threat

The majority of body image research has failed to measure what occurs beyond the immediate presentation of a body image threat, or after a body image threat is no longer present. This is particularly true for physiological outcomes. The present study examined psychological and cortisol responses to, and recovery from, a body composition assessment as a social-evaluative body image threat. Women ( N = 64) were randomized into either a control or threat group. Participants completed a measure of social physique anxiety and provided a sample of saliva (to assess cortisol) at baseline, and immediately following and 20 min following their condition. The threat group reported higher social physique anxiety following the threat in comparison with both baseline levels and recovery levels. Cortisol was higher immediately following the threat in comparison with baseline levels. Findings support the inclusion of a recovery time point in body image research to provide a more complete picture of the psychobiology of body image experiences.

Social Physique Anxiety: An Exploration of Influence on Sporting Confidence and Participation

Limited research has been undertaken into influences on body image in sporting environments. This study investigates the relationship between social physique anxiety (SPA), body image, and sporting participation. Participants (n = 93) were recruited from an Australian university and sporting clubs, and completed a self‐report questionnaire. Results revealed that females (n = 66) were higher in SPA, appearance orientation, health orientation, and weight preoccupation than males (n = 27). Participants who were higher on sporting confidence had lower appearance orientation and body dissatisfaction, and higher appearance evaluation. Results are discussed with regard to the conflicting research in the area.

Eating-Disordered Behaviour in Adolescents with Type 1 Diabetes.

To evaluate dysfunctional eating behaviour, self-esteem, social physique anxiety and quality of life in adolescents with type 1 diabetes who have differing desired weights and to evaluate the predictors of dysfunctional eating behaviour in these adolescents, with a focus on personal and psychological variables. We evaluated 79 adolescents with type 1 diabetes (mean age of 15.71 years) of both sexes (58.2% females) using the Eating Disorders Examination Questionnaire (EDE-Q), the Rosenberg Self-Esteem Scale (RSES), the Social Physique Anxiety Scale (SPAS-R) and the Diabetes Quality of Life (DQoL) measure. Of the adolescents, 44 with type 1 diabetes reported the desire to maintain or increase their current weight, and 35 reported the desire to reduce their current weight. The participants with the desire to weigh less were mainly females who exercised regularly and demonstrated more frequent binge eating and purging. Additionally, this group exhibited an increased frequency of eating disturbances, such as restraint and eating, weight and shape concerns. Moreover, this group demonstrated increased social physique anxiety and decreased diabetes quality of life in relation to the impact of diabetes, worries about diabetes and satisfaction with life. Finally, predictors of eating disturbances included the desire for lower weight, higher social physique anxiety and lower diabetes-related quality of life. The desire for a lower weight in adolescents with type 1 diabetes may increase problems related to eating behaviour and general quality of life.

Effects of a Two-Month Training Period on Soldiers’ General Health, Social Physique Anxiety, and Body Mass Index

Background: Changes in the environment and living conditions are associated with changes in physical and cognitive functions. Objectives: The aim of this study was to examine the effects of a two-month military service period on soldiers’ general health, social physique anxiety, and body mass index. Materials and Methods: The sample included all soldiers in Isfahan’s army garrison training period. A 28-item questionnaire on general health, a social physique anxiety questionnaire (Hart et al. 1989) that measured the social physical anxiety and the ratio of weight to the height square calculating body mass index. Results: The results of the paired t-test showed that there were significant differences in pre-test and post-test scores on the general health aspects of anxiety and social physique anxiety and there were no significant differences in other aspects of soldiers’ general health and body mass index. This suggests that the two-month training period affects only the variables of anxiety (anxiety, insomnia, and social physique anxiety). Conclusions: The findings showed that the military training period can significantly affect anxiety, but it cannot affect the health and body mass index.