Thin Ideal Research Articles

The Body Advocacy Movement-Health: a pilot randomized trial of a novel intervention targeting weight stigma among health professional students

BackgroundWeight stigma among healthcare professionals is associated with negative health impacts on patients, yet there are few effective strategies to combat weight stigma among health professional learners. The Body Advocacy Movement-Health (BAM-Health) is a novel group-based, peer-led stigma reduction intervention for health professional students that targets weight stigma across intrapersonal, interpersonal, and structural levels. The present study (1) assesses short-term impacts of BAM-Health participation on intrapersonal and interpersonal weight bias compared to an informational brochure control condition and (2) explores the feasibility and acceptability of BAM-Health among a sample of health professional students.MethodsSixty-seven health professional students participated in BAM-Health (n = 34) or received an informational brochure about weight stigma (n = 33). Participants completed validated self-report surveys assessing internalized weight/ appearance concerns and interpersonal weight stigma prior to their assigned intervention (baseline), immediately following intervention (post-intervention), and four weeks after intervention (follow-up). Baseline to post-intervention and baseline to follow-up effect sizes on each measure were calculated. At post-intervention, participants completed feedback surveys for thematic assessment.ResultsBAM-Health participation had a large baseline to post-intervention effect on internalized weight/ appearance concerns that diminished slightly at follow-up (Cohen’s d = -0.88; d = -0.62). Receipt of the informational brochure had a small effect on internalized weight/ appearance concerns (d = -0.27); however, these changes were not sustained at follow-up (d = 0.04). BAM-Health participation resulted in reductions in interpersonal obesity stigma and anti-fatness with small effect sizes (d = -0.32; d = -0.31). The effect on obesity stigma was slightly amplified at follow-up (d = -0.43); however, decreases in anti-fatness were not sustained (d = -0.13). The brochure condition failed to demonstrate effects on anti-fatness (d = 0.13, d = 0.14) or obesity stigma (d = -0.12; d = -0.12) at either time point. Between-session attrition rates of 4.5%, favorable quantitative ratings on post-session acceptability surveys, and free responses demonstrating appreciation of the virtual group environment and session activities reflect feasibility and acceptability of BAM-Health.ConclusionsBAM-Health is a novel peer-led intervention that aims to reduce weight stigma among health professional students. BAM-Health met feasibility benchmarks and received positive feedback from participants, demonstrating acceptability and indicating interest among health professional students in analyzing and reducing weight stigma in their personal lives and careers. The intervention led to promising decreases in internalized and interpersonal weight stigma at post-intervention, some of which were sustained at follow-up. However, lack of effect on internalized weight/ appearance concerns measures may indicate that BAM-Health participants are more likely to reject weight stigma directed toward others following intervention, while maintaining thin ideals for themselves. Further investigation of BAM-Health with a larger sample and continued program development is warranted.

The Moderating Effect of Suggestibility on the Relationship between Body Mass Index and Body Dissatisfaction in Women.

Background: Body dissatisfaction (BD) has been consistently linked to adverse consequences on mental health and overall well-being, and is recognized as a significant contributing factor in the initiation and persistence of eating disorders (EDs). Empirical evidence has demonstrated that an elevated body mass index (BMI) and media influence and pressure about a thin ideal heighten the risk of subsequent BD. Moreover, suggestibility, a propensity to accept and act upon messages without critical evaluation, has been shown to be positively associated with greater susceptibility to the influence of sociocultural messages that endorse the thin ideal. This study aimed to assess whether suggestibility moderates the association between BMI and BD in women. Methods: A total of 117 women completed assessments using the Eating Disorder Inventory-3 (EDI-3) BD subscale and the Suggestibility Inventory, which encompasses a general suggestibility index and a subscale that evaluates susceptibility to influence by others. We conducted moderation analyses employing the PROCESS macro, with BMI as the central predictor, BD as the outcome variable, and suggestibility and its subscale as moderators. Results: The findings revealed statistically significant positive moderating interactions for both the general suggestibility index and susceptibility to influence by others. Specifically, women who exhibited high levels of suggestibility and susceptibility to influence by others demonstrated a more pronounced increase in BD as their BMI increased. Conclusions: These outcomes are in line with the sociocultural model of EDs, suggesting that greater susceptibility to external influences amplifies the impact of societal pressures to conform to thin ideals.

Examining body appreciation in six countries: The impact of age and sociocultural pressure.

Previous research on body appreciation across the lifespan has produced conflicting results that it increases with age, decreases with age, or is generally stable with an increase in women over 50-years-old. Furthermore, most of the research has been conducted in White, Western populations. Cross-cultural research suggests that both Chinese and African women experience similar sociocultural pressures as White Western women, and that appearance ideals are shifting to resemble a more Western ideal. We cross-sectionally and cross-culturally examined body appreciation across the lifespan, recruiting White Western women (UK, USA, Canada, and Australia), Black Nigerian women, and Chinese women. 1186 women aged 18-80 completed measures of body appreciation, internalisation of thin and athletic ideals, and perceived sociocultural pressure. Body appreciation did not vary with age in women from any country. Nigerian women reported the highest body appreciation, and Western women the lowest. Higher thin/athletic ideal internalisation, and higher perceived sociocultural pressure were significantly associated with lower body appreciation in all countries and age-groups. Overall, our findings indicate that although levels of body appreciation differ drastically between ethnicities and cultures, it is generally stable across age, and shows cross-culturally robust relationships between sociocultural internalisation and pressure.

The female athletic ideal — Friend or foe? Fit, thin, and athletic body ideals and their associations with women’s body image

The internalization of body ideals is a critical predictor of body image and health behaviors. Thin and athletic ideal internalization in women need to be elucidated. The aims of the current study included: (i) describing the endorsement of thin and athletic body ideals among women and (ii) examining group differences in negative and positive self-conscious emotions and body image. Participants (N = 392 women; Mage = 25.6, SD = 5.3 years) were assigned to Fit Ideal (n = 110), Thin Ideal (n = 83), Athletic Ideal (n = 55), and Low Internalization (n = 144) groups based on scores for thin and athletic internalization. Three multivariate analyses of variance were conducted to examine Body Ideal group differences on negative appearance and fitness self-conscious emotions, and positive self-conscious emotions and body image. The Athletic Ideal and Low Internalization groups generally scored lower on negative self-conscious emotions and higher on positive self-conscious emotions and body image in comparison to the Fit and Thin Ideal groups (Cohen’s d =.35 to 1.15). Results suggest that differing levels of thin and athletic internalization may intersect uniquely with women’s body-related self-conscious emotions and positive body image and thus may have distinct effects on women’s health and behavior.

Australian adolescents’ views about healthy eating and the effects of food advertising on dietary behaviour: Perspectives of athletes and non-athletes

Background: Food-related advertisements have been identified as influential factors affecting Australian adolescents’ food preferences and dietary habits. Objective: This study aimed to investigate adolescents’ (athletes and non-athletes) views about healthy eating, the advertising of discretionary foods and beverages, and the effects of food advertising on dietary behaviours. Method: Qualitative study involving the analysis of data from seven focus group discussions with young people aged 12–17 years ( N = 27; 10 males and 17 females; 14 elite athletes, 13 non-athletes) from three different socioeconomic status secondary schools. Results: Both athlete and non-athlete participants discussed the importance of how social media is used for food advertisements. Many adolescents exhibited scepticism about the intent of advertising discretionary foods and beverages targeted toward adolescents. Three themes were identified from the data analysis: (1) physical and cognitive benefits of healthy eating; (2) scepticism, mistrust and ethical concerns about food and beverage advertisements targeted toward adolescents; and (3) portrayal of thin and fit ideals in social media. Conclusion: Health educators and policymakers addressing adolescent healthy eating behaviours should focus more fully on the influence of social media food advertising. Greater promotion of the importance of good nutrition during adolescence may optimise training performance and improve young people’s nutritional knowledge and healthy eating habits.

Uso de redes sociales y factores de riesgo para el desarrollo de trastornos relacionados con la alimentación en España: una revisión sistemática

ObjectiveReview the available scientific literature on the relationship between the use of social networks and risk factors for the development of eating disorders, such as low self-esteem, body dissatisfaction and/or idealization of thinness, in the Spanish population. DesignA systematic review of scientific literature published between 2010 and 2022 was carried out. Data sources: PubMed, Scopus and Web of Science. Selection of studies: Only original articles were included, published in Spanish or English, that measured at least one variable of use of social networks and at least one risk factor for eating disorders in the Spanish population. Data extraction: The PRISMA 2009 statement was used as a guide. The quality of selected articles was assessed using the Joanna Briggs Institute Critical Appraisal Checklist. ResultsTwelve cross-sectional studies that met the inclusion criteria were identified. Evidence suggests that the use and frequency of use of social networks is significantly associated with body dissatisfaction (p≤0,01), drive for thinness (p≤0,001), and low self-esteem (p≤0,05) in adolescents and young adults in the Spanish population. ConclusionsUsers of social networks, mainly those based on images, are exposed to factors that could increase their risk of developing an eating disorder.

Thin Ideal Internalization Assessment (THIINA): Development and Psychometric Validation of a New Measure of Female Body Image

Thin ideal internalization is widely implicated in women’s body image and eating disturbances. A recently proposed multidimensional operationalization of internalization suggests the brevity and construct validity of existing questionnaires may limit the assessment of thin ideal internalization. Therefore, this research aimed to develop a new questionnaire (i.e., Thin Ideal Internalization Assessment; THIINA) to comprehensively assess thin ideal internalization. In Study 1, 301 female participants were administered the THIINA. Exploratory factor analyses revealed the 17-item THIINA had a stable 3-factor structure reflecting thin idealization, thin overvaluation, and thin behavioral drive. In Study 2, 337 female participants were administered the THIINA and validation measures. Confirmatory factor analysis confirmed stability of the 3-factor structure and findings supported convergent, discriminant, and incremental validity of the THIINA. Support for temporal stability was found within a sub-sample of participants (n = 132). The THIINA demonstrated strong psychometric properties, a stable three-factor structure representing theoretically-driven domains, and support for the creation of a composite score representing overall thin ideal internalization. These findings suggest the multidimensional operationalization and measurement of thin ideal internalization could improve theoretical and clinical understanding of the impact of thin ideal internalization on women’s body image and eating.

Chinese TikTok (Douyin) challenges and body image concerns: a pilot study

BackgroundSocial media content on Western platforms promoting thinness, or thinspiration, has been found to negatively affect body image perception of users. Less is known about non-Western social media use and its effects on body image concerns. Chinese TikTok, known as Douyin, is a popular short video platform with 600 million daily active users. Recent trends on Douyin encourage users to demonstrate thinness through participation in ‘body challenges’. This paper argues that such content is comparable to thinspiration, however, to date hardly any research has been undertaken on these challenges. Thus, this pilot study aimed to analyse the content of three viral challenges and investigate their impact on Douyin users.MethodsThirty most viewed videos were collected for three challenges (N = 90): the Coin challenge, the A4 Waist challenge, and the Spider leg challenge. Videos were coded for variables relating to thin idealisation, including thin praise, sexualisation and objectification, and analysed through content analytic methods. Video comments (N ≈ 5500) were analysed through thematic analysis, and main themes were identified.ResultsPreliminary findings showed that participants who objectified their bodies to a greater extent expressed more negative body image concerns. In addition, comments on the videos had themes of thin praise, self-comparison, and promotion of dieting behaviours. In particular, videos of the A4 Waist challenge were found to incite more negative self-comparison in viewers.ConclusionPreliminary findings suggest all three challenges promote the thin ideal and encourage body image concerns. Further research about the broader impact of body challenges is needed.

The relationship between [formula omitted]-ultrafilter and Q-point

Under the assumption of MActble, we will show that there is a Dfin-ultrafilter which is not a Q-point. We will also get that Dfin≰KT, Dfin≰KEDfin and Dfin≰KA, where T, A are a thin and almost thin ideals defined by Flašková. We will also check that every Q-point is a weak Dfin-ultrafilter.

FACTORS ASSOCIATED WITH BODY IMAGE PERCEPTION AMONG LATE ADOLESCENT FEMALE STUDENTS IN A SOUTHERN COASTAL DISTRICT OF ANDHRA PRADESH - A CROSS-SECTIONAL STUDY.

Body image perception is the way a person feels about his/her body and it is ever-changing, and inuenced by various factors. Adolescent girls try to lose or gain weight to attain the "ideal body". Body image perception is still naive, and this research is taken up to understand these unexplored areas. Materials and Methods: A cross sectional study was done among female students of degree college in Kakinada District during December 2022. Informed consent and ethical approval was taken. 100 Students were selected by simple random sampling and a semi-structured questionnaire was used to collect data on various factors associated with body image dissatisfaction. Body mass index (BMI) of the participants was calculated. Results: The mean (Standard deviation) age of students was 18.6 ± 2.02. As per WHO BMI criteria for adolescents (18-19 yrs), 21% of girls were thin. Majority (71%) of students perceived their body image as normal. Approximately 35% of the students had wrong perceptions regarding their body image. Body image dissatisfaction was there among 36% of the girls. It was found that factors such as higher BMI, Internalization of thin body image ideals, media inuence, appearance related pressures from peers, family were all signicantly associated with body image dissatisfaction. Conclusions: This study establishes the fact that body image dissatisfaction affects adolescent girls to a great extent. Holistic strategies are needed for promoting the acceptance of the real body image.

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.

Is (Disordered) Social Networking Sites Usage a Risk Factor for Dysfunctional Eating and Exercise Behavior?

Research over the past years has shown that exposure to thin and beauty ideals in the media can be associated with disordered eating and related variables. Nowadays, interactive media, such as social networking sites, have gained growing popularity and represent a major part of people's lives. It is therefore crucial to investigate how far users might be negatively influenced by social networking sites regarding eating pathology or excessive exercise behavior and if there are particular links to social media use disorder. Data were collected by an online-survey encompassing questions on regular social networking site use, eating disorders, and excessive exercise behavior. Analyses showed that disordered social networking sites use was significantly related to eating pathology and a poorer body image in men and women. The frequency of active or passive social networking sites usage however was not associated with exercise behavior. Our results confirm that disordered social networking sites use represents a risk factor for body image dissatisfaction and associated eating disorders.

Internalisation of stereotyped body appearance standards and body dissatisfaction in adolescent boys: Moderating role of sports participation

ABSTRACT The aim of this study was to test the moderating role of sport participation in the mediation model of media pressures, internalisation of appearance ideals and body dissatisfaction in adolescent boys. Five hundred and seventy adolescent boys (mean age 17.2 ± 0.45; range 15–19 years) participated in the cross-sectional study. Adolescents completed a questionnaire consisting of measures of attitudes towards sociocultural pressures on appearance, body dissatisfaction and sport participation (participation in achievement sport, leisure exercising and non-participation in any sports). Sports participation moderated the associations between the internalisation of stereotyped appearance ideals and body dissatisfaction. In athletes, the effect of internalisation of thin body ideals on body dissatisfaction was not significant, while the effect of internalisation of muscular/athletic body ideals was negative. In leisure exercisers, the effect of internalisation of muscular body ideals on body dissatisfaction was not significant, yet internalisation of thin body ideals had a significant effect on body dissatisfaction. The strongest associations between appearance ideals internalisation and body dissatisfaction were found in adolescent boys who reported no participation in sports. Sports participation might be an effective tool in decreasing the negative effect of internalisation of stereotyped appearance ideals on adolescent boys’ body image.

Eat, pray, love: disordered eating in religious and non-religious men and women

BackgroundDespite the lack of research examining the relation between religiosity and disordered eating, at various points during the year, religious practices requiring changes in eating habits are typical. Few studies have identified how aspects of religiosity are associated with disordered eating attitudes and behaviours. Thus, we explored the interconnectedness of religiosity and gender on disordered eating attitudes and behaviours.MethodsIn total, 749 religious and non-religious participants completed online questionnaires assessing components of disordered eating and associated appearance-related pressures and internalizations (pressure from family, peers, and media, and internalization of the thin and muscular ideals).ResultsAmong the 317 participants who identified as religious, 12.30% reported that their religious practice required a change in their eating habits, and 10.68% reported that they changed their eating habits for both religious purposes and as a method of weight loss/control. Overall, religious participants who indicated changing their eating habits for religious purposes experienced greater disordered eating and appearance-related pressures than theists who reported no change in their diet and non-religious respondents. Further, there was a significant interaction between gender and religiosity across the disordered eating variables. Results indicated that, compared to males who were not religious, those who were religious had higher scores on scales measuring disordered eating. Religious and non-religious women scored similarly on scales measuring other aspects of disordered eating (including Purging, Restricting, and Binge Eating). Further, compared to non-religious men, religious men, reported greater pressure from their family and peers; there was no difference in women.ConclusionsFuture research should further explore gender differences across types and specific aspects of religiosity such as motivation to practice.

Effect of exposure to thinness ideals in social networks on self-esteem and anxiety

Social networks use is related to the occurrence of eating disorders (ED). In this study, we experimentally evaluated the effect of exposure to social networks and stereotypical images of the thinness ideal on ED symptomatology and analyzed the mediator role of anxiety in this process. A sample of 321 young adults of both sexes (166 females) were randomly assigned to two experimental conditions: high and low exposure to the thin ideal. Our results indicate a decrease in self-esteem in the group exposed to the thin images and an increase in anxiety. We found the effect of the images on self-esteem is completely mediated by the increase in anxiety. No changes in body satisfaction or drive for thinness were found. Our study shows how brief exposure to images and profiles representative of the thin ideal seems to influence participants' self-esteem. These results show the need to raise awareness of the possible consequences of social media, as well as to promote a healthy use of social networks.

Sociocultural pressures towards the thin and mesomorphic body ideals and their impact on the eating and exercise-related body change strategies of early adolescents: a longitudinal study

Sociocultural pressures towards the thin and mesomorphic body ideals and their impact on the eating and exercise-related body change strategies of early adolescents: a longitudinal study

Acculturation and Disordered Eating among Asian American College Students: The Role of Objectification through a Sociocultural Lens.

Disordered eating is a public health problem because it's highly prevalent, dangerous, and costly. More research about its risk factors and mechanisms is needed to address this problem and prevent disordered eating among high-risk populations, particularly understudied ethnic minorities. The present study contributes to the limited existing research on acculturation and disordered eating among Asian American college students who represent an understudied and high-risk group. The sample consisted of 245 Asian American (primarily East and Southeast Asian American) college students who provided data on their acculturation status, internalization of thin and muscular body ideals, body surveillance, body shame, and disordered eating. Results show that after controlling for gender, both cultures are positively associated with internalization of the muscular body ideal, but only the Asian culture of origin is associated with disordered eating. Additionally, path analysis results show that Asian culture of origin has a significant total effect on disordered eating as well as a significant indirect effect on disordered eating, mediated by thin body ideal internalization. While American culture does not have a significant contribution to body ideal internalization or disordered eating, it interacts with Asian culture of origin and put participants with high levels of both cultures at a greater risk for muscular body ideal internalization. Findings highlight the importance of cultural context in the understanding of body experiences and disordered eating among Asian American college students and have implications for the prevention and intervention of these problems in this high-risk population.

Internalization of muscularity and thinness ideals: Associations with body dissatisfaction, eating disorder symptoms, and muscle dysmorphic symptoms in at risk sexual minority men.

In the tripartite influence model, appearance-ideal internalization is identified as a prominent risk factor for the development of body dissatisfaction and subsequent eating disorder (ED) behaviors. For men, prior research has emphasized the importance of both thin-ideal internalization and muscular-ideal internalization in explaining later ED behaviors and muscle dysmorphia (MD) symptoms. Previous research in heterosexual men has shown that the associations between muscular-ideal internalization and ED or MD symptoms may depend on whether the individual has also internalized the thin ideal. However, this interaction has not been examined in research with sexual minority men (SMM). The current study collected self-report data from 452 at risk SMM (i.e., endorsed body dissatisfaction), with ages ranging from 18 to 35 years. Linear regression models were conducted to test the interaction effects between thinness and muscularity internalization on ED symptoms, MD behaviors, and general body dissatisfaction. Simple slopes and the Johnson-Neyman technique were used to investigate significant interaction terms. Thin- and muscular-ideal internalization were positively associated with muscular appearance intolerance and dietary restriction with no significant interaction. Muscular drive for size was highest when both muscularity internalization and thinness internalization were high. Muscular-ideal internalization was positively associated with both cognitive restraint and general body dissatisfaction, but only at lower levels of thinness internalization. Given the interacting association between thinness and muscularity internalization and aspects of body dissatisfaction, attitudes, and behavior, prevention and intervention programs for EDs and MDs in SMM should seek to dismantle both thinness and muscularity internalization. Internalizing-or adopting as one's own-the ideal of a body with low body fat and high muscularity has been shown to lead to muscle dysmorphia and eating disorder symptoms in men. The current study examines whether the combination of thin-ideal and muscular-ideal internalization is associated with worse symptoms than either facet alone in sexual minority men. Treatment efforts in sexual minority men should address both types of internalization.

Adolescent girls' participation in sports is associated with lower negative effects of internalization of thin body ideals on self-objectification: findings from a cross-sectional study.

The aim of the present study was to test a partial sociocultural model of integrated tripartite influence and objectification theories in adolescent girls and to assess the moderating role of participation in sport. This study is part of a larger research that involved a sample of adolescent girls and boys from the 11th grade. In the present study, data on 842 girls were analysed. The mean age of the sample was 16.9 ± 0.5years. The adolescent girls completed online questionnaires assessing internalization of thin body ideals, disordered eating attitudes and behaviours, and self-objectification, as well as various aspects of participation in sports. To assess the primary hypotheses, moderated mediation models were tested. Self-objectification mediated associations between internalization of thin body ideals and disordered eating attitudes and behaviours in adolescent girls. Participation in an achievement sport moderated the association between internalization of thin body ideals and self-objectification, but not between the latter and disordered eating attitudes and behaviours. Internalization of thin body ideals was not significantly associated with self-objectification in girls participating in achievement sport. The association between internalization of thin body ideals and self-objectification was stronger in adolescent girls not involved in any sports activities than in leisure-time exercisers. It is important to promote involvement in sport for all adolescent girls, since it might help them to decrease the negative effect of internalization of thin body ideals on self-objectification and to value body functions over appearance. Decreasing self-objectification and teaching about body functionality might be an effective strategy in programmes aimed at decreasing disordered eating in adolescent girls participating in achievement sport. Level of evidence V, cross-sectional descriptive study.

The Effects of Acute Social Media Exposure on Body Dissatisfaction and Eating Behavior of Male and Female Students

Introduction: Experimental research has examined the effect of social media on body dissatisfaction, but little attention has been given to the impact on eating behavior. Across two studies, we tested the causal relationship between acute social media use, body dissatisfaction and eating behavior. Methods: In Study 1, 80 female participants (age: M = 20.75 years; BMI: M = 21.3) viewed their own Facebook account or a news website before completing a portion size selection task. In Study 2 (pre-registered), 148 participants (81 females; age: M = 20.92 years; BMI: M = 22.19), viewed their own or an experimenter-curated Instagram profile before consuming potato chips ad-libitum. Results: In Study 1, body dissatisfaction was significantly higher in participants who viewed Facebook (compared to a news website) and significantly mediated the effect of condition on portion size selection. In Study 2, regardless of condition females reported significantly smaller ideal body sizes and higher body dissatisfaction compared to males. When females reported a thinner body size as ideal, females in the personal Instagram consumed significantly less potato chips than those in the control Instagram condition. When males reported a smaller actual body size, males in the personal Instagram condition consumed significantly less potato chips than males in the control Instagram condition. Discussion: Findings suggest brief bouts of social media use may produce immediate disruptions to body image of both sexes, and restrained snack intake of females endorsing thin ideals.