Women's Body Image Research Articles

The evaluation of distorted body image in anorexia nervosa

IntroductionA distorted body image appears to be a significant factor predisposing an individual to developing anorexia nervosa and its maintaining. Anorexia nervosa presents with the highest mortality rate among all mental disorders.ObjectivesThe aim of the research work was to assess the distorted body image in women diagnosed with anorexia nervosa, as well as to analyse the impact of the severity of the symptomatology of eating disorders, level of depression and anxiety on the distorted body image.Methods A total of 105 people participated in the study. The clinical group consisted of 36 women diagnosed with anorexia nervosa, while the group of healthy women consisted of 69 participants. Patients completed several psychological and clinical measures such as: EAT-26, BSQ-34, BIDQ, BDD-YBOCS, CDRS, CESDR, and STAI.ResultsBetween group comparisons were performed using nonparametric the Mann-Whitney U test. Results revealed statistically significantly greater distorted body image perception in anorexia group. Women diagnosed with anorexia nervosa showed significantly higher levels both depression and anxiety compared to the healthy controls. Based on correlation analyses, it was shown that there are statistically significant relationships between the body image variable and eating disorders, depression, and anxiety (state and trait).ConclusionsTo deepen the problem of distorted body image, further research is required on etiopathogenesis and dynamics of body image in relation to body mass index and illness chronicity.DisclosureNo significant relationships.

Objectification and ambiguity of body image in women with Polycystic Ovary Syndrome: A mixed-method study

BackgroundThe manifestations of Polycystic Ovary Syndrome (PCOS), including acne, hirsutism, obesity, uncertain fertility, etc., can make women anxious, worried, or even depressed with their appearance and body. However, little relevant research has been conducted in the Chinese context. This mixed-method study aimed to understand how women with PCOS in China perceive their bodies and to examine the association between body image and depression. MethodsFirst, 101 PCOS patients participated in a survey using the Body Surveillance subscale of the Objectified Body Consciousness Scale, the Short-form Mishel Uncertainty in Illness Scale, the Appearance Anxiety Scale, and the Beck Depression Inventory-II, which measured participants' self-objectification, illness ambiguity, appearance anxiety, and depression, respectively. Second, fifteen women joined face-to-face semi-structured in-depth interviews, investigating their illness ambiguity, objectified experience, and behaviors to pursue beauty. ResultsResults indicated a high level of self-objectification, illness ambiguity, appearance anxiety, and depression among women with PCOS in China and supported the significant associations among the outcomes. Qualitative findings presented a body image of the precarious body, indiscernible identity, and distraught mind. LimitationsA convenient sampling method was used. The generalization of the study results needs further validation. Future longitudinal studies are necessary to clarify the causal relationships among outcomes. ConclusionsThis study presented women's body image with PCOS and found the negative impact of body image on their depression levels. This study was of both theoretical and practical significance. Appropriate mind-body therapies were suggested for them.

Body image in women diagnosed with breast cancer: A grounded theory study

Using a Straussian grounded theory methodology, we explored the meaning women attribute to body image and how they understand their breast cancer experience as influencing their body image to develop a grounded theory of body image for women diagnosed with breast cancer. Interviews were conducted with 27 women who had completed treatment for breast cancer in Canada. Data were analyzed through a process of open, axial, and selective coding using constant comparison techniques and memo-writing. A grounded theory of body image for women diagnosed with breast cancer was developed around the core category of body image: what it means to women, which was underpinned by six themes and 17 subthemes. This theory explains how women diagnosed with breast cancer define body image and illustrates intrapersonal and interpersonal factors that can undermine or support their body image, along with strategies they used to manage their body image. This theory can guide research and practice aimed at enhancing body image and minimizing its consequences for women diagnosed with breast cancer.

THE EFFECT OF BEAUTY SERVICES ON WOMEN'S STRESS AND BODY IMAGE

Objective: This study was carried out to determine the perceived stress and body image of women who received service from hairdressing salons with their opinions about benefiting from beauty services.
 Method: The sample of this descriptive study consisted of 333 female participants who had service from 10 hairdressing salons operating on a street which is considered as the centre of the city between 15.04.2017-15.05.2017. The data of the study was collected by using “Personal Information Form”, “Perceived Stress Scale” and “Body Cathexis Scale (BCS)”.
 Results: In this study, it was determined that stress perception of women who benefit from beauty services on a regular basis is low and their body image is positive; the body image of women going to the hairdresser to feel good is positive; body image of women whose aim is to feel good and who partially regret the procedure is negative; stress perception of women who feel relieved when they go to the hairdresser is low; the relationship between the appearance of women and their psychological status influences the body image and there was a positive correlation between the scores of perceived stress and the body image.
 Conclusion: As it is known, many mental health problems are related to stress and psychological well-being is a situation involving the body image. This positive effect of beauty services is thought to be effective for women’s mental health care services.

Social Media and Its Impact on Chinese’s Women Body Image: The Effects of Body Comparison and Motivation for Social Media Use

Social Media and Its Impact on Chinese’s Women Body Image: The Effects of Body Comparison and Motivation for Social Media Use

Quality of Life Post Breast Cancer Surgery: Comparison of Breast Conservation Surgery versus Modified Radical Mastectomy in a Developing Country.

Introduction Breast cancer survivors are the largest group of female cancer survivors. Oncologic breast surgery can have a profound impact on a woman's body image and sense of self that can significantly affect their quality of life (QOL). The paucity of data about the effect of type of surgery on QOL of Indian breast cancer survivors has led to this study. Materials and Methods This prospective study included consecutive female early breast cancer patients who underwent primary surgery, that is, breast conservation surgery (BCS) or modified radical mastectomy (MRM) from January 1, 2015 to December 31, 2015. The primary objective was the comparison of QOL using European Organization for the Research and Treatment of Cancer Quality of Life Questionnaire (EORTC QLQ-C30) and EORTC QLQ-BR 23 between the two groups at 6 months and 1 year postsurgery with the baseline. Results One hundred and thirty-eight patients were included of which 62 underwent BCS and 76 underwent MRM. BCS patients fared better with respect to physical functioning, dyspnea, fatigue, appetite loss, and body image at 6 months ( p < 0.05) as compared with MRM. At 1 year postsurgery, BCS patients fared better with respect to physical functioning, role functioning, global health status, body image, sexual enjoyment, and dyspnea, while MRM patients fared better in emotional functioning and future prospectives ( p < 0.05). Conclusion Patients undergoing BCS have a better QOL with respect to various functional and symptom scales at 6 months and 1 year. However, patients undergoing MRM perform better in terms of future perspective and emotional functioning at 1 year.

Predictors of Health-Related Quality of Life in Women with Lupus

Introduction: Systemic lupus erythematosus is an autoimmune progressive connective tissue disease characterized by multiple organ involvement and a highly variable clinical course. The aim of this study was to predict the health-related quality of life of women with lupus based on perceived stress, fear of perceptual body image and psychological resilience.&#x0D; Methods: This descriptive-analytical study was performed on 189 women with lupus in Hafez Hospital in Shiraz in 2019. Data were collected through the quality of life questionnaire (LupusQol), perceived stress questionnaire (PSS-14), body image fear inventory (BICI), and Conners and Davidson Technology Questionnaire, and they were analyzed using SPSS version 16 software with descriptive statistics and linear regression.&#x0D; Results: The mean age and duration of the disease were 40.37±9.47 and 9.45±6.01 years, respectively. Based on the level of education, 43.79% of the patients were undergraduates, 86.8% were housewives and 57.7% were in the active phase of the disease. The mean score of resilience was 67.56±16.07, quality of life 57.30±22.68, stress 25.31±7.78 and fear of body image was 37.07±13.96. Stress, fear of body image, resilience, disease phase, education and occupation accounted for 52% of the total quality of life variability.&#x0D; Conclusion: The quality of life of the women with lupus is affected by the variables such as stress, fear of body image and resilience. Thus, the higher the stress and fear of body image in women with lupus and the lower the rate of resilience, the lower the quality of life.

Life situations of Swedish women after mastectomy due to breast cancer: A qualitative study.

Breast cancer is a significant health issue all around the world and the most frequent type of cancer among Swedish women. The aim of this study was to explore and describe life situations of Swedish women with breast cancer after mastectomy. A qualitative study with semi-structured interviews was conducted by using an interview guide concerning experiences of changes in the women's daily lives and functions. Thirty-three women with breast cancer having undergone mastectomy participated. The data from the interviews were subjected to content analysis. Six categories emerged: Embarrassment with body image and loss of femininity; Feelings of fear, worry and anxiety; Better appreciation of life; Support from different sources; Experiences of care from health care professionals; and Need of information and follow-up care. The women's body image limits their daily lives, and psychological distress reminds them of their disease. Reception of support from family and healthcare professionals and perception of positive life are important. Sometimes there is a lack of information and follow-up from healthcare professionals, who should be aware of the women's feelings and needs.

Mediating Role of Cognitive Emotion Regulation Strategies in the Relationship Between Anxiety and Body Image in Women With Breast Cancer Volunteered for Mastectomy

Background: The loss of breast is a major concern for women with breast cancer volunteer for mastectomy, because they feel that their feminine identity is at risk of damage. The present study aims to investigate the mediating role of Cognitive Emotion Regulation (CER) in the relationship between anxiety and body image in women with breast cancer volunteered for mastectomy. Methods: The is a correlational study. The study population consists of all women with breast cancer volunteered for mastectomy referred to Imam Khomeini and Imam Hossein hospitals in Tehran, Iran. Of these, 350 volunteers were selected by a convenience sampling method. The instruments were Beck Anxiety Inventorry, Body Image and Relationship Scale of Hormes et al., and Cognitive Emotion Regulation Questionnaire of Garnefski et al. Structural equation modeling were used to analyze the research hypotheses. Results: Anxiety had a positive effect on maladaptive CER strategies (β=0.654) and a negative effect on body image (β=-0.574) (P&lt;0.001). The direct effect of maladaptive CER strategies on body image was positive and significant (β=0.271, P&lt;0.05). The direct effects of anxiety on adaptive CER strategies (β=-0.836) and body image (β=-0.849) were negative and significant (P&lt;0.001). The direct effect of adaptive CER strategies on body image was negative and significant (β=-0.266, P&lt;0.001). Conclusion: Women undergoing mastectomy will experience more anxiety and negative body image if they use maladaptive CER strategies, while those who use adaptive CER strategies will experience less anxiety and negative body image.

Menopause and body image: the protective effect of self-compassion and mediating role of mental distress

ABSTRACT Self-compassion has been identified as a protective factor against body image concerns, but the relationship has not been explored in women in the menopausal transition, when body image perceptions may be particularly vulnerable. Women in the UK (N = 248) self-reported on levels of body appreciation, body preoccupation, self-compassion and mental distress. Correlation and mediation analyses were used. Results indicated that self-compassion was positively associated with body appreciation and negatively associated with body preoccupation. Mental distress mediated the relationships between self-compassion and body appreciation, and self-compassion and body preoccupation. Findings suggest that self-compassion is important to body image in women in the menopausal transition, and having good mental health can enhance these pathways.

The Roles of Body Image, Sexual Motives, and Distraction in Women's Sexual Pleasure.

Women with body image concerns are more likely to experience sexual difficulties (e.g., with arousal, lubrication, orgasm). However, the processes by which body image impacts sexual well-being are poorly understood. We theorized that women with negative body image are less likely to view sex in terms of reward, leading them to have weaker approach sexual motives (i.e., to pursue positive experiences such as pleasure). Rather, women with negative body image may have sex to avoid personal insecurities and negative emotions, leading them to have stronger avoidance sexual motives (i.e., to cope with negative affect or to avoid partner conflict). In turn, we theorized that stronger approach sexual motives may allow women to be more focused on erotic cues during sex, thereby enhancing sexual pleasure, whereas avoidance motives may lead to greater distraction, interfering with sexual pleasure. Women (N = 1619) were recruited from online venues and reported on their body image and most recent sex. We found that body dissatisfaction was associated with weaker self-focused approach motives and in turn more distraction. Additionally, body dissatisfaction was associated with stronger self- and partner-focused avoidance motives and in turn more distraction. In turn, more distraction was associated with less pleasure and worse sexual function. To the best of our knowledge, this is the first investigation of whether body image in women is associated with their sexual motives. Findings highlight the importance of sexual motives in explaining the link between body image and sexual pleasure and function.

Yonder: Reflective writing, prostate cancer, disaster preparedness, and Dutch and Chinese women's body image.

Yonder: Reflective writing, prostate cancer, disaster preparedness, and Dutch and Chinese women's body image.

‘I wish I had my pre-pregnancy body after birth… but I have to be supported’: a theoretical study based on body image perception in working mothers during the postpartum period

The body image of women in the postpartum period can be far from society’s idealised body, and this can cause body dissatisfaction. This qualitative study aimed to evaluate the body image perception of women who had started working in the postpartum period, based on the grounded theory research method. A total of 22 face-to-face interviews were conducted with participants who were actively involved in working life and between 3 months and 1 year postpartum. The data were collected through in-depth interviews with a personal information form and semi-structured interview form. Coding created four main categories (‘weight fluctuations and body shape’, ‘body-related perception’, ‘body-related responses from the environment’ and ‘body perception improvement process’) and eight sub-categories. The results found that the postpartum period is a sensitive one for working women, where they have both positive and negative experiences. Their responsibilities increase, they have little time for themselves and their bodies, they experience body image dissatisfaction, and they expect support from their spouses, families, social circles and health professionals. Impact Statement What is already known on this subject? Postpartum body image is an important research subject because it expands the scope of body image literature and has significant effects on gender problems. Not being able to lose the weight gained in postpartum period or the weight gained during pregnancy is an important problem for women. With women starting working life, this period seems to be a more sensitive and anxious one for some women. What do the results of this study add? Most of the women in this study experience body dissatisfaction in the postpartum period. Some women do not want to leave the house because of their negative body image perceptions. It is an important finding that women want their spouse to gain weight during this period. What are the implications of these findings for clinical practice and/or further research? The findings of our study revealed that working mothers in the postpartum period have difficulty in sparing time for themselves and their bodies due to increased responsibilities. Working women are in particular need for more support due to their increased workloads, roles and responsibilities in childcare. Our study may guide future studies focussing on women's body image perceptions and influencing factors.

The mediating role of cognitive flexibility styles in the relationship between anxiety and body image in women with voluntary mastectomy breast cancer

Aim: Research background has shown that cognitive flexibility has a great impact on psychiatric disorders. In the present study, we analyze the mediating role of cognitive emotion regulation in the relationship between anxiety and body image of Women with breast cancer volunteer for mastectomy. Methods: Our research method is correlation of structural equations. The research sample consists of 350 Participant with breast cancer volunteering for mastectomy. Which were selected by available sampling method. The instruments used in the research are Beck Anxiety Questionnaire (1979), Body Image Questionnaire (Hormes et al. 2008) and cognitive flexibility questionnaire (Dennis, Vander Wal &amp; Jillon, 2010). Findings: The results showed that the direct effect of anxiety with beta standard coefficient on cognitive flexibility (Beta = -0.789) and on body image (Beta = -0.562) negatively at the level of less than one thousandth (001 / 0&gt; P) is significant. Also, the direct effect of cognitive flexibility on body image (Beta = 0.211) is positively significant at the level of less than 0.05. In addition, the magnitude of the indirect effect of anxiety on the body image of patients with a standard coefficient of -0.17 is significant at a level of less than 0.05. Conclusions: Patients who use more cognitive flexibility experience less anxiety and negative body image, and conversely, those who use less cognitive flexibility experience more anxiety and negative body image.

Public Health Impact of Social Comparison on Body Image Concerning Cognitive Processing and Disordered Eating: A Systematic Review

A person's experience with body image can be influenced by environment or culture. Exposure to the thin-ideal is likely to decrease body image in women through social comparison; there is the anticipation of a negative public health impact. Recently published (between 2011 to 2021) study reports including mainly randomized controlled trials, clinical trials, and ecological momentary assessments on English-speaking female subjects were reviewed. Analysis of the eligible studies evaluated the consequences of social comparison concerning social media, disordered eating, and cognitive processing. Quantitative and qualitative analyses were conducted with the majority of findings found to have statistically significant data in support of the following: (i) social media platforms provide space for the consumption of unattainable beauty standards based on thinideal imagery, (ii) the internalization of the thin-ideal leads to the development of body dissatisfaction, which is a predictor of disordered eating behaviors, (iii) cognitive coping mechanisms are used as protection against the harmful effects that come from social comparison. A concerted effort should be made by eating disorder prevention programs to lessen the cognitive response to thin-ideal stimuli, thereby decreasing body dissatisfaction and reducing the risk of development of disordered eating behaviors in women.

Does large breast problem and macromastıa surgery affect a woman's body image, depressıon level, sexual lıfe, and qualıty of lıfe? A prospectıve study.

This study was designed to evaluate the change in the body perception, sexual life, quality of life, and depression levels in women undergoing a reduction mammaplasty due to breast hypertrophy problem. This descriptive and comparative study was carried out prospectively with 34 women who were diagnosed with breast hypertrophy in a public hospital in the province of Kayseri between 1 April and 31 December 2019 and agreed to participate in the study. The data were collected via the self-reporting method using the Introductory Information Form prepared in line with the literature, Preoperative Data Collection Form, Postoperative Data Collection Form, Female Sexual Function Index (FSFI), Quality of Life Questionnaire, Body Perception Scale (BPS), and Beck Depression Inventory (BDI). In the preoperative period, 97.1% of the women with breast hypertrophy reported health complaints related to breast hypertrophy, 91.2% need to take a shower frequently, 85.3% social problems like shame and stigma, 85.3% exercise intolerance, and 79.4% sense of dislike. It was determined that general health complaints of these women decreased in the postoperative third month and they obtained significantly high scores from the FSFI, BDI, BPS, and all subscales of the SF-36 Quality of Life Questionnaire, except from the mental subscale (p<0.05). It was observed that there were remarkable improvements in the mental, physical, social, and sexual areas of women with breast hypertrophy after the reduction mammaplasty.

Factor structure and psychometric properties of the Muscularity-Oriented Eating Test in university women in Australia.

Toned muscularity continues to emerge as a salient aspect of women's body image. However, there is a dearth of research investigating the potentially maladaptive eating practices and related cognitions that accompany the drive for muscularity in women. This may be attributable to the limited empirical and clinical attention previously given to muscularity-oriented disordered eating and, accordingly, the lack of validated measures assessing these concerns. To address this knowledge gap, our study aimed to provide a preliminary evaluation of the factor structure and core psychometric properties of a recently developed measure of muscularity-oriented disordered eating, the Muscularity-Oriented Eating Test (MOET), in university women in Australia. Participants included 419 university women who completed the 15-item MOET and other self-report measures for validity evaluation as part of an online survey. Data from split-half samples were used to undertake an exploratory factor analysis and subsequent confirmatory factor analysis. Factor analytic results supported a briefer (12-item), one-factor scale in this sample of university women. The internal consistency reliability and validity (convergent and discriminant) of this 12-item unidimensional MOET was supported. Our study provides preliminary support for this modified MOET as a psychometrically sound self-report measure of muscularity-oriented disordered eating in university women in Australia, providing a useful tool for understanding maladaptive eating behaviors and cognitions concomitant to the pursuit of muscularity in this population.

Body image across the adult lifespan: A longitudinal investigation of developmental and cohort effects

The current study examined patterns of normative change and cohort effects in body image across the male and female adult lifespan. Body satisfaction was assessed in longitudinal data spanning six years, from 2010 to 2015. Cohort sequential latent growth curve modelling was utilized to assess patterns of mean-level change due to both aging and cohort effects in 15,264 participants (62.9 % women) aged between 18–94 years (M = 46.55, SD = 14.24). Results demonstrated a very slight increase in body satisfaction across the lifespan for both men and women. Cohort effects demonstrated that for women aged 54 years and below, all but two cohorts (24–29 and 34–39 years) displayed an upward trajectory in their body satisfaction over the 5-year period of assessment. No consistent cohort effects were evident for men. Finally, men, relative to women, consistently displayed higher levels of body satisfaction across the lifespan. This study provides insights into the trajectory of body image across the lifespan for men and women. The findings also suggest recent (cohort) improvements in body image for women, and potential explanations for this unexpected shift are discussed.

Breast-related and body-related quality of life following autologous breast reconstruction is superior to implant-based breast reconstruction - A long-term follow-up study

IntroductionThe better survival rates after breast cancer allow for setting of long-term goals, such as Quality of Life (QoL) and aesthetic outcomes following breast reconstruction. Studies find a higher breast-related QoL and greater satisfaction with breasts following autologous breast reconstruction (ABR) compared to implant-based breast reconstruction (IBR). However, aesthetic results from donor sites can influence body image. This concern is little addressed in the literature. Therefore, the aim of this study was to compare the long-term breast-related and body-related QoL of women who underwent ABR to women who underwent IBR. Material and methodsA multicenter, cross-sectional survey was conducted between November and December 2020 among women who underwent postmastectomy breast reconstruction between January 2015 and December 2018. A general questionnaire, the BREAST-Q, and the BODY-Q were used to collect data. Multivariable linear regression was performed to adjust differences in Q-scores for potential confounders. ResultsIn total, 336 patients were included (112 IBR, 224 ABR). Autologous reconstruction resulted in significantly higher mean scores in all subdomains of the BREAST-Q. On the BODY-Q, IBR scored significantly higher on scars, while ABR scored moderately to significantly higher on all other scales. Despite a lower mean score on Hips & outer thighs in women with Lateral Thigh Perforator (LTP) flap reconstruction, no negative influence on body image was found in these women. ConclusionsLong-term breast-related and body-related outcomes of ABR are superior to IBR. Donor site aesthetic does not adversely affect body image in women who underwent free flap breast reconstruction.

The Effect of Good Enough Sex (GES) Model-Based Sexual Counseling Intervention on the Body Image in Women Surviving Breast Cancer: A Randomized Clinical Trial

Introduction:Women undergoing breast cancer treatment experience a number of changes, including loss or deformity of one or both breasts, surgical wounds, skin changes, and weight gain. These changes are very closely related to physical appearance and body image and often lead to reduced mental health, marital quality and psychological stress. Objective:This study aimed to determine the effect of Good Enough Sex (GES) model-based counseling intervention on the body image in women surviving breast cancer. Patients and Methods:This randomized clinical trial was a kind of quantitative study with control group carried out on 100 women (50 women in the intervention group and 50 women in the control group) who randomly entered into the study after completing the informed consent form. The intervention included 4 sessions of 120-190 minute sexual counseling with 2 and 3 months follow-up. The data were collected consisting of demographic characteristics and disease-related information, Body Image Scale (BIS) and analyzed using ANOVA repeated measures. Results:The results showed a statistically significant difference between the mean of body image in the intervention and control groups (P <0.001). Conclusion:The educational and counseling intervention program based on a socio-psychological model was effective in improving the body image among women surviving breast cancer. The inclusion of educational and counseling programs in service centers in this regard has an effective role in the reproductive health of women with breast cancer. Trial Registration:Registration of trial protocol has been approved in Iranian registry of clinical trials (IRCT20120609009975N8, https://en.irct.ir/trial/42030, ethical code; IR.TUMS.FNM.REC.1396.4865).