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Brizzi G, Riva G, Romano D. The Body Image Virtual Reality Assessment (BIVRA): Measuring the body representation through virtual reality. J Neuropsychol 2024. [PMID: 38576316 DOI: 10.1111/jnp.12366] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/04/2023] [Revised: 01/18/2024] [Accepted: 03/12/2024] [Indexed: 04/06/2024]
Abstract
Our physical and psychological well-being is significantly influenced by how we perceive our body, in addition to our thoughts and emotions associated with it. Dysfunctional body perceptions and attitudes play a key role in the development and maintenance of severe conditions such as eating disorders in both males and females. Given its relevance, some attempts have been made to improve body image assessment methods in terms of perceptual accuracy and body satisfaction taking advantage of technological advances such as virtual reality. However, existing applications have mainly focused on women and clinical conditions. In this study, we presented the Body Image Virtual Reality Assessment (BIVRA), a virtual reality figure rating scale to assess body image in both male and female subjects. We tested BIVRA's ability to measure perceptual accuracy and compared its results with a standardized body satisfaction questionnaire. Additionally, we investigated gender differences. BIVRA was found to be effective in assessing body image. We observed that a perceptually based task successfully captured both low and high levels of body representations, shedding light on the significant gender differences. The association between BIVRA and the body satisfaction questionnaires was moderated by gender, with a stronger association for women. While further validation of BIVRA is needed to fully exploit its potential, our results suggest that the integration of virtual reality into the assessment of body image and related disorders may significantly enhance our understanding of individuals struggling with body image issues and has the potential to advance current methods and techniques.
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Affiliation(s)
- Giulia Brizzi
- Applied Technology for Neuro-Psychology Laboratory, IRCCS Istituto Auxologico Italiano, Milan, Italy
| | - Giuseppe Riva
- Applied Technology for Neuro-Psychology Laboratory, IRCCS Istituto Auxologico Italiano, Milan, Italy
- Humane Technology Laboratory, Catholic University of Sacred Heart, Milan, Italy
| | - Daniele Romano
- Department of Psychology and MIBTEC: Mind and Behavior Technological Center, University of Milano-Bicocca, Milan, Italy
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Fasoli F, Constantinou D. Does body positivity work for men as it does for women? The impact of idealized body and body positive imagery on body satisfaction, drive for thinness, and drive for muscularity. Acta Psychol (Amst) 2024; 243:104126. [PMID: 38215542 DOI: 10.1016/j.actpsy.2024.104126] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/30/2023] [Revised: 12/06/2023] [Accepted: 01/04/2024] [Indexed: 01/14/2024] Open
Abstract
Exposure to body-positive imagery plays a positive role in women's body image. However, literature has not examined if this is the case for men too. In this study (N = 207), we examined the impact of idealized body and body-positive imagery on both men's and women's body satisfaction and body image concerns. Participants were asked to report their positive and negative mood, body satisfaction, drive for thinness, and drive for muscularity before and after being exposed to either control (landscapes and animals), idealized body, or body-positive imagery. Results showed that women were overall more dissatisfied with their bodies and reported a stronger negative mood and a higher drive for thinness than men. Men, instead, reported a higher drive for muscularity. Exposure to idealized body imagery decreased positive mood and body satisfaction in both men and women. In contrast, exposure to body-positive imagery increased body satisfaction and decreased the drive for thinness in both men and women. Drive for muscularity was not affected by the type of imagery. The findings show that idealized body and body-positive imagery have similar effects on men and women and showcase the importance of considering the effects of body-positivity content for both genders.
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Affiliation(s)
- Fabio Fasoli
- University of Surrey, School of Psychology, United Kingdom; ISCTE - Instituto Universitário de Lisboa, Centro de Investigação e Intervenção Social, Portugal.
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Schloesser L, Lotter LD, Offermann J, Borucki K, Biemann R, Seitz J, Konrad K, Herpertz-Dahlmann B. Sex-dependent clinical presentation, body image, and endocrine status in long-term remitted anorexia nervosa. EUROPEAN EATING DISORDERS REVIEW 2023. [PMID: 37319038 DOI: 10.1002/erv.2997] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/23/2023] [Revised: 05/26/2023] [Accepted: 06/01/2023] [Indexed: 06/17/2023]
Abstract
OBJECTIVE Although anorexia nervosa (AN) in males has recently gained attention, knowledge of its psychological and physiological outcomes is still scarce. We explore sex-specific characteristics of long-term remitted AN with respect to residual eating disorder (ED) psychopathology, body image, and endocrinology. METHOD We recruited 33 patients with AN in remission for at least 18 months (24 women, 9 men) and 36 matched healthy controls (HCs). Eating disorder psychopathology and body image ideals were assessed via clinical interviews, questionnaires, and an interactive 3D body morphing tool. Plasma levels of leptin, free triiodothyronine, cortisol, and sex hormones were quantified. Univariate models controlled for age and weight were used to test for the effects of diagnosis and sex. RESULTS Both patient groups showed residual ED psychopathology but normal weight and hormone levels relative to HCs. Male remitted patients demonstrated significantly stronger muscularity-focused body image ideals, evident in interviews, self-reports, and behavioural data, than both female patients and HCs. CONCLUSIONS Sex-specific body image characteristics in patients with remitted AN point towards the need to adjust test instruments and diagnostic criteria to male-specific psychopathology. In the future, sufficiently powered studies should evaluate the risk of men with AN developing muscle dysmorphia in the long term.
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Affiliation(s)
- Louisa Schloesser
- Child Neuropsychology Section, Department of Child and Adolescent Psychiatry, Psychosomatics and Psychotherapy, University Hospital RWTH Aachen, Aachen, Germany
- Department of Child and Adolescent Psychiatry, Psychosomatics and Psychotherapy, University Hospital RWTH Aachen, Aachen, Germany
| | - Leon D Lotter
- Child Neuropsychology Section, Department of Child and Adolescent Psychiatry, Psychosomatics and Psychotherapy, University Hospital RWTH Aachen, Aachen, Germany
- Institute of Neuroscience and Medicine, Brain & Behaviour (INM-7), Jülich Research Centre, Jülich, Germany
- Institute of Systems Neuroscience, Medical Faculty, Heinrich Heine University Düsseldorf, Düsseldorf, Germany
- Max Planck School of Cognition, Leipzig, Germany
| | - Jan Offermann
- Child Neuropsychology Section, Department of Child and Adolescent Psychiatry, Psychosomatics and Psychotherapy, University Hospital RWTH Aachen, Aachen, Germany
| | - Katrin Borucki
- Institute for Clinical Chemistry and Pathobiochemistry, Otto von Guericke University Magdeburg, Magdeburg, Germany
| | - Ronald Biemann
- Institute for Laboratory Medicine, Clinical Chemistry and Molecular Diagnostics, University Hospital Leipzig, Leipzig, Germany
| | - Jochen Seitz
- Department of Child and Adolescent Psychiatry, Psychosomatics and Psychotherapy, University Hospital RWTH Aachen, Aachen, Germany
| | - Kerstin Konrad
- Child Neuropsychology Section, Department of Child and Adolescent Psychiatry, Psychosomatics and Psychotherapy, University Hospital RWTH Aachen, Aachen, Germany
- JARA-Brain Institute II, Molecular Neuroscience and Neuroimaging, Jülich Research Centre, Jülich, Germany
| | - Beate Herpertz-Dahlmann
- Department of Child and Adolescent Psychiatry, Psychosomatics and Psychotherapy, University Hospital RWTH Aachen, Aachen, Germany
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Chen H, Wang X, Zang H, Guinote A. We Need Tough Brothers and Sisters in a Tight World: Cultural Tightness Leads to a Preference for Dominant and Muscular Leaders. PERSONALITY AND SOCIAL PSYCHOLOGY BULLETIN 2023:1461672231169107. [PMID: 37154510 DOI: 10.1177/01461672231169107] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 05/10/2023]
Abstract
Cultural tightness is characterized by strong norms and harsh punishments for deviant behaviors. We hypothesized that followers in tight (vs. loose) cultures would more strongly prefer muscular leaders. This hypothesis was confirmed across seven studies (N = 1,615) employing samples from the United States, the United Kingdom, and China. Using actual political leaders, we demonstrated that the tighter the state's culture was, the more muscular the elected governor was (Study 1). Temporarily situating participants in a tight (vs. loose) culture made them select a leader higher on muscularity but not on body fat, and the effects obtained occurred for both male and female leaders (Studies 2-3B). In addition, we demonstrated the mediating role of authoritarianism and a preference for a dominant leadership in this process (Studies 4-5B). These results demonstrate the importance of considering the interface between culture and the physical appearance of leaders.
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Affiliation(s)
- Hao Chen
- Department of Social Psychology, Nankai University, Tianjin, China
| | - Xijing Wang
- Department of Social and Behavioural Sciences, City University of Hong Kong, Kowloon, Hong Kong
| | - Huilin Zang
- Department of Social Psychology, Nankai University, Tianjin, China
| | - Ana Guinote
- Experimental Psychology, University College London, UK
- ISCTE-University Institute of Lisbon (CIS-IUL), Lisboa, Portugal
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Groves V, Ridley BJ, Cornelissen PL, Maalin N, Mohamed S, Kramer RSS, McCarty K, Tovée MJ, Cornelissen KK. Men's perception of current and ideal body composition and the influence of media internalization on body judgements. Front Psychol 2023; 14:1116686. [PMID: 37205060 PMCID: PMC10185840 DOI: 10.3389/fpsyg.2023.1116686] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/05/2022] [Accepted: 03/31/2023] [Indexed: 05/21/2023] Open
Abstract
Introduction To determine men's body ideals and the factors that influence these choices, this study used a matrix of computer generated (CG) male bodies (based on an analysis of 3D scanned real bodies) which independently varied in fat and muscle content. Methods Two hundred and fifty-eight male participants completed a range of psychometric measures to index body concerns and body ideal internalization and then chose the CG body that best reflected their own current body, as well as the body that reflected their personal ideal. A subset of participants was then retested to check that these judgements were stable over time. Results While judgements of the ideal body seem to be influenced by a shared appearance ideal, the degree to which this ideal was internalized showed significant variability between participants. The effect of this internalization was reflected in the difference between the estimated current body and the ideal. Discussion Higher internalization led to a preference for higher muscle and lower fat content. This preference was most marked for fat content, although reducing adiposity also made the underlying musculature more salient. Additionally, the ideal body composition was modulated by the composition the participant believed his current body had (i.e., it seemed that a participant's ideal body was anchored by what they believed to be their current body and what change was possible from this starting point).
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Affiliation(s)
- Vicki Groves
- Department of Psychology, Northumbria University, Newcastle upon Tyne, United Kingdom
| | - Bethany J. Ridley
- Department of Psychology, Northumbria University, Newcastle upon Tyne, United Kingdom
| | - Piers L. Cornelissen
- Department of Psychology, Northumbria University, Newcastle upon Tyne, United Kingdom
| | - Nadia Maalin
- Department of Psychology, Birmingham City University, Birmingham, United Kingdom
| | - Sophie Mohamed
- Aberdeen Royal Infirmary, NHS Grampian, Aberdeen, United Kingdom
| | | | - Kristofor McCarty
- Department of Psychology, Northumbria University, Newcastle upon Tyne, United Kingdom
| | - Martin J. Tovée
- Department of Psychology, Northumbria University, Newcastle upon Tyne, United Kingdom
| | - Katri K. Cornelissen
- Department of Psychology, Northumbria University, Newcastle upon Tyne, United Kingdom
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Perceived Body Image towards Disordered Eating Behaviors and Supplement Use: A Study of Mauritian Gym-Goers. PSYCH 2023. [DOI: 10.3390/psych5010009] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/05/2023] Open
Abstract
Purpose: Individuals with body image distortions tend to develop an obsession with calorie intake and weight, leading to compounded coping strategies such as modified eating behaviors, supplement use, and excessive exercise. In the local context, little is known about the equation connecting body image to improper eating behaviors and other potential coping mechanisms. This study primarily aims at critically identifying the nexus between features of disordered eating behavior including supplement use, and body image. Methodology: A probabilistic randomized sample of 305 gym members was assessed based on their level of body satisfaction and its influence on their eating habits and supplement use through a structured survey. Findings: Only 37% of the participants were satisfied with their body image. The results concurred with the notion of a poor body image influencing body esteem (χ2 (10) = 137.21, p < 0.05; Cramer V = 0.474). While exercise motivated the use of supplements, a significant relationship was also observed between disordered eating habits and supplement use (χ2 (4) = 48.63, p < 0.05; Cramer V = 0.399). A predictive model was successfully drawn inclusive of the disordered eating behaviors dimensions as a potent predictor of body image (χ2 (56) = 397.12, p < 0.001. Implications: This study presents an in-depth analysis of the magnitude of disordered eating behaviors with respect to individuals in the local fitness industry, and the need for professional support programs toward the re-alignment of body image in an effort to curtail the development of eating disorders in Mauritian gym-goers.
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Schmidt M, Taube CO, Heinrich T, Vocks S, Hartmann AS. Body image disturbance and associated eating disorder and body dysmorphic disorder pathology in gay and heterosexual men: A systematic analyses of cognitive, affective, behavioral und perceptual aspects. PLoS One 2022; 17:e0278558. [PMID: 36472982 PMCID: PMC9725123 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0278558] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/06/2021] [Accepted: 11/18/2022] [Indexed: 12/12/2022] Open
Abstract
OBJECTIVE This study contributes to the quantitatively large, yet narrow in scope research on body image in gay men by assessing whether gay and heterosexual men systematically differ on various dimensions of body image disturbance and associated pathology, i.e., eating disorder and body dysmorphic disorder symptoms. Moreover, we examined the influence of general everyday discrimination experiences and involvement with the gay community on body image. METHOD N = 216 men (n = 112 gay men, n = 104 heterosexual men) participated in an online survey measuring the discrepancy between self-rated current and ideal body fat/ muscularity; drive for leanness, muscularity, and thinness; body satisfaction; body-related avoidance and checking; appearance fixing; overall body image disturbance; eating disorder and body dysmorphic disorder pathology; general everyday discrimination experiences; and involvement with the gay community. RESULTS Gay men showed a greater discrepancy between self-rated current and ideal body fat; higher drive for thinness, body-related avoidance, appearance fixing, overall body image disturbance, eating disorder and body dysmorphic disorder pathology; and lower body appreciation than heterosexual men (all p ≤ .05). Contrary to expectation, everyday discrimination experiences were more strongly associated with body image disturbance and eating disorder/ body dysmorphic disorder pathology in heterosexual men than in gay men (all p ≤ .05). Gay community involvement was not associated with any body image disturbance-, ED-, or BDD aspect in gay men (all p ≥ .20). DISCUSSION The results suggest greater body image disturbance in gay men than in heterosexual men regarding cognitions, emotions, behaviors, and perception as well as higher eating disorder and body dysmorphic disorder pathology. The results also suggest the dilemma of a thin, yet muscular body ideal in gay men. Surprisingly, discrimination experiences and involvement with the gay community did not explain differences in body image disturbance. Gay men may have become resilient to discrimination over time, and body ideals might differ across gay sub-communities.
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Affiliation(s)
- Michaela Schmidt
- Institute of Psychology, Department of Clinical Psychology and Psychotherapy, Osnabrück University, Osnabrück, Germany
- * E-mail:
| | - Christoph O. Taube
- Institute of Psychology, Department of Clinical Psychology and Psychotherapy, Osnabrück University, Osnabrück, Germany
| | - Thomas Heinrich
- Institute of Psychology, Department of Clinical Psychology and Psychotherapy, Osnabrück University, Osnabrück, Germany
| | - Silja Vocks
- Institute of Psychology, Department of Clinical Psychology and Psychotherapy, Osnabrück University, Osnabrück, Germany
| | - Andrea S. Hartmann
- Department of Psychology, Unit of Experimental Clinical Psychology, University of Konstanz, Konstanz, Germany
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Mohamed S, Kramer RSS, Thornborrow T, Pollet TV, Tovée MJ, Cornelissen PL. 3D visualisation of psychometric estimates for the ideal male body. Body Image 2021; 38:295-305. [PMID: 34023808 DOI: 10.1016/j.bodyim.2021.05.003] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/28/2021] [Revised: 05/03/2021] [Accepted: 05/03/2021] [Indexed: 11/28/2022]
Abstract
Psychological concerns are frequently indexed by psychometric questionnaires but the mental representations that they seek to quantify are difficult to visualise. We used a set of questionnaires designed to measure men's concept of their bodies including: the Drive for Muscularity Scale (DMS; McCreary & Sasse, 2000), the Perceived Sociocultural Pressures Scale (PSPS; Stice, Nemeroff, & Shaw, 1996a), the Body Appreciation Scale (BAS-2; Tylka & Wood-Barcalow, 2015), and the Sociocultural Attitudes Towards Appearance Questionnaire-3 (SATAQ-3; Thompson, van den Berg, Roehrig, Guarda, & Heinberg, 2004). We combined their use with an interactive 3D modelling programme to allow men to create computer-generated representations of their ideal bodies. We used a principal component analysis to extract those shape components of our participants' CGI ideal bodies that were predicted by the questionnaires and reconstructed the body shapes that these questionnaires were capturing. Moving from the lowest to the highest score on both the DMS and SATAQ corresponded with changes in muscularity, particularly muscle mass and definition. This approach allows us to demonstrate the actual body features that are being captured by a particular questionnaire.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sophie Mohamed
- Department of Clinical Health, Aberdeen Royal Infirmary, Foresterhill Rd, Cornhill Rd, Aberdeen AB25 2ZN, UK
| | - Robin S S Kramer
- School of Psychology, College of Social Science, University of Lincoln, Lincolnshire LN6 7TS, UK
| | - Tracey Thornborrow
- School of Psychology, College of Social Science, University of Lincoln, Lincolnshire LN6 7TS, UK
| | - Thomas V Pollet
- Department of Psychology, Faculty of Health & Life Sciences, Northumbria University, Newcastle upon Tyne NE1 8ST, UK
| | - Martin J Tovée
- Department of Psychology, Faculty of Health & Life Sciences, Northumbria University, Newcastle upon Tyne NE1 8ST, UK.
| | - Piers L Cornelissen
- Department of Psychology, Faculty of Health & Life Sciences, Northumbria University, Newcastle upon Tyne NE1 8ST, UK
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Being a tough person in a tight world: Cultural tightness leads to a desire for muscularity. JOURNAL OF EXPERIMENTAL SOCIAL PSYCHOLOGY 2021. [DOI: 10.1016/j.jesp.2021.104183] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/23/2022]
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