Body dissatisfaction among adolescent boys and girls: the effects of body mass, peer appearance culture and internalization of appearance ideals

Selfie-Evaluation: A Meta-Analysis of the Relationship Between Selfie Behaviors and Self-Evaluations

The "selfie" phenomenon shaped the past two decades, yet there is inconsistent evidence concerning the relationship between selfie behaviors and self-evaluations. This meta-analysis investigates the relationship between selfie taking, editing, and posting behavior and general and appearance-specific self-evaluations. The results reveal that selfie taking and posting are related to positive appearance-specific self-evaluations. In contrast, selfie editing is related to negative self-evaluations both generally and specific to appearance. Gender and age did not moderate these relationships, but methodological factors did, suggesting these relationships depend on factors, such as how selfie behaviors are measured and study design. We interpret these findings through the lens of prominent social psychological theories and conclude with suggestions to guide future research.

Adaptation and implementation of body project as a universal body image program in Mexico and Latin America

The Body Project (BP) intervention for body image issues is supported by extensive efficacy and effectiveness research, most of which has been conducted in the United States. The BP uses cognitive dissonance to help participants critique the ideal appearance through written, verbal, and behavioral exercises. This reduces the internalization of the appearance ideal, which in turn decreases body dissatisfaction symptoms and, in some individuals, the onset of eating disorders. To broadly implement this program in Mexico and Latin America, Comenzar de Nuevo (CdN), a non-profit organization for eating disorder treatment, partnered with the Body Project Collaborative in 2014. Together, they created a training and implementation infrastructure. This paper explores the adaptation of BP and its implementation in Mexico and Latin America. We used sustainable business, marketing, and educational models to fulfill CdN's mission to reduce eating disorder risk factors, including weight stigma, in the Latin American region. By integrating strategies to combat weight stigma within our program delivery, we strive to contribute to a more inclusive and supportive environment. We trained master trainers, regular trainers, and/or group facilitators from Argentina, Bolivia, Colombia, Costa Rica, Chile, Dominican Republic, El Salvador, Guatemala, Mexico, Panama, and Spain; and implemented the BP in 15 public schools supported by sponsorship programs. This paper provides crucial lessons learned, future directions, and implications for dissemination and implementation efforts in this region of the world.

The relationship between online communication and adolescents' mental health: Long-term evaluation between genders

AIMS

In a relatively short time, online communication has become an important part of adolescents' lives, and concerns have been raised about its potential effects on mental health. The first aim was to compare mental health status and online communication in 15-year-old Icelanders born in 1988 and in 1994. The second aim was to assess whether the relationship between online communication and mental health has changed among 15-year-old Icelanders from 2003 to 2015 across genders.

METHODS

Analysis used data from self-reports from 2003 (N=385, 51% males) and 2015 (N=302, 42% males). Mental health was assessed with subscales of Symptom Checklist 90 and online communications with self-reports. To evaluate the difference in anxiety and depression, a factorial analysis of variance was conducted between gender and years. Multigroup structural equation modelling was used to assess the change in the relationship between years.

RESULTS

Symptoms of anxiety and depression remained unchanged for males. Symptoms of depression increased for females, while anxiety was stable between 2003 and 2015. In 2003, there was no relationship between online communication and mental health. However, in 2015, an association was found for females.

CONCLUSIONS

Depression is getting worse for adolescent females, and an association between time spent online communicating and mental health emerged for them in 2015, which did not exist in 2003. These findings add to the possibility that online communication is harmful for mental health, but more detailed studies are still needed.

Body image dissatisfaction is associated with perceived body weight among secondary school adolescents in Harar Town, eastern Ethiopia

Purpose

Body image dissatisfaction has emerged as an important determinant of dietary and physical activity, which in turn determine adolescents' nutritional status. Hence, it is important to understand predictors of body image dissatisfaction. Therefore, this study aimed to assess body image dissatisfaction and its associated factors among secondary school adolescents in the study area.

Methods

Data collected for other purposes were used to assess body image dissatisfaction among adolescents in Harar town. Body image dissatisfaction was assessed using the Body Part Satisfaction Scale. Data processing and analysis were performed using STATA version 14, and binary logistic regression was used to identify factors associated with body image dissatisfaction. Factors associated with body image dissatisfaction were determined by estimating AOR along with 95% CI and the statistical significance was declared at a p-value less than or equal to 0.05.

Result

The prevalence of body image dissatisfaction was 22.06% [95% CI (19.63, 24.70)]. This study also revealed that males were more dissatisfied with their upper torso and face, and females were more dissatisfied with their middle torso, lower torso, height, and weight than males. In this study, body image dissatisfaction was associated with perception of being fat [AOR = 1.89, 95% CI (1.23, 2.91)], anxiety [AOR = 1.59, 95% CI (1.02, 2.48)], and cigarette smoking [AOR = 1.63, 95% CI (1.03, 2.58)].

Conclusion

Almost one in five secondary school adolescents in Harar had body image dissatisfaction, which was significantly associated with perceptions of being fat, anxiety, and smoking. In this study, a significant number of the adolescents experienced body image dissatisfaction. Hence, all concerned bodies have to take action to reduce the burden.

Probing corporeal awareness in women through virtual reality induction of embreathment illusion

We capitalized on the respiratory bodily illusion that we discovered in a previous study and called 'Embreathment' where we showed that breathing modulates corporeal awareness in men. Despite the relevance of the issue, no such studies are available in women. To bridge this gap, we tested whether the synchronization of avatar-participant respiration patterns influenced females' bodily awareness. We collected cardiac and respiratory interoceptive measures, administered body (dis)satisfaction questionnaires, and tracked participants' menstrual cycles via a mobile app. Our approach allowed us to characterize the 'Embreathment' illusion in women, and explore the relationships between menstrual cycle, interoception and body image. We found that breathing was as crucial as visual appearance in eliciting feelings of ownership and held greater significance than any other cue with respect to body agency in both women and men. Moreover, a positive correlation between menstrual cycle days and body image concerns, and a negative correlation between interoceptive sensibility and body dissatisfaction were found, confirming that women's body dissatisfaction arises during the last days of menstrual cycle and is associated with interoception. These findings have potential implications for corporeal awareness alterations in clinical conditions like eating disorders and schizophrenia.

Body image among adolescents: what is its relationship with rejection sensitivity and self-efficacy?

One of the significant development tasks of the adolescence period steps forth as the satisfaction and acceptance of one's own body. In the meantime, this period distinguishes by the adolescent's intensive need for approval and acceptance by their peers and adults. When adolescents are not accepted or rejected, they may encounter some difficulties. In this context, this study aimed at determining the relationship between body image, rejection sensitivity and self-efficacy among adolescents. The study was carried out based on the correlational design the study group consists of 749 adolescents. The measurement tools were administered to the students who were divided into groups according to grade level by the researchers. Based on the obtained data, a significant negative relationship was identified between body image and self-efficacy while a significant positive relationship was detected between body image and rejection sensitivity. Besides, it was found that body image among adolescents was predicted by rejection sensitivity and self-efficacy. Finally, it was determined that while the interaction effect of gender and self-efficacy on body image was significant, the interaction effect of gender and rejection sensitivity was not significant.

Assessing the Role of Sports Participation on Depression, Suicide Ideation, and Suicide Behaviors Among Adolescents Before and During COVID-19

PURPOSE

To assess the association between sports participation, depression, suicide ideation, and suicide behaviors in a nationally representative sample of US adolescents before COVID-19 and during COVID-19.

METHODS

Data from the 2019 Youth Risk Behavior Survey (n = 13,526) and the 2021 Adolescent Behaviors and Experiences Survey (n = 7677) were used to analyze the association between past-year depression/suicide ideation/suicide behaviors and past-year sports participation.

RESULTS

The analysis found that 57.4% of adolescents indicated participating in at least 1 sport in 2019; this dropped to 47.7% in 2021. Furthermore, 36.7% of adolescents indicated feeling sad or hopeless almost every day for 2 weeks or more in a row in 2019; this increased to 44.2% in 2021. The percentage of adolescents who indicated considering suicide, making a suicide plan, attempting suicide, and attempted suicide that lead to an injury was similar during 2019 and 2021. Multivariable analysis found that participation in 2 or more sports in 2019 was associated with lower odds of each of the outcomes for depression, suicide ideation, and suicide behaviors, whereas in 2021, participation in 2 or more sports was only associated with lower odds of indicating being sad or hopeless (an indicator for depression) for a 2-week period (adjusted odds ratios = 0.70; 95% confidence interval, 0.58-0.85).

CONCLUSIONS

Participation in 2 or more sports lowered the risk of feeling sad or hopeless, suicide ideation, and suicide behaviors in 2019, but this effect was absent in 2021. Given the presence of multiple stressors during the COVID-19 pandemic, sports participation alone may not offer sufficient protective effects against suicide behaviors as it did pre pandemic.

Body dissatisfaction and low self-esteem in elementary school-aged children: the role of media pressure and trust in parent-child relationships

Studies have indicated that the media plays a role in the development of body dissatisfaction in children. Nevertheless, there is limited understanding of the protective factors that may reduce this association, such as the parent-child relationship. Therefore, this study investigates children's body dissatisfaction and self-esteem and the role of media pressure and a trust in parent-child relationships herein. A sample of n = 246 participants (59.8% girls, aged 8-10) was recruited. Children completed self-report questionnaires that assessed body dissatisfaction, self-esteem, media pressure, and trust in parent-child relationships. Results revealed that higher scores on media pressure were linked to increased body dissatisfaction and decreased self-esteem. On the other hand, higher scores on trust in mother and father were associated with lower levels of body dissatisfaction and higher levels of self-esteem. However, the presence of trust in parent-child relationships did not attenuate the impact of media pressure on body dissatisfaction or self-esteem. Further investigation is necessary to gain a deeper understanding of how sociocultural and interpersonal factors interact and contribute to the development of body image problems. While current prevention and intervention programs predominantly focus on the individual, it may be beneficial to place greater emphasis on the family environment.

The Association Between Childhood Maltreatment and Body (dis)satisfaction in Adolescents and Young Adults from the General Population

Adolescents with a history of childhood maltreatment are vulnerable to body dissatisfaction and associated psychopathology such as eating disorders. The aim of this study was to expand the understanding of the association between childhood maltreatment and body dissatisfaction in adolescents and young adults. In an epidemiological cohort study, N = 1,001 participants aged 14-21 years from Dresden, Germany, completed self-report measures on childhood maltreatment, body image, and self-esteem. Lifetime mental disorders were assessed in standardized clinical interviews. Data analyses included multiple regression and mediation analyses. More than one-third of the participants reported experiences of childhood maltreatment (37.4%), in which emotional neglect and abuse were the most frequent subtypes. Individuals with a history of childhood maltreatment showed significantly less satisfaction with their physical appearance than participants without such adverse experiences. In a single mediator model, self-esteem emerged as potential mediator in the association between child maltreatment and body (dis)satisfaction. Experiences of childhood maltreatment may be considered as risk factor for the development of body dissatisfaction in adolescents, and the role of potential mediator variables such as self-esteem warrants further prospective research.

Pathways from media attention and peer communication to body dissatisfaction: the moderating role of protective filtering

BACKGROUND

Negative body image is a common psychological phenomenon among young Chinese women, and merits further investigation. Peers and the media are important factors that associated with body image. This study explored how media and peers promote body dissatisfaction among young Chinese women, including the mediating role of body surveillance and the moderating role of protective filtering.

METHODS

3499 women from the general China community aged 18-40 years (M = 23.44 years, SD = 1.18 years) were investigated with sociocultural attitudes towards appearance scale-3, objectified body consciousness scale and protective filtering scale. The data were analyzed by using a moderated mediation model with SPSS and the Process 4.0 macro.

RESULTS

Correlational analysis results indicated that body surveillance acted as a chained indirect effect between the internalization of media information and body dissatisfaction, as well as between peer comparison and body dissatisfaction. Moreover, protective filtering was demonstrated to moderate the path of media attention affecting the internalization of media information and the path of peer communication affecting peer comparisons.

CONCLUSION

Our results contribute to the understanding of the sociocultural mechanisms underlying young women's negative body image. Furthermore, investigating the moderating effect of protective filtering is conducive to guiding future female positive body image interventions.

Digital social evaluation: Relationships between receiving likes, comments, and follows on social media and adolescents' body image concerns

A defining feature of social media is its social interactivity, but limited research has investigated how various aspects of digital social evaluation (i.e., likes, follows, comments) may be related with users' body image concerns. This study investigated the relationships between aspects of digital social evaluation and body image concerns in adolescents. Australian adolescents (N = 245, 58.4 % male, Mage = 13.79, SD = 1.11) completed online surveys measuring digital social evaluation frequency (likes, follows, positive and negative comments about appearance and non-appearance), perceived importance (likes, number of followers), body dissatisfaction, restrictive eating attitudes, and drive for muscularity. Adolescents reported frequently receiving digital social evaluation, with females receiving more positive, but not negative, comments than males. All aspects of digital social evaluation were positively correlated with at least one aspect of body image concern. Controlling for other factors, all three aspects of body image were associated with receiving more frequent positive appearance-based comments, greater restrictive eating attitudes and body dissatisfaction were also associated with greater importance of likes, whilst greater drive for muscularity was associated with less frequent likes and comments. Digital social evaluation should be considered in future longitudinal or experimental research, and media literacy interventions.

COVID-19-related anxiety and trauma symptoms predict decreases in body image satisfaction in children

The present study investigated short-term longitudinal effects of COVID-19-related trauma and separation, social, and generalized anxiety symptoms on children's body image satisfaction. Participants were 247 Canadian children (121 boys, 123 girls) aged between 7 and 12 years (M = 9.04). Two cohorts of parents were recruited to complete a questionnaire at two time points on their children's body image satisfaction and COVID-19-related trauma and anxiety symptoms. The first cohort (n = 136 children) was recruited in Summer 2020 and the second cohort (n = 111 children) was recruited in Winter 2021. For each cohort, follow-up surveys were completed approximately five months later, therefore covering an entire year with both cohorts. Multilevel regression analyses showed that children's trauma and anxiety at Time 1 predicted significant decreases in body image satisfaction at Time 2. Older children were especially at risk of decreased body image satisfaction as a result of their COVID-19-related trauma, social anxiety and generalized anxiety symptoms. Younger girls were susceptible to decreased body image satisfaction as a result of their separation anxiety symptoms. Given that children's body image dissatisfaction is a precursor to the development of eating disorders, these findings shed light on potential targets for early intervention with children who are at-risk of developing such difficulties.

The Role of Social Appearance Comparison in Body Dissatisfaction of Adolescent Boys and Girls

The main aim of the present study is to investigate the indirect effect of the association between thin-ideal internalisation (1), muscular-ideal internalization (2) and body dissatisfaction (BD) through the general social appearance comparison separately among boys and girls. 154 adolescents (mean age 18.2 years, SD = 0.73; 56.5% girls) provided information on the explored variables. Two hierarchical regression models were carried out for boys and girls separately. The general appearance comparison works as an important explanatory mechanism in the relationship between thin-ideal internalization and BD among girls as well as between muscular-ideal internalization and BD among both boys and girls. The more individuals internalize the societal ideals of appearance, the more they compare their physical appearance to others and thus the greater BD they perceive. The current results contribute to previous research findings by indicating the social appearance comparison as a risk factor which enhances BD among both boys and girls in late adolescence. The findings may facilitate identifying individuals who are vulnerable to body dissatisfaction earlier, before more serious eating problems occur.

Prevalence of Depressive Symptoms Among an Undergraduate Health Sciences Student Population: A Cross-Sectional Study

PURPOSE

Undergraduate health sciences students are irrefutably liable to intrapersonal tension that may provoke the almost imperceptible onset and incremental expansion of depressive symptoms. Mental health is often a deplorably neglected topic despite posing as a catalyst in many students' academic demise. Thus, the primary objective of this paper is to provide an insight into a multitude of variables that foster depressive symptoms. In doing so, the scope of subclinical depression that could be hindering a student's academic performance shall be illuminated.

METHODOLOGY

A cross-sectional study was conducted among health sciences students comprising both genders, any nationality, students 18 years of age or older, and students within their first three years of undergraduate study. The well-established Patient Health Questionnaire-9 was distributed along with a non-standardized questionnaire that inquires about additional risk factors. The chi-square test method was used to associate the dependent and independent variables, and statistical significance was done at p-value ≤ 0.05.

FINDINGS

It was observed that 34.8% of participants suffer depressive symptoms. Participants' sex and marital status, among many other factors, like age, program and year of study, are found to be statistically insignificant. Conversely, nationality, university-related workload, smoking, alcohol intake and more are noted to be significantly associated with the development of depressive symptoms.

ORIGINALITY

This study is an original work done by the authors to investigate the prevalence of depressive symptoms among undergraduate health sciences students. The non-standardized questionnaire employed has been reviewed to ensure that it is without discrimination of any gender or biased towards any stakeholders.

Strengths-Based Factors Related to Post-Traumatic Stress Problems in Black Youth with High Body Weights

OBJECTIVE

Black youth with high body weights [BYHW; Body Mass Index (BMI)≥95th percentile] endure unique stressors (e.g., exposure to discrimination due to race and size) that may contribute to psychopathology. Factors that decrease mental health problems associated with these stressors have been underexamined in BYHW. The current study assessed how multisystemic resilience, weight-related quality of life (QOL), and discrimination were associated with post-traumatic stress problems in BYHW from the perspective of youth and their caregivers.

METHODS

A total of 93 BYHW and one of their primary caregivers were recruited from a Midsouth children's hospital. Youth ranged in age from 11 to 17 years (Mage=13.94, SD = 1.89), were mostly girls (61.3%), and had CDC-defined BMI scores above the 95th percentile. Nearly all caregivers were mothers (91.4%; Mage=41.73 years, SD = 8.08). Youth and their caregivers completed measures of resilience, discrimination, weight-related QOL, and post-traumatic stress problems.

RESULTS

Utilizing linear regression modeling, the youth model was significant [F(3, 89)=31.63, p<.001, Adj. R2=.50], with higher resilience (β=-.23; p=.01) and lower discrimination (β=.52; p<.001) associated with fewer post-traumatic stress problems. The caregiver regression model was also significant [F(2, 90)=10.45, p<.001, Adj. R2=.17], with higher weight-related QOL associated with lower post-traumatic stress problems (β=-.37; p<.001).

CONCLUSIONS

Findings illustrate differences in youth and caregiver perceptions of factors related to post-traumatic stress problems in BYHW. Youth emphasized both internal and external contributors to stress, while caregivers focused on internal variables. Such knowledge could be harnessed to develop strengths-based interventions that address health and well-being among BYHW.

Developmentally appropriate mental health literacy content for school-aged children and adolescents

Although improving the mental health of children and adolescents has become a global priority, resources outlining developmentally appropriate content for improving mental health literacy (MHL) across school-aged children are scarce. A comprehensive, life-course approach to building MHL is needed to address the evolving competencies, needs, capacities, and risk factors for mental health, especially to establish school-based interventions that can be equitably and sustainably implemented. We conducted a theoretical review highlighting the relation of research and practice in building MHL through developmentally appropriate knowledge and competencies for children and adolescents. A two-pronged review of the literature was conducted to provide an overview of (1) research with a focus on neurobiological, psychological, cognitive, and social developmental milestones of school-aged children relevant for building MHL and (2) evidence-based and theory-driven content for the development of universal MHL interventions for children and adolescents considering the four components of MHL. A map of relevant key milestones highlights the range of development that occurs and ample opportunity for increasing universal MHL during these sensitive years primed for learning. We reflect on current understandings and global considerations for MHL interventions with an emphasis on applying developmental science to the future strengthening of intervention development, uptake, adaptation, implementation, evaluation, and scale-up.

Body talk on social networking sites and restrained eating among adolescents: A test of a multiple mediation model

The present study aimed to examine the link between body talk on social networking sites (SNS body talk) and restrained eating as well as the mediating roles of fear of negative appearance evaluation (FNAE) and body shame in this relationship. Furthermore, the moderating role of gender in the mediation model was also examined. A sample of 1481 Chinese middle and high school students (720 girls, mean age = 15.49 ± 1.84) completed self-reported measures of SNS body talk, FNAE, body shame, and restrained eating. Results showed that SNS body talk was positively associated with restrained eating. FNAE and body shame mediated the association between SNS body talk and restrained eating, separately and serially. Furthermore, gender difference emerged in the path from SNS body talk to body shame and the path from FNAE to body shame. Findings of the present study enrich the literature on social media and body image and eating behaviors, and have important implications for reducing negative body image and disordered eating among adolescents.

Social comparisons on social media: online appearance-related activity and body dissatisfaction in adolescent girls

INTRODUCTION

Adolescents' engagement with online social networking platforms is advancing at an exponential rate and research is needed to investigate any impact on young users' mental health. This study examined appearance-related activity (e.g. looking at photos of friends) on social media and body dissatisfaction among adolescent girls.

METHODS

Self-report measures of online appearance-related activity, social comparisons to female target groups, internalization of the thin ideal, body dissatisfaction, and self-esteem were administered to 210 girls (mean age = 15.16 years).

RESULTS

Body dissatisfaction was significantly related to (i) time spent engaged in social comparisons and (ii) upward social comparisons with various female targets while online. Evaluating oneself less favorably than the target group of close friends was most strongly associated with poorer body image appraisals. Serial multiple mediation analysis revealed that even after controlling for age and self-esteem, time spent engaged in social comparisons significantly mediated the relationship between online appearance-related activity and body dissatisfaction. This association was then further partially mediated by internalization of the thin ideal, which significantly mediated the relationship between time engaged in social comparisons and body dissatisfaction.

DISCUSSION

Results are discussed in terms of online social media platforms representing an additional appearance culture environment for adolescent girls. The effects of this on the mental health of vulnerable users and how future research should investigate protective factors that may buffer young girls from the adverse effects of social media are considered.

Classmates' Discrimination Experiences and Adolescent Depressive Symptoms: Evidence From Random Assignment of Students to Classrooms in South Korea

PURPOSE

The purpose of this study is to examine the association between classmates' discrimination experiences and an individual student's depressive symptoms. A set of social-psychological and behavioral variables were considered as potential mechanisms underlying this association.

METHODS

The data came from the Gyeonggi Education Panel Study of seventh graders in South Korea. This study leveraged quasi-experimental variation generated from random assignment of students to classes within schools to address the endogenous school selection problem and account for the unobserved school-level confounders. To formally test for mediation, Sobel tests were conducted and peer attachment, school satisfaction, smoking, and drinking were explored as mechanism variables.

RESULTS

An increase in classmates' discrimination experiences was positively associated with an individual student's depressive symptoms. This association remained statistically significant even after adjusting for personal discrimination experience, a myriad of individual- and class-level covariates, as well as school fixed effects (b = 0.325, p < .05). Classmates' discrimination experiences were also associated with a decline in peer attachment and school satisfaction (b = -0.386, p < .01 and b = -0.399, p < .05, respectively). These psychosocial factors explained about one-third of the association between classmates' discrimination experiences and individual students' depressive symptoms.

DISCUSSION

The findings of this study suggest that exposure to peer-level discrimination experience leads to friend detachment and school dissatisfaction, which in turn increases an individual student's depressive symptoms. This study reaffirms the importance of fostering a more cohesive and nondiscriminatory school environment to promote adolescents' psychological health and well-being.

Body Image in Adolescents with Gender Incongruence and Its Association with Psychological Functioning

During adolescence, many individuals with gender incongruence (GI) experience distress related to body dissatisfaction. This study aims to describe the body (dis)satisfaction of Dutch adolescents referred for GI and to describe the influence of body image on their psychological functioning. Self-report measures on body satisfaction (Body Image Scale) and psychological functioning (Youth Self-Report) were obtained from 787 adolescents (aged 10-18) who were referred to the Center of Expertise on Gender Dysphoria at the Amsterdam University Medical Centers between 1996 and 2016. First, a general description of body satisfaction in adolescents with GI was developed. Secondly, multiple linear regression analyses were performed to determine the association between body image and psychological functioning, both for total problems and for internalizing and externalizing problems separately. Third, regression analyses are repeated for body area subscales. Adolescents with GI report the greatest dissatisfaction with the genital area, regardless of birth-assigned sex. For all other body areas, there were birth-assigned sex differences in satisfaction. The analyses showed that body satisfaction was significantly related to total psychological problems and both internalizing and externalizing problems. Greater body dissatisfaction is significantly associated with worse psychological functioning in adolescents with GI. Clinicians should monitor the body image of adolescents with GI over time, especially during puberty and medical interventions.

Mediterranean-Style Diet and Other Determinants of Well-Being in Omnivorous, Vegetarian, and Vegan Women

Due to the lack of studies comparing the determinants of well-being in omnivores and vegetarians, we examined associations of socio-demographic and lifestyle factors, including adherence to a Mediterranean-style diet, in relation to well-being in omnivorous, vegetarian, and vegan women. Well-being was assessed using a validated WHO-5 Well-Being Index. Adherence to the Mediterranean-style diet was determined using a modified Mediterranean diet score. The study was conducted on 636 women (23.9 ± 5.7 years), of whom 47.3% were omnivores, 33.2% vegetarians, and 19.5% vegans. The good well-being group (WHO-5 Index ≥ 13 points) comprised 30.9% of the omnivores, 46.0% of the vegetarians, and 57.3% of the vegans. The remaining participants were classified as belonging to the poor well-being group (<13 points). Compared to the omnivores, the vegetarians and vegans had a 1.6-fold (95% CI: 1.04-2.42) and a 2.4-fold (95% CI: 1.45-3.99) higher probability of having good well-being, respectively. In omnivores, the predictors of good well-being were adherence to the Mediterranean-style diet (a 1-score increment was associated with a 17% higher probability of good well-being, P-trend = 0.016), higher self-perceived health status, and lower levels of stress. In vegetarians and vegans, it was older age, higher physical activity (≥3 h/week), 7-8 h sleep time, and similarly to omnivores' higher self-perceived health status and lower stress level. Our findings indicate that following a Mediterranean-style diet was associated with better well-being in omnivores. Furthermore, we identified that different determinants were associated with well-being in omnivorous and vegetarian and vegan women.

Prevalence and predictors of benevolent childhood experiences among a representative sample of young people

Emerging research evidence suggests that benevolent childhood experiences (BCEs) may partly explain more favourable mental health outcomes among individuals affected by adverse childhood experiences (ACEs). However, much of this research has focused on adult populations. Consequently, this study sought to provide the first rigorous assessment of the prevalence and predictors of BCEs using a nationally representative sample of young people from Northern Ireland (NI). Participants were 11-19-years-olds (N = 1293) who participated in the NI Youth Wellbeing Prevalence Survey (NI-YWS, 2020). Prevalence rates, gender differences and predictors of BCEs were investigated. Results revealed how most of the sample experienced multiple BCEs (95%, n = 1084), with females reporting higher levels of BCEs. Significant positive predictors of BCEs were female gender, parental education, living with both biological parents, and living in areas with lower deprivation, while significant negative predictors of BCEs included family being in receipt of social welfare and older age. Overall, this study highlights how BCEs are common, while the identification of factors associated with likelihood of having positive experiences during early development provides novel insights into those young people who may be at greater risk for maladaptive psychological outcomes.

Examining the Prospective Bidirectional Associations between Subjective and Objective Attractiveness and Adolescent Internalizing Symptoms and Life Satisfaction

Research has consistently shown that more physically attractive individuals are perceived by others to be happier and better psychologically adjusted than those perceived as less attractive. However, due to the lack of longitudinal research in adolescents, it is still unclear whether poor mental health predicts or is predicted by either objective or subjective attractiveness during this critical developmental period. The purpose of the current study was to examine prospective bidirectional associations between both subjective and objective ratings of attractiveness, life satisfaction and symptoms of social anxiety, depression and eating disorders (i.e., internalizing symptoms) from early to mid-adolescence. Participants (T1: N = 528, 49.9% girls; M_age = 11.19; SD = 0.55) were followed annually over four time points. The cross-lagged panel model results revealed evidence of prospective associations between both forms of attractiveness and life satisfaction and internalizing symptoms, which were driven more by changes in the mental health outcomes than by changes in the subjective and objective attractiveness ratings. The results also indicated that the pattern, strength, and direction of the associations tested were robust across boys and girls, and white and non-white ethnic groups. Overall, the findings suggest that it is important to find effective ways of educating adolescents who are unhappy with their appearance that making changes to improve their mental health, rather than focusing on their physical appearance, will have benefits not only for how they perceive themselves but also for how they are perceived by others.

Prevalence of body image dissatisfaction among youth in the United Arab Emirates: gender, age, and body mass index differences

The term body image dissatisfaction (BID) describes the negative perceptions that a person carries about his or her own body. This study aimed to determine the prevalence of BID among youth in the UAE and how it is affected by three variables: sex, age, and body mass index (BMI). Participants were 728 UAE federal university students who responded to the Body Shape Questionnaire. Results indicated that 36.7% of students are dissatisfied with their body image. Gender differences analysis showed a higher level of BID for men than with women. No significant differences were observed for BID among the four age groups. Significant differences were shown for BID among the four common BMI/weight categories (underweight, normal, overweight, obesity. On the light of the results, the study suggested offering awareness programs for youth about healthy practices in daily life and including health education in schools and colleges curriculum. The study discussed the findings in relation to the available literature in the area and suggested some directions and topics for future research.

A comparison between young males and females with anorexia nervosa in a clinical setting

BACKGROUND

Knowledge of eating disorders in young and adolescent males is sparse.

AIM

To investigate clinical presentations in males and females with anorexia nervosa (AN).

METHODS

Using a retrospective case-control design, data were collected from case records for 41 males diagnosed with AN. Data for a comparison group of 41 females with AN were collected, matched to the males by age and date at admission. The collected data covered demographic, medical, psychiatric, and treatment information.

RESULTS

No differences were found between the sexes in the percentage of expected weight (%EBW) at admission or discharge, or in psychiatric comorbidity. Treatment duration was equal for both sexes, but males received fewer treatment sessions than did females.

CONCLUSION

These results indicate that the clinical presentations of young males and females with AN were very similar in terms of clinical characteristics.Impact StatementWhat is already known about this subject? Research on AN in male children and adolescents is sparse. Previous studies comparing male and female patients with EDs have found both differences and similarities between sexes.What does this study add? This study found few differences in terms of clinical presentation of AN between the sexes.

Body Self-Perception After Breast Reconstruction in Young Female Patients Affected by Poland Syndrome

BACKGROUND

Cosmetic and social aspects of breast anomalies in Poland syndrome are not negligible. Early diagnosis and appropriate therapeutic timing may have a positive impact on quality of life.

METHODS

Females affected by Poland syndrome, who had breast reconstruction between 2014 and 2018, were asked to complete the Body Uneasiness Test and the postoperative Breast-Q. Correlation between scores was evaluated. Correlation between scores was statistically evaluated.

RESULTS

Thirty patients who had completed breast reconstruction at 20.9 ± 6.5 yo fulfilled the questionnaires at the average age of 26.5 ± 8.1 yo. BUT scores were similar to healthy population considering different age groups, with the exception of Compulsive Self-Monitoring subscale for 16-17-year age group. A correlation between Depersonalization and "Thighs" and "Legs" was present. On average, satisfaction with breast resulted 79.1%, satisfaction with surgical outcome was 94.9%, psychosocial well-being was 78.5%, sexual well-being was 75.3%, and relative physical well-being in chest and upper body was 36.9%. Global Uneasiness, Avoidance, Weight Phobia, Body Image Concern and Depersonalization were significantly correlated with lower psychosocial well-being. Avoidance was significantly correlated with lower sexual well-being.

CONCLUSIONS

Breast reconstruction in Poland syndrome can help to improve quality of life. However, general body uneasiness can affect satisfaction with the final result.

LEVEL OF EVIDENCE IV

This journal requires that authors assign a level of evidence to each article. For a full description of these Evidence-Based Medicine ratings, please refer to the Table of Contents or the online Instructions to Authors http://www.springer.com/00266 .

Impact of the COVID-19 pandemic on the mental and physical health and overall wellbeing of university students in Portugal

Throughout the pandemic of COVID-19 caused by SARS-CoV-2, university students were considered a vulnerable risk group for mental health impairment and wellbeing deterioration. This study aimed at evaluating the pandemic's impact on the physical and mental health and wellbeing among students of a Portuguese university. This cross-sectional study included 913 participants and ran from June to October 2020. Data collected included sociodemographics, three mental health self-report questionnaires (Depression Anxiety Stress Scale, Eating Disorder Examination Questionnaire and Brief COPE) and lifestyle practices (eating and sleeping patterns, media, and entertainment habits) during the first months of the pandemic, which included a 72-day full national lockdown. Descriptive and correlational statistical analysis were conducted. Students' food habits changed during the pandemic, namely on the consumption of snacks and fast food and, overall, less balanced meals became more prevalent. Additionally, almost 70% of the students reported Body Mass Index changes, while 59% went through sleep pattern changes-these were more pronounced in women and younger students. Over half (67%) of the inquirees exhibited an increase in their stress, depression, and generalized anxiety symptoms. Also, the study demonstrates that students' lifestyles trended negatively during the pandemic and highlights how important regular psychological, health monitoring and emotional support is, amongst this somehow overlooked population throughout the pandemic. Universities should provide support to overcome challenges in future stressful situations. This study might have an impact on how universities and higher education systems approach their students in terms of mental and physical health monitoring and promotion in future situations, non-related with COVID. Moreover, it has a large sample of students well characterized in terms of mental and physical health, which might be of interest for future comparison with other worldwide group of students throughout stressful situations, such as tragic events, wars, pandemics.

Engagement with social media content results in lower appearance satisfaction: An experience sampling study using a wrist-worn wearable and a physical analogue scale

Social media use is consistently associated with more negative body image, but much of this literature is cross-sectional and/or lacks ecological validity. To overcome these limitations, we examined associations between everyday social media engagement and appearance satisfaction using an experience sampling method. Fifty participants from Central Europe completed a 14-day experience sampling phase in which they reported their appearance satisfaction at two random time-points each day, as well as following active engagement with social media content, using a wrist-worn wearable and a physical analogue scale (PAS; i.e., angle of a participant's forearm between flat and fully upright as a continuous response scale). Results indicated that engagement with social media content was significantly associated with lower appearance satisfaction. Additionally, we found that engagement with the content of known others was associated with significantly lower appearance satisfaction than engagement with the content of unknown others. These effects were stable even after controlling for participant demographics, active vs. passive daily social media use, and body image-related factors. These results provide evidence that everyday social media engagement is associated with lower appearance satisfaction and additionally provides preliminary support for the use of a PAS in body image research using an experience sampling method.

Black adolescents' appearance concerns, depressive symptoms, and self-objectification: Exploring the roles of gender and ethnic-racial identity commitment

There is a dearth of research examining Black adolescents' body image, with even less work examining gender differences or the influence of ethnic-racial identity (ERI) commitment. It is critical to understand how culturally relevant aspects of appearance-beyond commonly measured ideals such as thinness and muscularity-are particularly relevant to Black adolescents. The present study of Black youth (n = 252; 55% girls, 45% boys, ages 13-18, M_age = 15.5) explored the roles of gender and ERI commitment in the associations between skin tone, hair, and facial satisfaction and appearance esteem, depressive symptomatology, and self-objectification. With a few exceptions, satisfaction with skin tone, hair, and face were significantly associated with higher appearance esteem and lower self-objectification and depressive symptoms, even when controlling for weight and muscle tone satisfaction. Findings were similar across genders, with some associations stronger among Black girls relative to boys. Among youth with higher ERI commitment, associations were stronger between skin tone, hair, and facial satisfaction and some indicators of wellbeing. Findings elucidate the role of culturally relevant appearance concerns of Black adolescents and the potential benefits of ERI commitment. This work can inform culturally sensitive research practices and therapeutic interventions related to Black youth's body image experiences.

The Perfect Storm: A Developmental-Sociocultural Framework for the Role of Social Media in Adolescent Girls' Body Image Concerns and Mental Health

In this theoretical review paper, we provide a developmental-sociocultural framework for the role of social media (SM) in adolescent girls' body image concerns, and in turn, depressive symptoms and disordered eating. We propose that the features of SM (e.g., idealized images of peers, quantifiable feedback) intersect with adolescent developmental factors (e.g., salience of peer relationships) and sociocultural gender socialization processes (e.g., societal over-emphasis on girls' and women's physical appearance) to create the "perfect storm" for exacerbating girls' body image concerns. We argue that, ultimately, body image concerns may be a key mechanism underlying associations between adolescent girls' SM use and mental health. In the context of proposing this framework, we provide empirical evidence for how SM may increase adolescent girls' body image concerns through heightening their focus on (1) other people's physical appearance (e.g., through exposure to idealized images of peers, celebrities, and SM influencers; quantifiable indicators of approval); and (2) their own appearance (e.g., through appearance-related SM consciousness; exposure to idealized self-images; encouraging over-valuing of appearance; and peer approval of photos/videos). Our framework highlights new avenues for future research on adolescent girls' SM use and mental health, which recognize the central role of body image.

Efficacy of the Mental Health App "Intellect" to Improve Body Image and Self-compassion in Young Adults: A Randomized Controlled Trial With a 4-Week Follow-up

BACKGROUND

Body image concerns are prevalent among young adults, who may be vulnerable to developing body image concerns because of particular risk factors associated with this life period. With technological advancements, digital mobile health (mHealth) apps are cost-effective and scalable interventions. Thus, mHealth apps can be explored as a form of prevention effort to alleviate body image concerns in young adults.

OBJECTIVE

In this randomized controlled trial, we examined the effectiveness of a self-guided mHealth app in improving body image and self-compassion in a sample of university students.

METHODS

Participants (N=310) were randomized to a 9-day self-guided body image and self-compassion mHealth app (n=149) and to an active waitlist control group (n=161), where they completed a similarly structured 9-day program on cooperation. Both programs consisted of content learning and activities such as quizzes, with the number and length of activities matched for both programs. Measures were obtained at baseline, upon completion of the programs (after the intervention), and at 4-week follow-up.

RESULTS

The intervention group for female participants reported significant reduction in body dissatisfaction (P<.001) and improvements in body appreciation (P<.001) and self-compassion (P=.001) compared with the active waitlist control group after the intervention. Similarly, for male participants after the intervention, a significant reduction was found in the intervention group in body dissatisfaction (P<.001) after the intervention as well as improvements in body appreciation (P=.02) and self-compassion (P=.047). The effects were maintained at 4-week follow-up for female participants on body dissatisfaction (P<.001), body appreciation (P<.001), and self-compassion (P=.02) but not for male participants. On body image risk factors, significant reductions were found for female participants after the intervention for thin-ideal internalization (P<.001), peer pressure (P=.002), and media pressure (P<.001) after the intervention, while the effects were only maintained for thin-ideal internalization (P=.008) and media pressure (P=.01) at 4-week follow-up, compared with the active waitlist control group. As for male participants, no intervention effects were found both after the intervention and at follow-up for all body image risk factors of muscularity internalization, peer pressure, and media pressure. Both apps were acceptable and participants engaged equally across the intervention and active waitlist control groups, as indicated on a measure of app engagement (P=.76).

CONCLUSIONS

This study provides preliminary evidence for a self-guided mHealth app in improving body image concerns and self-compassion in young adult university students. Future studies should include longer follow-ups, and examine its effects with the wider populations of young adults.

TRIAL REGISTRATION

ClinicalTrials.gov NCT04977973; https://clinicaltrials.gov/ct2/show/NCT04977973.

Editorial of Special Issue “Body Image Perception and Body Composition in Different Populations: The Role of Physical Education and Sport”

Body image is the dynamic perception of one’s body—how it looks, feels, and moves; it can change with mood, physical experience, and environment [...]

Factorial Model of Obese Adolescents: The Role of Body Image Concerns and Selective Depersonalization-A Pilot Study

BACKGROUND

The relationship binding body weight to psychological well-being is unclear. The present study aims at identifying the contribution, and specificity, of some dimensions (i.e., eating-related symptoms, body image disorders, eating habits, personality traits, and emotional difficulties) characterizing the psychological profile of obese adolescents (749 participants, 325 females; 58.3% normal-weight, 29.9% overweight, and 11.7% obese; mean age = 16.05, SD = 0.82).

METHODS

By introducing the scores obtained by standardized self-report tools into a generalized linear model, a factorial reduction design was used to detect the best fitting discriminant functions and the principal components explaining the higher proportion of the variance.

RESULTS

We found two discriminant functions correctly classifying 87.1% of normal-weight, 57.2% of overweight, and 68.2% of obese adolescents. Furthermore, two independent factors, explaining 69.68% of the total variance, emerged.

CONCLUSIONS

The first factor, "Body Image Concerns", included the drive for thinness, body dissatisfaction, and interpersonal distrust. The second factor, "Selective Depersonalization", included a trend toward depersonalization and dissatisfaction with the torso. The neurophysiological implications of our findings will be discussed.

Development and validation of the body image scale for youth (BISY)

BACKGROUND

Body dissatisfaction has been known as an important public health concern that can influence the physical and psycho-social health of adolescents. Hence, health professionals need a valid and reliable tool to assess this problem and its related factors in youth. This study aims to develop and assess the psychometric properties of an indigenous scale for the evaluation of body image and to investigate its association with body weight status among Iranian adolescents.

METHODS

This study was conducted on 857 adolescents who completed the body image scale for Youth (BISY) and self-reported their body weight and height. Face, content, and construct validity methods were used to assess the validity of the BISY. Exploratory factor analysis (EFA) was used to assess construct validity. Moreover, the internal consistency of the scale was assessed by calculating Cronbach's alpha coefficient (α), and test-retest reliability was examined using the intra-class correlation coefficient (ICC). To compare the BISY scores across sex and body weight status groups, the Independent samples t-test and the analysis of variance (ANOVA) or Welch tests were used, respectively.

RESULTS

Mean age and body mass index (BMI) of participants were 16.5 ± 1.1 years and 22.4 ± 4.5 kg/m², respectively. The EFA showed a 10-factor construct which explained 57% of the variance. The Cronbach's alpha coefficient for overall items of the scale was 0.896 and ranged from 0.42 to 0.92 for subscales. The test-retest reliability result was acceptable for the BISY (ICC = 0.805). The ICC values ranged from 0.753 to 0.990 for BISY subscales. The BISY total score was significantly higher in girls compared to boys (34.8 ± 12.7 vs. 31.3 ± 10.2; p < 0.001). In girls, the BISY total score was significantly lower in normal-weight girls compared to their overweight (p = 0.009), and obese (p = 0.012) counterparts. This difference was not observed in boys.

CONCLUSION

These findings support the reliability and validity of the BISY for the assessment of body image in Iranian adolescents; this scale can be applied as an appropriate tool for the assessment of body image in adolescents in related future studies. Current findings highlight considering body image as an important aspect of intervention programs targeting overweight and obesity in adolescents, specifically girls. Negative body image has been known as an important public health concern that can adversely influence different aspects of adolescents' health. Hence, a valid and reliable tool is necessary to identify adolescents at risk of developing negative body image and its related disorders. There is a lack of an indigenous scale that can comprehensively assess body image and its related factors in Iranian adolescents; hence, the current study aimed to develop and assess the psychometric properties of an indigenous scale for evaluation of body image and further investigate the association between body image and body weight status among Iranian adolescents. The current findings support the reliability and validity of the BISY. In addition, more negative body images were observed in girls compared to boys and in overweight/obese girls compared to their normal-weight counterparts. Therefore, promoting a healthy body image should be incorporated as an important component of future health promotion programs to address obesity, eating disorders, and other health-related concerns among adolescents, specifically girls.

Adolescents' Experience during Brace Treatment for Scoliosis: A Qualitative Study

This study aimed to explore the subjective experiences of adolescents with scoliosis during brace treatment in order to understand their obstacles and make recommendations to enhance brace compliance. Using purposive sampling, 15 adolescents (2 males and 13 females) with scoliosis aged from 10 to 16 years old during brace treatment were recruited to participate in semi-structured in-depth interviews. The data were recorded, transcribed, and coded using thematic analysis with the qualitative software NVivo 10. Significant statements and phrases were organized into categories and themes to understand adolescents' experiences during brace treatment for scoliosis. In general, the adolescents acknowledged that compliance with brace treatment was essential to reduce or prevent the progression of spinal curvature and tried their best to comply with the treatment. Regarding their subjective experiences during brace treatment, three themes were identified and emerged as obstacles negatively affecting their brace compliance, including physical discomfort due to brace materials and design, reluctance caused by the brace's visual appearance, and passive patient participation during the treatment process. This study reveals insights into the experiences of adolescents with scoliosis during brace treatment and what they perceive as hindrances to compliance. In order to have better brace compliance, adolescents' feelings and difficulties during brace treatment should be recognized and addressed. Therefore, active patient participation throughout the treatment process, involving the co-design of a customized brace, psychosocial interventions, and personalized appearance style management should be considered and promoted to facilitate a more acceptable bracing experience to achieve better brace compliance.

Prevalence, patterns, and determinants of body image dissatisfaction among female undergraduate students of University of Delhi

Background

Body image is an essential aspect of young girls' self-definition and individual identity and is influenced by multitude of factors including cultural, social, cognitive, affective, and biological. In recent times, excessive concern about the body image has been reported and the prevalence of body image dissatisfaction (BID) has increased among adolescent and young girls.

Objectives

The objective of this study was to estimate the prevalence of BID, its pattern and the factors associated with it among female undergraduate students and also to assess the level of concern about their body image.

Methods

This cross-sectional study was conducted among 180 female undergraduate students using a contour drawing rating scale and a body shape questionnaire to assess BID and its pattern, and the level of concern about body image, respectively. Binary logistic regression was applied to identify the factors determining body image perception.

Results

The prevalence of body mage dissatisfaction was 76.7% with overweight and obesity, and media influences being significantly associated with it. Nutritional status, mother's educational status, and media influences were the determinants. Body shape concerns were found among 30.6% of the participants out of which 7.3% reported marked to moderate concerns.

Conclusions

Our findings highlighted a higher prevalence of perceived dissatisfaction with the body image and also that it is not simply the outcome of sociocultural pressure to conform to a certain body type but is the result of a complex interaction between individual differences in actual body mass and preference for a thin body ideal.

Sexual attraction to men as a risk factor for eating disorders: the role of mating expectancies and drive for thinness

BACKGROUND

Men tend to give more importance than women to physical aspects when selecting a partner; thus, the internalization of beauty standards and the ideal of thinness may be greater in populations attracted to men, placing them at a higher risk of eating disorders.

METHODS

In a sample (n = 398) of heterosexual and gay men and women, we evaluated the drive for thinness, body dissatisfaction, and bulimic symptomatology. Using ANCOVAs, we analyzed the differences in symptoms score according to sex, sexual orientation and relational status including body mass index (BMI) as covariate; we also evaluated the mediating role of drive for thinness in the relationship between sexual orientation and body dissatisfaction.

RESULTS

We found an increased drive for thinness and body dissatisfaction in men-attracted compared with women-attracted participants; also, body dissatisfaction was greater in women than in men. Heterosexual women presented higher bulimia scores than lesbian women. Gay men open to relationships presented higher drive for thinness and body dissatisfaction scores than those not-open to relationships. Finally, differences in body dissatisfaction between gay and heterosexual men were fully explained by drive for thinness, while, in the case of women, drive for thinness only partially explained these differences.

CONCLUSIONS

Attraction to men seems to be a risk factor for EDs in the case of gay men and heterosexual women. In addition, in the case of heterosexual women, other factors independent of the desire to attract men seem to be important.

The effects of media and peers on negative body image among Chinese college students: a chained indirect influence model of appearance comparison and internalization of the thin ideal

BACKGROUND

Negative body image is a common psychological phenomenon among Chinese college students meriting investigation. Peers and the media are important factors that negatively influence body image. This study explored the mechanisms of media and peers promoting negative body image among Chinese college students.

METHOD

Data from 407 college students (173 men and 234 women) were collected using the Revised Social and Cultural Attitude Questionnaire of Appearance, Appearance Comparison Scale, Peer Impact Scale, and Negative Body Image Scale.

RESULTS

Correlational analysis results demonstrated that media attention was not significantly correlated with negative body image. All other variables were significantly positively correlated. Path analysis results indicated that the direct effect of media attention on negative body image was not significant, while the direct effect of peer impact was significant. In addition, appearance comparison and internalization of the thin ideal acted as a chained indirect effect between negative body image, media attention, and peer impact.

CONCLUSIONS

The research revealed that focusing on perfect bodies displayed in the media did not produce a negative body image. However, focusing on the media and peer conversations regarding the body caused the participants to compare appearances and internalize ideal body shape standards, leading to negative self-evaluations.

Network Associations Among Body Image, Lifestyle, Body Mass Index, and Quality of Life in Adolescents

BACKGROUND

Body image is known as an important factor affecting different aspects of adolescents' health; however, its relationship with lifestyle, body mass index (BMI), and health-related quality of life (HRQoL) in Iranian adolescents has not been addressed in a conceptual model.

OBJECTIVES

This study aimed to investigate the network associations among body image, lifestyle, BMI, and HRQoL in adolescent boys and girls.

METHODS

The present study examined 760 adolescents (15 - 18 years) from Tehran. Adolescents reported their weight and height, according to which the participants' BMIs were calculated. The adolescents' body image, lifestyle, and HRQoL were assessed using a set of questionnaires, including the Body Image Scale for Youth (BISY), Modifiable Activity Questionnaire (MAQ), Eating Habits Checklist, Eating Attitudes Test (EAT-26), and Pediatric Quality of Life Inventory (PedsQL^TM).

RESULTS

The participants' mean age and BMI were 16.5 ± 1.0 years and 22.4 ± 4.6 kg/m², respectively. More than one-third of boys (39.9%) and less than a quarter of girls (22.6%) were overweight/obese. In the final model, body image was significantly and directly associated with physical activity, disordered eating, eating habits, and HRQoL in both genders (P < 0.05). Moreover, body image was directly correlated with screen time in boys (P = 0.012) and BMI in girls (P = 0.001). Body image was indirectly correlated with BMI by the mediating role of disordered eating in girls. Moreover, body image was indirectly associated with HRQoL by the mediating role of physical activity and eating habits in both genders and screen time only in boys.

CONCLUSIONS

The network associations among body image, lifestyle, BMI, and HRQoL revealed a gender-specific pattern among the study population. Body image was a significant determinant of lifestyle and HRQoL in both genders and excessive weight in girls. The present findings would contribute to designing and implementing relevant health promotion interventions.

Mediating Effects of Intimacy Between Body Talk and Girls' Body Dissatisfaction: The Forgotten Sibling Relationship

Teasing and pressure from family members influences the development of body dissatisfaction. Body dissatisfaction is a common experience for girls and can lead to eating disorders. However, most body image disturbance research to date neglects the possible influence of siblings. In light of this, the present study investigated the associations between sibling negative appearance-based talk, intimacy, and body dissatisfaction. The sample consisted of 113 mostly White, female adolescents, whose ages ranged from 12 to 19 years with a mean age of 14.85 (SD = 1.62). This study first examined direct associations between negative body talk, including appearance related teasing and pressure from siblings, and girls' body dissatisfaction. Second, indirect effects models with intimacy included were examined. There were significant direct links between appearance related pressure from siblings and body dissatisfaction, and significant indirect effects such that sibling teasing and pressure were associated with sibling intimacy, which was associated with body dissatisfaction. These results indicate that siblings play an important role in the development of girls' body dissatisfaction.

Systematic Review of Digital Interventions for Adolescent and Young Adult Women's Body Image

Background

A growing number of digital interventions have been developed to address a range of mental health issues including body image. Identifying effective interventions for body image is important given the prevalence of body image concerns and their associated negative outcomes among young women. This review aimed to critically evaluate current evidence on the use of digital interventions for adolescent and young adult women's body image.

Methods

A literature search was performed in November 2021 across three databases, PsychINFO, Web of Science and Pubmed to identify studies published with keywords and synonyms of "body image" and "digital interventions" that have been conducted with girls/women aged 10-25 years. Studies were included if they assessed a universal body image intervention delivered through a digital platform (e.g., web-based, mobile phone) and if they reported body image outcomes using validated measures. Two authors independently screened studies extracted data and assessed the quality of studies.

Results

Eight of 15 interventions were effective in improving at least one body image outcome from pre-post intervention; however, effect sizes were mostly small-medium, and few effects were maintained at follow-up. Studies were heterogeneous in terms of delivery format, duration, sample characteristics, quality, and outcomes.

Discussion

Findings suggest that digitally delivered interventions can effectively improve some body image outcomes in young women. Characteristics of effective studies are discussed and suggestions for future work on intervention development in this field are provided.

Systematic Review Registration

https://www.crd.york.ac.uk/prospero/display_record.php?ID=CRD42021281435, identifier CRD42021281435.

Physical Activity Levels, Perceived Body Appearance, and Body Functioning in Relation to Perceived Wellbeing Among Adolescents

This study aimed to investigate self-reported physical activity levels, perceived body appearance, and body functioning in relation to perceived wellbeing among adolescents. A cross-sectional survey was performed in four upper secondary schools in one municipality in southern Sweden. Data were obtained from questionnaires completed by 1,491 adolescents (55.4% females; median age 16; range 15–17 years) during school hours. The participation rate was 71.4%. Logistic regression analyses were carried out with wellbeing as the dependent variable. The independent variables included gender, perceived family financial situation, perceived body appearance, perceived body function, and physical activity level. Perceived positive wellbeing was associated with being satisfied with their body's appearance (OR 3.4; CI 2.6–4.4) and function (OR 3.1; CI 2.2–4.2), being physically active three or more times per week (OR 1.5; CI 1.1–2.0), and a good perceived family financial situation (OR 3.3; CI 1.6–6.7). Gender was not significantly associated with wellbeing. A positive body image, which include both body appearance and body function, and high physical activity levels were significantly associated with wellbeing in adolescents, corroborating the importance of promoting physical activity among younger populations.

Body image and acceptance of cosmetic surgery in China and the Netherlands: A qualitative study on cultural differences and similarities

There is an established relationship between acceptance of cosmetic surgery and psychological factors, including body image. However, qualitative research among diverse cultural groups is needed to provide a more fine-grained understanding of the influences on women's attitudes towards cosmetic surgery. In this study, 20 Chinese and 20 Dutch women aged 18-50 years (M_Chinese = 34.20; M_Dutch = 34.70) participated in one-on-one semi-structured interviews. Data were analyzed using reflexive thematic analysis. We identified three themes that captured the factors that women perceived to foster favorable attitudes towards cosmetic surgery: (a) sociocultural pressures (e.g., normalization of cosmetic surgery, appearance-focused peers); (b) intrapersonal characteristics (e.g., beauty-ideal internalization, social comparison); and (c) benefits of beauty (e.g., attracting men, socioeconomic benefits). Conversely, two themes captured the factors perceived to reduce favorable attitudes towards cosmetic surgery: (a) intrapersonal characteristics (e.g., unconditional body acceptance, self-confidence); and (b) external considerations (e.g., health risks, financial costs). Overall, Chinese and Dutch participants shared many similarities in their opinions about what might affect cosmetic surgery consideration. The most striking cross-cultural differences concerned perceived socioeconomic benefits of beauty (mainly Chinese women) and women's conceptualization of body appreciation. This study may enable a more comprehensive understanding about the factors influencing Chinese and Dutch women's attitudes towards cosmetic surgery, and the nuances in these relationships across these cultures.

Breasts, Butts, and Thighs—Oh My! Weight Spurt and Body Image Messages in Girls’ Puberty Books

Analyze popular girls’ puberty books to understand what messages they portray about weight spurt and body image. A critical ethnography was conducted of 13 best-selling books about girls’ puberty. This analysis specifically focused on messages about weight gain/spurt and body image presented in the books and whether these were aligned with larger cultural understandings of weight gain and body image. A data-driven thematic analysis was conducted on the portions of each book relevant to weight gain and body image. The cultural fat-phobic scripts were prevalent in the books, contrasting the well-intended developmental messages. Discussions of weight tended to be negatively framed and weight gain expectations were distressingly vague. The books discussed the necessity of and biological rationale for those changes while normalizing variation in timing. The books also focused on developing a positive body image during this time. Understanding this allows us to see the pervasive, conflicting messages about weight-spurts that girls are receiving from these resources, which can be used to tailor book choice and outreach programs.

Adolescents with and without head and neck burns: comparison of long-term outcomes in the burn model system national database

INTRODUCTION

Facial burns account for persistent differences in psychosocial functioning in adult burn survivors. Although adolescent burn survivors experience myriad chronic sequelae, little is known about the effect of facial injuries. This study examines differences in long-term outcomes with and without head and neck involvement.

METHODS

Data collected for 392 burn survivors between 14-17.9 years of age from the Burn Model System National Database (2006-2015) were analyzed. Comparisons were made between two groups based on presence of a head and neck burn (H&N) using the following patient reported outcome measures: Satisfaction with Appearance Scale, Satisfaction with Life Scale, Community Integration Questionnaire, and Short Form-12 Health Survey at 6, 12, and 24 months after injury. Regression analyses were used to assess association between outcome measures and H&N group at 12-months.

RESULTS

The H&N group had more extensive burns, had longer hospital stays, were more likely to be burned by fire/flame and were more likely to be Hispanic compared to the non-H&N group. Regression analysis found that H&N burn status was associated with worse SWAP scores. No significant associations were found between H&N burn status and other outcome measures.

CONCLUSIONS

Adolescents with H&N burn status showed significantly worse satisfaction with appearance at 12-months after injury. Future research should examine interventions to help improve body image and coping for adolescent burn survivors with head and neck burns.

Which are the Effects of Body-Objectification and Instagram-Related Practices on Male Body Esteem? A Cross-Sectional Study

OBJECTIVE

According to the objectification framework, media pressure toward body models promotes the internalization of beauty ideals that negatively influence individuals' body image and self-esteem. Historically, women have been the main target of sociocultural pressures. However, research has recently suggested that self-objectification is a male phenomenon as well, which can be inscribed in men's body experiences. Nevertheless, fewer studies have specifically focused on the male experience and general consequences of body-objectification are yet to be extensively analyzed regarding males' body image features. The current cross-sectional study explores the consequences of body-objectification on male body esteem, specifically testing the predictive role of exercising/dietary habits, body-objectification features, and SNS-related practices on male body esteem.

METHOD

A total of 238 male participants (mean age = 24.28 years, SD = 4.32) have been involved in an online survey. Three hierarchical analyses were performed to test the influence of objectified body consciousness and social networking-related experiences (i.e. Instagram intensity use, photo manipulation, selfie feedback investment) on young men's body esteem with specific reference to the weight, appearance, and attribution features of the Body Esteem Scale.

RESULTS

Findings highlighted that body shame played an interesting key role, influencing negatively all the body esteem dimensions, thus highlighting that attention needs to be deserved on this feature of OBC regarding males' experience. On the contrary, appearance control-related dimensions positively influenced body esteem. Overall, findings confirmed that objectification theory can adequately mark a pathway by which media imagery is internalized also by men and may negatively affect their body esteem.

CONCLUSIONS

Despite some limitations, this study may contribute to enlarging our knowledge on male body image and self-objectification experience and support literature shattering the stereotype that body dissatisfaction is a "female-exclusive" issue. Likewise, beyond some questioning positions, these findings also encourage further exploration of a healthier "control dimension", including body appearance-related activities and beliefs.

Gender differences in eating disorder-related intrusive thoughts

The present study aimed to examine gender differences in the experience of eating disorder-related intrusive thoughts (EDITs; i.e., frequency, content, emotional consequences, & control strategies). In addition, differences in the experience of EDITs across those atrisk of developing an eating disorder and those who are not atrisk were investigated. Six hundred and seventy-one adults completed self-report measures assessing the experience of EDITs, disordered eating attitudes and behaviours, and body dissatisfaction. It was found that females experienced EDITs more frequently and with higher levels of distress compared with males. With regard to control strategies, females tended to use distraction and thought suppression, whereas males were likely to do nothing in response. Participants in the at-risk group experienced EDITs more frequently, with higher distress, and responded by using obsessive-compulsive rituals or doing what the intrusion dictated significantly more than non-risk participants. Relationships between body dissatisfaction and EDITs related to bodily appearance were found to be stronger for men, whereas women revealed a stronger relationship between disordered eating and purging EDITs. The findings of this study support the growing literature regarding EDITs as a distinct clinical feature of eating disorders, and the developing evidence base regarding intrusive thoughts as a transdiagnostic mechanism.

Association between subjective degree of influence in class and thinness among adolescents in Japan

Social status in school, measured by subjective degree of influence in class (DOI), may influence thinness among adolescents. This study examined the association between subjective degree of influence in class and thinness among Japanese adolescents. Data were obtained from the Kochi Child Health Impact of Living Difficulty (K-CHILD) study in 2016, which Was a population-based study targeting 5th, 8th and 11th grade adolescents living in Kochi Prefecture, Japan (N = 9,998). DOI was assessed by adolescents via questionnaire. Weight and height were given by caregivers for 5th grade adolescents, whilst they were self-reported for 8th and 11th grade adolescents. Collected data on weight and height were used to calculate body mass index z-scores of WHO standards. Models included grade, gender, number of friends, household income, location of school and depressive symptoms as covariates. The results showed that both high and low DOI were positively associated with thinness after adjustment for other individual covariates (high DOI, OR = 1.59, 95% CI 1.05-2.43; low DOI, OR = 2.04, 95% CI 1.36-3.06). Further stratification by gender revealed that low DOI was positively associated with thinness (OR = 2.14, 95% CI 1.34-3.44) among boys, but there was no association among girls. Both high and low DOI were associated with the risk of being thin in adolescents. Focusing on DOI for adolescents may be important to address thinness among adolescents. Further studies are needed to examine the causality between DOI and thinness in adolescents.