Body checking is associated with weight- and body-related shame and weight- and body-related guilt among men and women

Effects of videoconferencing use on momentary changes in disordered eating urges, body dissatisfaction, and mood

The coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) pandemic led to a global surge in videoconferencing use for work/study-related reasons. Although these platforms heighten exposure to one's image, the implications of videoconferencing use on body image and eating concerns remain scantly examined. This study sought to investigate, in an Australian sample, whether videoconferencing for work/study-related reasons predicted increases in body dissatisfaction (BD), urge to engage in disordered eating (DE; restrictive eating, exercise, overeating/purging), and negative mood at the state level. Participants (N = 482, 78.8% women, Mage  = 20.5 years [SD = 5.3]) completed baseline demographic measures, accompanied by an ecological momentary assessment (EMA) of videoconferencing for work/study-related reasons, BD, DE urges, and negative mood six times a day for 7 days via a smartphone application. Most participants (n = 429; 89.0%) reported state-based videoconferencing use during the EMA phase. Consistent with expectations, state-based videoconferencing use was associated with an increase in state-level urges to engage in exercise. However, contrary to predictions, state-based videoconferencing use was linked to a decrease in state-level BD at the next assessment point and failed to predict negative mood and urges to engage in restrictive eating or overeating/purging at the state level. Given the simplified measure of videoconferencing use, the current research is considered preliminary and future replication and extension, using more nuanced measures, is warranted.

Gender differences in factors related to eating competence in college students: Weight-and-body shame and guilt, weight satisfaction, weight loss effort, and eating disorder risk

PURPOSE

This study aimed to determine which weight-and-body-related attitudes and behaviors were most predictive of Eating Competence (EC) in college students amidst COVID-19, according to gender.

METHODS

This cross-sectional study was part of a larger study in which an online survey was administered during autumn quarter 2020 to undergraduate students at a northwestern U.S. public university. Measures included EC (ecSI 2.0™), weight-and-body shame and/or guilt (WEBSG), weight satisfaction, current weight loss effort, and eating disorder risk.

RESULTS

Of the 1996 respondents included in the final analyses, 40.2 % were eating competent (ecSI 2.0™ ≥32). Gender distribution was 71.6 % women, 23.1 % men, and 4.6 % trans-and-gender non-conforming (TGNC). WEBSG and WEB-S were higher in women and TGNC than in men. Weight satisfaction was lower in women and TGNC students than men, and 47.3 % of the sample was trying to lose weight at the time of the study. Eating disorder (ED) risk was prevalent with nearly 34 % scoring ≥2 on SCOFF and 33 % reporting they saw themselves as having an ED now or in the past. Significant factors of EC varied for each gender, although WEB-S was a shared model factor for all genders.

CONCLUSION

EC may be protective, as this was related to less WEB-S in all genders; less WEB-G and greater weight satisfaction in men and women; and lower likelihood of ED risk and trying to lose weight among women. Further research is needed to elucidate whether these maladaptive weight-and-body attitudes and behaviors in college students can be improved to increase EC.

LEVEL OF EVIDENCE

Level V, descriptive cross-sectional study.

Cognitive training via a mobile application to reduce some forms of body dissatisfaction in young females at high-risk for body image disorders: A randomized controlled trial

Body dissatisfaction has been related to Body Image Disorders (BIDs) such as Eating Disorders (EDs) and Body Dysmorphic Disorder (BDD). This study investigates the efficacy of a mHealth app in reducing body dissatisfaction, BDD/ED symptoms and related features. Ninety-five women who were identified as high-risk of developing BIDs (using the Structured Clinical Interview for DSM-5) were randomized into: immediate-use App (iApp group; n = 47) and delayed-use App (dApp group; n = 48). The iApp group started using the app at baseline for 16 days (T1). The dApp group started using the app at T1 for 16 days. Participants completed questionnaires at baseline (T0), 16 days from baseline (T1), and 32 days from baseline (T2). Repeated measure Multivariate Analysis of Variance (MANOVA) showed Group (iApp vs. dApp) × Time (T0 vs. T1) interactions indicating decrease in BDD symptoms and body dissatisfaction related to EDs in the iApp group at T1. The Reliable Change Index indicated changes on extreme body dissatisfaction/BDD symptoms for 34.74% of participants. Although preliminary, these findings highlight that a mHeatlh app might reduce BDD symptoms and body dissatisfaction related to EDs in women at high-risk for BIDs. Effects on ED symptoms and associated features seem more limited.

General and body-related self-conscious emotions predict facets of restrictive eating in undergraduate women

It is well understood that mood intolerance is a predictor of eating disorder (ED) symptoms. However, it is unclear whether intolerance of specific emotional experiences predicts ED symptoms. The current study used an ecological momentary assessment design to assess associations between the intensity and intolerance of general and body-related self-conscious emotions and facets of restrictive eating. Participants were 151 female undergraduate students (M_age = 18.99, SD = 1.30 years) who completed six surveys per day for 10 consecutive days. Participants reported on the intensity and intolerance of general and body-related shame, guilt, envy, and embarrassment and cognitive restraint (thoughts about restrictive eating) and behavioral restriction (act of restrictive eating) facets of restrictive eating. Data were analyzed using multilevel modeling. Based on the between-person findings, participants higher on intensity and intolerance of general and body-related self-conscious emotions experienced higher levels of cognitive restraint and behavioral restriction relative to individuals with lower levels of the emotion intensity and intolerance predictors on average. Based on the within-person findings, experiencing a higher intolerance of body-related self-conscious emotions compared to one's average was particularly important when examining behavioral restriction. Experiencing a higher intolerance of body-related envy was able to predict increased behavioral restriction at the time of the next report. These findings may inform tailored treatment targets for mood intolerance and restrictive eating.

Effects of full-body mirror exposure on eating pathology, body image and emotional states: Comparison between positive and negative verbalization

Mirror exposure (ME) is an effective technique to improve body image. However, evidence on the underlying mechanisms and the optimal verbalization instruction during ME is lacking. Therefore, this experimental study analyzed mechanisms of ME and therapeutic outcomes by comparing positive (PV) and negative (NV) full-body verbalization. N = 73 healthy females were randomized to a PV or an NV condition. PV participants verbalized positively while NV participants verbalized negatively about their whole body. Each participant underwent three standardized ME sessions. Before and after each ME session, positive affect, negative affect and body satisfaction were assessed. Before the first and after the third ME, participants completed questionnaires on cognitive-affective and behavioral aspects of body image, eating pathology and self-esteem. Regarding within-ME changes, the results indicate that positive affect and body satisfaction decreased while negative affect increased in the NV group but not in the PV group. In contrast, regarding between-ME changes, decreased negative affect as well as positive affect and increased body satisfaction were observed in both groups. However, eating pathology remained stable, whereas body-checking behavior increased and the PV condition was followed by higher levels of self-esteem compared to the NV condition. These findings suggest that both PV and NV improve negative affect and body satisfaction between-ME, and thus seem to be effective ME instructions. Given that NV led to increased negative affect within-ME and did not influence self-esteem, PV might represent the favorable instruction during ME for body-satisfied women.

Body-related self-conscious emotions and reasons for exercise: A latent class analysis

Body-related self-conscious emotions are important predictors of exercise motivation, yet the association between body-related self-conscious emotions and reasons for exercise has not been explored. Researchers have typically examined body-related emotions (e.g., shame, guilt, pride, embarrassment, envy) in isolation, but they may interact in unique ways to predict reasons for exercise. The present study examined how patterns of body-related emotions were associated with exercise reasons. In an online survey, participants (N = 520; M_age = 35.43 ± 10.09; 57.5 % men) reported their experience of body-related self-conscious emotions and exercise reasons over the past week. Latent class analysis revealed a three-class model of emotions, resulting in a High Emotionality class (i.e., experiencing positive and negative emotions), a Negative Emotions class, and a Pride class. Individuals who experienced negative emotions about their bodies engaged in exercise for appearance reasons, while individuals who felt proud about their bodies and did not report the negatively valenced emotions reported exercising for health reasons. These findings underscore the importance of investigating how multiple body-related self-conscious emotions influence reasons for exercising. Understanding how patterns of body-related self-conscious emotions are experienced could inform future research on factors that may precede exercise motivation and increase exercise behavior.

Racial differences in overeating, loss of control eating, and binge eating: Extending core tenets of the Cognitive Behavioral Theory of Eating Disorders

PURPOSE

The present study examined racial differences in associations among body dissatisfaction, body checking, and dietary restraint relative to overeating, loss of control eating, and binge eating outcomes among college women.

METHOD

Young adult women (N = 903) at three Mid-Atlantic US institutions completed measures assessing negative body image and eating pathology via an online survey. Structural equation modeling was used to test a model examining associations among body dissatisfaction, body checking, dietary restraint, and disinhibited eating behaviors. Multigroup analyses examined whether these associations differed for women who identified as White (n = 432) versus Black (n = 359).

RESULTS

More frequent body checking explained associations between elevated body dissatisfaction and more frequent use of all three disinhibited eating outcomes for White and Black women, whereas restraint solely mediated an association between body dissatisfaction and overeating. The assessed constructs generally operated in a similar manner across racial groups. However, stronger associations among body dissatisfaction, restraint, and overeating, and between body checking and loss of control eating were identified for women who identified as White versus Black.

CONCLUSIONS

Eating disorder programming efforts targeting body checking behavior may prove useful in decreasing White and Black women's disinhibited eating.

How do you feel when you check your body? Emotional states during a body-checking episode in normal-weight females

PURPOSE

Cognitive-behavioral theories posit that body checking decreases negative emotions, but increases levels of arousal. However, few studies have investigated the effects of body checking on the course of emotional states. Therefore, the current study examined how normal-weight females with higher and lower eating, weight, and shape concerns feel during a checking episode of their most-liked and least-liked body parts.

METHODS

In an online design, levels of negative emotions and arousal were retrospectively assessed before, during, immediately after, and 15 min after an individually remembered body-checking episode. Participants (N = 355) also rated their subjective satisfaction with specific body parts.

RESULTS

Levels of negative emotions were lower 15 min after the checking episode of most-liked and least-liked body parts than before the episode. However, negative emotions increased during the checking episode of least-liked body parts, but subsided thereafter. The levels of arousal increased during the checking episodes of most-liked and least-liked body parts and decreased afterwards, and females with higher concerns reported greater levels of arousal than females with lower concerns. Furthermore, females with higher concerns reported more body checking than those with lower concerns.

CONCLUSIONS

The results support the assumptions of the cognitive-behavioral theories, as body checking led to a decrease in negative emotions in the longer term, and levels of arousal increased during the checking episode. The greater levels of arousal in females with higher concerns, and their pronounced body-checking behavior, might enhance their existing concerns and increase the risk of disordered eating.

LEVEL OF EVIDENCE

Level V, descriptive study.

Body Dissatisfaction, Restrictive, and Bulimic Behaviours Among Young Women: A Polish-Japanese Comparison

The growing number of women, who are characterized by restrictive and bulimic behaviours towards their own body is observed especially in countries influenced by Westernalization. However, there is a lack of cross-cultural studies in this area. The main aim of the present study was to examine the psychological and socio-cultural risk factors for eating disorders in Polish and Japanese women. A cross-sectional research study was conducted among 18- to 29-year old Polish (n = 89) and Japanese (n = 97) women. The variables were measured using the Sociocultural Attitudes Towards Appearance Scale SATAQ-3, and the Eating Disorders Inventory EDI-3. The descriptive and comparative statistics, Spearman's rho, and the stepwise regression analysis were used. The global internalization of socio-cultural standards of body image proved to be a significant predictor of Body Dissatisfaction among Polish and Japanese women. The main analysis showed a significant relation between the Drive for Thinness and Interoceptive Deficits in the group of Japanese women, as well as a correlation between Drive for Thinness and Asceticism in the group of Polish women. The obtained results could improve the prevention aimed the dysfunctional eating behaviours. However, the cultural nuances need to be considered in understanding the risk factors for eating disorders.

Body and appearance self-conscious emotions in Canada and Poland

Due to the growing interest in studies on health-related variables from an international perspective, the current study addresses the issue of body-related emotions in two countries from two continents, namely, North America and Europe. Using data from Canadian and Polish samples, we investigated the cross-cultural measurement invariance of the Body and Appearance Self-Conscious Emotions Scale across countries and examined differences in these emotions between Canada and Poland. Partial scalar invariance indicated that the scale functions equivalently in Canadian and Polish samples, with only one invariant item in the Guilt subscale. Compared to the Polish, Canadians reported lower body and appearance authentic and hubristic pride. Participants from the two countries did not differ significantly in shame.

The Willingness to Modify Portion Sizes or Eat New Protein Foods Largely Depends on the Dietary Pattern of Protein Intake

Promoting a more balanced animal/plant dietary protein ratio by changing portion sizes or introducing new foods is a promising means to improve diet quality, but little is known about the willingness of individuals to adopt such changes. Our objective was to assess the willingness to adopt dietary changes by these means. In a French cross-sectional study in 2018 (n = 2055), we analyzed the association between the willingness to eat smaller or larger portions or to introduce non-consumed protein foods and the current dietary patterns of individuals and their socio-demographic characteristics. These modifications had previously been identified as improving the nutrient adequacy of diets. Participants were more willing to eat smaller portion sizes than to introduce new foods and to eat larger portion sizes. The willingness for any modification varied depending on the food groups concerned. Participants were also more willing to eat larger portions and less willing to eat smaller portions when they were the most frequent consumers of the foods concerned. Participants were more willing to eat a new food if it was consumed in large quantities by individuals with a similar dietary pattern. This study underlines the importance of accounting for individual food habits when issuing nutritional recommendations.

Gender Differences in Affective and Evaluative Responses to Experimentally Induced Body Checking of Positively and Negatively Valenced Body Parts

Body checking (BC) is defined as behavior aimed at gaining information on body shape, size, or weight. Besides its occurrence as a transdiagnostic symptom in eating disorders (EDs), BC is widespread in non-clinical populations. It is associated with body dissatisfaction and the development of body image disturbances and ED. Males and females differ in terms of body dissatisfaction and associated BC strategies. However, the question of a gender-related intensity of negative affect and state body satisfaction as reactions to BC remains open. Therefore, the present experimental study aimed to examine gender differences in affective and evaluative responses to BC. We tested n = 60 women and n = 60 men in a crossover design, implementing two experimental conditions and one control condition. In the negative body checking condition (NBC), participants received standardized instructions to check negatively valenced body parts. In the positive body checking condition (PBC), by contrast, participants were asked to check positively valenced body parts. The control condition (CBC) consisted of playing a computer game. Before and after checking of one’s own body, participants rated negative body-related affect, i.e., guilt, shame, and disgust, and state body satisfaction. The results indicate that both NBC and PBC led to an increase in negative affect for men and women. Eating pathology predicted negative affect after checking in NBC for both genders. Men reported a significantly higher state body satisfaction in all conditions, whereas only women showed decreased body satisfaction in NBC. These findings suggest that BC of any body part (i.e., positively or negatively valenced) leads to increased negative affect for both genders. Eating pathology significantly influences the affective responses to BC for both genders. Changes in state body satisfaction, however, only occur in females. An explanation might be that men generally report higher body satisfaction, resulting in a more stable body image. Females and males with pathological eating behavior seem to be more vulnerable to changes in negative affect. As negative affect is equally increased after NBC and PBC for both genders, BC might play a central role in the maintenance of body image disturbances in males and females.

How to Promote Workplace Health in order to Work into Old Age: Experiences from Employees in an Industrial Setting

BACKGROUND

Health is important in workplaces. A good organisational climate in a workplace plays a major role in the employees' well-being at work and is also associated with increased productivity. Today, employees are expected to work into older age and it is a challenge for companies to promote health and well-being for this growing group.

PURPOSE

The purpose of this study was to explore how to promote workplace health at present time and for the end of working life in the perspective of employees.

DESIGN/METHODOLOGY/APPROACH

The study had an explorative design, and a thematic analysis was chosen. The inclusion criteria were persons 50 years and older, working in the company and planning to continue working into old age. A total of 21 coworkers (14 men) participated in the study. Three focus group interviews were conducted.

FINDINGS

The results from the focus group interviews are presented in four themes: handle change in a changeable workplace, take responsibility for health concerns, get confirmation for feeling needed, and support and tolerance adapted for each employee.

PRACTICAL IMPLICATIONS

Promoting health should be an urgent mission for employees themselves as well as for managers in order to support employees in working into old age. The health promotion must be suitable for each employee and should be designed in such a way as to avoid inequality in workplace health.

ORIGINALITY/VALUE

There is a need for more health-promoting behaviours, support, and activities for employees in order to work into old age.

Psychometric properties of the body and appearance self-conscious emotions scale in Brazilian adolescents

This study examined the psychometric properties of the Body and Appearance Self-Conscious Emotions Scale in Brazilian adolescents. A sample of 827 adolescents (55% boys) filled out a questionnaire comprising the Body and Appearance Self-Conscious Emotions Scale and instruments assessing social physique anxiety, positive/negative affect, and self-esteem. After removing one item originally proposed for the guilt factor (Item 7), the results supported a 4-factor structure that was invariant across gender and weight status. Evidence supporting the internal consistency, temporal stability, and convergent validity of the Body and Appearance Self-Conscious Emotions Scale cores were also obtained. These results support the Body and Appearance Self-Conscious Emotions Scale as a psychometrically robust instrument to assess body and appearance self-conscious emotions in Brazilian adolescents.

Psychometric evaluation and sex invariance of the Spanish version of the Body and Appearance Self-Conscious Emotions Scale

This study examined the psychometric properties of a Spanish translation of the Body and Appearance Self-Conscious Emotions Scale (BASES; Castonguay et al., 2014) in a sample of university Spanish students. A total of 815 participants enrolled in two public universities located in Almería and Elche, Spain, completed the BASES along with measures of social physique anxiety and positive/negative affect. Exploratory and confirmatory factor analyses showed that one item failed to load clearly on the hypothesized factor (guilt). Once it was removed, results supported the hypothesized four-factor structure. Evidence of invariance of the four-factor structure across sex was obtained. Scores on the BASES showed adequate internal consistency and acceptable convergent validity. Compared to men, women reported significantly higher body and appearance-related guilt and shame, and significant lower authentic and hubristic pride. Preliminary evidence supporting the validity and reliability of the Spanish translation of the BASES is provided.