Body image across the adult life span: stability and change

Psychometric Properties of Psychosexual Functioning Survey Among Autistic and Non-autistic Adults: Adapting the Self-Report Teen Transition Inventory to the U.S. Context

Psychosexual functioning is an important aspect of human development and relationships. A previous study investigated psychosexual functioning of autistic adolescents using the Teen Transition Inventory (TTI), but there is a lack of comprehensive measurement of psychosexual functioning among autistic and non-autistic (NA) adults. To address this gap, the current study adapted the self-report TTI to the Psychosexual Functioning Survey (PSFS) and presented it to 131 autistic (n = 59) and NA adults (n = 72) in the U.S. Comparisons of psychometric properties between the original TTI and the PSFS are shared; the developmental relevancy among some items was changed, and the alphas indicated a difference in the content of certain scales. Differences emerged between autistic and NA adults in both the intra- and interpersonal domains of psychosexual functioning, but not in sexual and intimate behaviors. The findings suggest the persistence of differences from adolescence to adulthood between autistic and NA people and highlight the importance of understanding the unique experiences of adults in psychosexual functioning relative to diagnostic status.

Relationships among age, motivation, and exercise among women Veterans

Physical activity (PA) and exercise are central to maintaining health, however research has shown steep declines in PA and exercise among women Veterans as they age. Though motivation may be an important contributor to initiating and sustaining exercise that may change across the lifespan, little is known about exercise motivation and its relation to age and exercise behavior among women Veterans. This cross-sectional study sought to describe exercise motivations, examine relationships among exercise motivations and age, and explore the degree to which age and motivation predict self-reported exercise behavior among women Veterans. We conducted a secondary data analysis from a regional mail survey of 197 women Veterans (mean age = 51; SD = 10.5) enrolled in Veterans Health Administration primary care in a northeastern region (N = 180 in analysis). Measures included demographics (age, body mass index), self-reported exercise motivation, and an estimate of average weekly exercise. Participants endorsed multiple motivators for exercise, most prominently fitness and health management. Age was significantly negatively related to amount of exercise and with socializing as an exercise motivation. After accounting for body mass index, age was a significant predictor of exercise behavior, and exercise motivations accounted for an additional 7.3% of variance in self-reported weekly exercise. Our results suggest that although motivation is a potentially important predictor of exercise, factors beyond motivation may better predict exercise in women Veterans. Further research is needed on personal and practical facilitators and barriers to exercise in this population.

Scar Perception in School-aged Children After Major Surgery in Infancy

BACKGROUND

The long-term effects of childhood surgery scars on health status, quality of life (QoL), self-esteem, and body image remain uncertain. This study explores these effects in school-aged children.

METHODS

We conducted a retrospective cohort study involving 454 children (58% boys; 8-17 years) who had undergone surgical correction of anatomical anomalies or neonatal ECMO. Data included patient-reported scar perception and scar-related embarrassment, along with psychological assessment via questionnaires.

RESULTS

About 34% of children rated their scars as 'nice-looking', 49% as 'indifferent', and 12% as 'rather ugly'. Most children (91%) never experienced scar-related embarrassment, while frequent embarrassment was reported by 3%. Surgical scar correction was desired by 6% of the 8-year-olds and 19% of the 17-year-olds. Scar perception did not significantly affect health status or QoL. However, negative scar perception was associated with lower self-esteem in girls and a more negative body image in boys. Girls were more likely to report negative scar perception (OR: 1.54, 95%-CI: 1.06-2.24) and scar-related embarrassment (OR: 4.29, 95%-CI: 1.77-10.44).

CONCLUSION

Children who underwent surgery in the neonatal period and subsequently grew up with scars resulting thereof, mostly perceive them either indifferently or positively, with minimal effect on health status and QoL. Nonetheless, some children, particularly girls, experienced negative perceptions of their scars, although scar-related embarrassment was rare. We recommend integrating scar assessment into routine follow-up at ages 12 and 17, and offering appropriate and timely guidance and support to children at risk for negative effects of scars.

LEVEL OF EVIDENCE

III.

"There aren't a lot of things that are made for Latinos": A qualitative investigation of factors that contribute to Latine women's positive and negative body image

Although there has been an increased focus on ethnic diversity in eating-disorder and body-image research, a gap exists in body image programs specifically designed for Latine women. To create programs that are culturally sensitive and relevant, it is important to first understand factors that contribute to Latine women's conceptualizations of body image. Drawing upon open-ended semi-structured interviews with Latine women (N=19, Mage=20, SDage=1.74), the objective of the current study was to explore Latine women's perceptions of the factors contributing to positive and negative body image. Employing a constructivist grounded theoretical approach, verbatim interview transcripts were analyzed using an iterative, multi-phased inductive process. The results are organized around two themes: Latine women's experiences with negative body image and their experiences with positive body image. Three subthemes were identified reflecting participants' experiences with negative body image: appearance standards imposed on Latine women, complex relationship with food, and communication challenges. Five subthemes emerged from the interviews to capture Latine women's experiences with positive body image: reframing body ideals, reframing relationships with food, community support, seeking out representation, and focus on body functionality. These findings may inform future body image program cultural adaptation efforts by integrating cultural aspects of negative and positive body image.

Development of Body Dissatisfaction in Women and Men at Different Educational Levels During the Life Course

BACKGROUND

Our study examines the rarely investigated associations between body dissatisfaction and educational level over the life course in women and men.

METHODS

A Finnish cohort (N = 1955) was followed by questionnaires at ages 22, 32, 42, and 52. Body dissatisfaction was measured by asking the respondents to evaluate their appearance using five response options. Analyses were done using logistic regression, while latent class analyses were used to identify classes of body dissatisfaction trajectories over the life course.

RESULTS

Body dissatisfaction increased with age in women and men. Among men, body dissatisfaction was related to lower education at the ages of 32 and 42. Also, men with lower education were more likely to maintain a less positive body image over the life course. In women, increasing body dissatisfaction during the life course was associated with lower education.

CONCLUSIONS

Differences in body dissatisfaction based on educational level are important to take into account in public health actions aiming to reduce socioeconomic inequalities in health and well-being.

Relations of body dissatisfaction with self-injurious thoughts and behaviours in clinical and non-clinical samples: a meta-analysis of studies published between 1995 and 2022

Body dissatisfaction is a global public health concern. Self-injurious thoughts and behaviours (SITB), including suicidal ideation, suicide attempts and non-suicidal self-injury (NSSI), have been documented as potentially significant correlates of body dissatisfaction. However, prior findings regarding associations between body dissatisfaction and SITB have been somewhat inconsistent. Therefore, this meta-analysis was conducted to determine the nature and strength of such associations in both clinical and non-clinical samples. A literature search identified 83 relevant articles and extracted 234 effect sizes. Using a three-level random-effects model, mean effect sizes (r values) for relationships between body dissatisfaction and suicidal ideation, suicide attempts, and NSSI in clinical samples were 0.29 (95% CI, 0.22-0.37), 0.16 (95% CI, 0.13-0.20) and 0.26 (95% CI, 0.19-0.34), respectively. In non-clinical samples, these values were 0.22 (95% CI, 0.16-0.28), 0.24 (95% CI, 0.17-0.30) and 0.22 (95% CI, 0.15-0.29), respectively. Several study features (e.g., participant age, geographic region and instrument validity) emerged as significant moderators. This meta-analysis provides robust support for body dissatisfaction as a significant correlate of SITB across clinical and non-clinical samples in addition to identifying study characteristics that contribute to effect size variability. Implications are discussed for SITB research, prevention and intervention.

#Thisis40: Body image among adult women who post selfies

Prior research suggests that using photo-based social media may increase body image concerns among young women. Consumption of versus contribution to social media may moderate this relationship, and the type of content contributed (e.g., self-images or "selfies") may further account for variations. A critical limitation of the extant scholarship is a lack of attention to understudied groups, such as older women. Using a cross-sectional sample of 238 midlife women (Mage = 50.92), this study investigated the relationship between social media behavior, perceived effects of social media use, and body image indices. Results indicated that our sample of midlife women contributed mainly photos of their current setting and family, contrasting with prior work among younger women. Results suggested that the type of content contributed may be more pertinent to body image than social media behavior generally, and highlighted complex relationships. Posting photos broadly was associated only with lower drive for youthfulness. However, selfie posting specifically was associated with greater facial satisfaction as well as greater positive (e.g., connectedness) and negative (e.g., appearance concerns) perceived effects of social media, but not drive for youthfulness. Results suggest that the type of content contributed to social media may be a particularly important factor for body image, and highlight complex relationships potentially influenced by unmeasured factors such as social media use motivations. Together, these findings contribute to a fuller understanding of social media and body image and call for further theoretically-driven work in this area to guide effective prevention resources.

Exploring the Relationship Between Instagram Use and Self-Criticism, Self-Compassion, and Body Dissatisfaction in the Spanish Population: Observational Study

BACKGROUND

The widespread use of online social networks, particularly among the younger demographic, has catalyzed a growing interest in exploring their influence on users' psychological well-being. Instagram (Meta), a visually oriented platform, has garnered significant attention. Prior research has consistently indicated that Instagram usage correlates with heightened levels of perfectionism, body dissatisfaction, and diminished self-esteem. Perfectionism is closely linked to self-criticism, which entails an intense self-scrutiny and is often associated with various psychopathologies. Conversely, self-compassion has been linked to reduced levels of perfectionism and stress, while fostering greater positive affect and overall life satisfaction.

OBJECTIVE

This study investigates the relationship between Instagram usage (time of use and content exposure) and users' levels of self-compassion, self-criticism, and body dissatisfaction.

METHODS

This study comprised 1051 adult participants aged between 18 and 50 years, either native to Spain or residing in the country for at least a decade. Each participant completed a tailored questionnaire on Instagram usage, along with abbreviated versions of the Self-Compassion Scale, the Body Shape Questionnaire, and the Depressive Experiences Questionnaire, spanning from January 23 to February 25, 2022.

RESULTS

A positive correlation was observed between daily Instagram usage and self-criticism scores. Participants of all age groups who spent over 3 hours per day on Instagram exhibited higher self-criticism scores than users who spent less than 1 hour or between 1 and 3 hours per day. Contrary to previous findings, no significant relationship was detected between Instagram usage time and levels of self-compassion or body dissatisfaction. Furthermore, content centered around physical appearance exhibited a positive correlation with self-criticism and body dissatisfaction scores. Among younger participants (aged 18-35 years), those who primarily viewed beauty or fashion content reported higher self-criticism scores than those consuming science-related content. However, this association was not significant for participants aged 35-50 years. Conversely, individuals who predominantly engaged with sports or fitness or family or friends content exhibited higher levels of body dissatisfaction than those focusing on science-related content. No significant associations were observed between self-compassion scores and daily Instagram usage or most-viewed content categories.

CONCLUSIONS

The findings of this study underscore the considerable impact of Instagram usage on self-criticism and body dissatisfaction-2 variables known to influence users' psychological well-being and be associated with various symptoms and psychological disorders.

Functionality appreciation mediates the association between age and body appreciation over the lifespan in Japan

Previous findings suggest that body appreciation increases with age, whereas body dissatisfaction remains constant across the lifespan. However, the reason for this phenomenon remains unclear. In the present study, we examined the role of functionality appreciation in the association between age and body appreciation among Japanese adults. A community sample of 280 Japanese women and men (20-79 years old) completed an online cross-sectional survey with measures of functionality and body appreciation. Simple mediation analysis (PROCESS; Model 4) demonstrated that age was positively related to body appreciation and this relationship was mediated by functionality appreciation, for women, but not for men. This finding suggests that increased functionality appreciation might be a strategy for increasing body appreciation as we age, but only among women and not among men. It is possible that the adaptive strategies employed by older women could be utilized by younger women. Thus, implementing interventions focused on the enhancement of functionality appreciation might be beneficial for young women.

Patterns of Sexual Risk Behaviors and Sexuality-Related Risk Factors among Young Adults in Germany: Implications for Prevention and Therapy

Sexual risk behavior (SRB) includes behavioral (sex without contraception, sexualized substance use, sex work, sexual partner violence, other sexual activities that harm oneself or others) and affective subtypes (sexuality-related feelings of shame/guilt, relationship impairments) and leads to psychosocial and health-related consequences. Young adults comprise a vulnerable group regarding the development of SRB. The study aimed to identify SRB patterns among young adults and their relation to sexuality-related risk factors. A cross-sectional online survey measured behavioral and affective aspects of SRB with nine items. Latent class analysis was conducted to identify patterns of SRB. Gender, sexual orientation, age of first intercourse, number of sexual partners, hypersexuality, and sexual dysfunction were captured as risk factors via multinomial logistic regression. Within this convenience sample (n = 609; nfemale = 365; nmale = 245; Mage = 23.1 years), the SRB patterns unremarkable (67%; low values in all SRB subtypes), shame-ridden (17%; high values in sexual feelings of shame/guilt) and risky sexual behavior (16%; high values in all subtypes of SRB, especially sexualized drug use) were identified. The shame-ridden and risky patterns were strongly associated with higher hypersexuality values, the risky pattern moreover with being non-heterosexual, of younger age at first sexual experience, and a higher number of sexual partners. Male and sexual minority participants demonstrated SRB more often than females and heterosexuals. Within prevention and treatment of SRB, it seems beneficial to address sexuality-related feelings of shame/guilt and addictive patterns (concerning sexual behaviors/substances) via gender- and diversity-sensitive measurements.

Why do patients transition between orthodontic appliances? A qualitative analysis of patient decision-making

OBJECTIVES

To gain an in-depth understanding of patients' decision-making processes when choosing to transition to a different orthodontic appliance (OA).

METHODS

This was a retrospective qualitative study using one-on-one in-depth semi-structured interviews. Patients were recruited through purposive convenience sampling. Participants who had elected to transition from and to one of these OAs: metal brackets, tooth-coloured brackets, or clear aligners before the end of treatment were recruited. Recruitment ceased when data saturation was achieved. The interviews were audio-recorded, transcribed verbatim and analysed using thematic analysis.

RESULTS

Twenty-three adult participants (12 males, 11 females) with their ages ranging from 18 to 52 years were interviewed. The analysis of the data revealed that participants perceived two reasons for the transition: (1) insufficient initial information and (2) evolving life circumstances and personal style. Data analysis of participants who expressed a notable discrepancy between their expectations and the reality of the OA they chose revolved around three themes: (a) health benefits and threats, (b) personal control, and (c) financial considerations. Data analysis of participants who described transitioning between OAs due to changes in personal circumstances and style, revealed two themes: (a) change in personal values and motivations and (b) change in social and psychological influence.

CONCLUSIONS

This qualitative study highlighted the complex multifactorial nature of patient decision-making when choosing and transitioning OAs. Orthodontists can benefit from understanding these factors to engage in thorough patient-centered counselling, provide tailored treatment recommendations, and optimize the choice of appliances.

A pre-post evaluation of the impact of the Embrace Kids film on children's and adults' body image and self-compassion

Given the prevalence of body dissatisfaction among young people, which tends to persist into adulthood, a need exists for large-scale interventions that address this problem. Film has been identified as a resource that is well-suited to large-scale dissemination, which can achieve broad impact and reach. Embrace Kids, a film aimed at improving young people's body image, is one such resource. To evaluate the film's impact on body image, 55 children (M = 10.59, SD = 1.49) and 47 adults (M = 43.75, SD = 8.54) were recruited from the Australian general public to complete a brief survey before and after viewing the film. After viewing the film, significant increases in state body appreciation, state functionality appreciation and state self-compassion were reported for children (d = 0.46 - 0.61) and adults (d = 0.88 - 1.08). They supported the safety of the film by indicating that it did not make them more concerned about their appearance. Findings provide initial support for the film as a scalable intervention that can be safely task-shifted to non-professional audiences. Future research directions include comparing the effect of Embrace Kids against a control film, and testing the longitudinal impact of the film on trait body image.

The effectiveness of a masked counterconditioning approach using continuous flash suppression to alleviate body dissatisfaction in women with high body image concerns

BACKGROUND AND OBJECTIVES

Research that used counterconditioning (CC) to reduce women's negative body image has led to mixed results. One explanation could be that the negative responses elicited by own body pictures hinder the effectiveness of CC procedures in adjusting overly negative attitudes towards the own body. In this study we therefore tried to prevent the impact of negative responses by limiting women's perceptual awareness of the own body pictures during the CC procedure.

METHODS

Women with a negative body image were randomly assigned to an experimental (n = 75) or control (n = 71) condition. In the experimental condition, participants' masked body pictures were systematically followed by visible social approval cues (i.e., smiling faces), whereas neutral body-unrelated control pictures were followed by a blank screen. In the control condition, both own body and control pictures were followed by a blank screen.

RESULTS

Participants in the experimental condition did not report a more positive evaluation of the own body (pictures) after CC than participants in the control condition. Also, the strength of automatic affective body evaluations as indexed by a single-target Implicit Association Test did not differ between conditions.

LIMITATIONS

Many participants did not remain fully unaware of their body pictures during conditioning.

CONCLUSIONS

The findings provided no support for the idea that CC with masked own body pictures can be used in women with body dissatisfaction to improve their body image.

Sexual Self-Esteem and Orgasm Consistency: Exploring the Unique Roles of Body Image and Genital Image

We explored the unique roles that body and genital image play in behavior-specific orgasm consistency, beyond overall sexual self-esteem. US adults (N = 599; 64% women) completed questionnaires online. Hierarchical regression analyses predicted orgasm consistency during receptive oral sex and penile-vaginal intercourse (PVI) with additional clitoral stimulation (WAS) and with no additional clitoral stimulation (NAS) for the woman. Body image, genital image, and gender were entered in later steps to assess model improvement above sexual self-esteem. Models accounted for age, sexual and racial minority identities, and current relationship status. Results indicated that genital image improved all models and predicted higher orgasm consistency across all behaviors for men and women. For orgasm during receptive oral sex and PVI-NAS, sexual self-esteem was no longer significant once genital image was included. Genital image was a stronger predictor of women's versus men's orgasm during PVI-NAS; no significant gender differences were found for oral sex and PVI-WAS. Body image was not significant in any models, contrary to expectations, suggesting role overlap with sexual self-esteem. Genital image appears to play a unique role in sexual pleasure beyond overall sexual self-esteem and body image.

Befriending the body through clothes: the role of clothing in secular and religious women's body appreciation

Background

Women invest in their appearance through clothes, and the way they view their bodies translates into how they choose to dress. Nonetheless, body image research often overlooks the role of clothing in fostering body appreciation. This study examined the impact of a psychoeducational feministic course on the sociology and psychology of attire, on students' clothing functions and body appreciation.

Methods

The participants were 114 female MA students (47 secular, 67 religious) between the ages of 24 and 64 who completed the Body Appreciation Scale and Function of Clothing scale at the beginning and end of the course.

Results

The results support the contribution of the course to changes in participants' clothing functions and improvement in their body appreciation F(1,96) = 32.33, p < 0.001, partial Eta squared = 0.25. Surprisingly, religiousness had no impact on the results.

Discussion

This research contributes to the field of positive body image by presenting the potential role of clothing in fostering body appreciation among women. It demonstrates the benefits of investing in clothing that are less driven by external standards and more by the expression of valued aspects of the self.

Positive Body Image and Psychological Wellbeing among Women and Men: The Mediating Role of Body Image Coping Strategies

This study aimed to examine the mediating role of body image coping strategies in the relationship between positive body image and wellbeing. Three hundred and seventy-two women and three hundred and seventy-seven men completed a questionnaire assessing body appreciation, body appreciation functionality, body compassion, body image coping strategies (appearance fixing, avoidance, positive rational acceptance), self-acceptance and overall psychological wellbeing. Path analysis showed that avoidance significantly mediated the relationship between body appreciation and overall psychological wellbeing among both women and men; its mediating role was confirmed for men's but not for women's self-acceptance. Positive rational acceptance was a significant mediator of the relationship between body compassion and both psychological wellbeing and self-acceptance among men but not among women. These findings show that higher body appreciation is associated with a lower tendency to avoid appearance-related cognitions or thoughts that are interpreted as threatening, with an indirect effect on women's and men's psychological wellbeing. Analogously, but only for men, body compassion is associated with mental activities and self-care behaviors that foster rational self-talk and the acceptance of one's experiences, which, in turn, are linked to higher wellbeing. These findings can help to plan programs aimed at fostering individuals' wellbeing by focusing on their positive body image considering gender differences.

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.

A sociocultural model of the relationships between social media use and body image in midlife women

The use of photo-based social media has been associated with body image concerns among young women. Women in midlife are increasingly experiencing appearance pressures, and these pressures might be particularly strong on social media. However, to date, most of the research on social media use has focused on younger women, and this constitutes an important gap. The purpose of this study was therefore to examine a model of the relationships among social media use and body image among women aged 40 and over. A convenience sample of 192 women aged 40-73 years completed an online survey assessing selfie investment, social media appearance pressures, thin-ideal internalization, appearance comparison, weight and shape concerns, facial satisfaction, drive for youthfulness and drive for muscularity. The final sociocultural model was a good fit to the data, and thin-ideal internalization and appearance comparisons mediated the pathways between the social media variables and the body image ones.

Psychological distress in individuals with irritable bowel syndrome: the roles of body image and self-criticism

Objective

Irritable bowel syndrome (IBS) is a prevalent gastrointestinal disorder associated with reduced quality of life and psychological distress (PD) including anxiety and depression. The mechanisms linking IBS to PD are unclear. Previous studies showed that body image and self-criticism may be contributory factors. Thus, the objective of this study was to test the potential mediating roles of these factors in the relationship between IBS and PD.

Method

507 adults participated, including 142 with IBS (Mean age = 31.9, SD = 11.7), and 365 healthy peers (Mean age = 26.2, SD = 6.4), ranging in age from 18 to 75. The majority of participants were women (78%). Self-report measures assessed IBS status, body appreciation, body dissatisfaction, self-criticism, sociodemographic status, depression, and anxiety. Path analysis tested the hypothesized mediation model.

Results

IBS participants reported greater PD, lower body appreciation, higher body dissatisfaction, and higher self-criticism than controls. Body appreciation and self-criticism sequentially mediated the link between IBS status and both depression and anxiety. IBS was associated with reduced body appreciation, which in turn was linked to heightened self-criticism, thereby leading to elevated psychological distress.

Conclusion

Results suggest IBS negatively impacts body image appreciation, fostering self-critical judgments that exacerbate psychological symptoms. This study is the first to demonstrate a significant association between body appreciation and IBS, specifically highlighting this relationship. Findings clarify the psychosocial pathways at play in the comorbidity of mental health issues in IBS. Physicians and other health professionals are advised to detect women with IBS who are distressed, and to offer them appropriate intervention to prevent downstream consequences.

#mybestmidlife: Profiles of photo-based social media use and body image among midlife women

Empirical data, predominantly from young women, suggest photo-based social media use is associated with greater body dissatisfaction. The present study aimed to extend these findings to midlife women and identify risk profiles for maladaptive appearance-focused social media use. A convenience sample of female Instagram users aged 40 or over (M= 50.92 years) (n = 192) was collected. Most participants were partnered, white, highly educated, and heterosexual. A cluster analysis in cross-sectional data grouped participants into four categories according to body image indices (following body positive or fitness accounts, body appreciation and dissatisfaction, thin and muscular ideal internalization, and appearance comparison). Differences by cluster emerged according to indices of social media use (e.g., photo editing, social media rumination), although following appearance-related content across types seemed to distinguish risk profiles more than the types of appearance-related content engaged with (i.e., body positive vs fitness). Furthermore, results indicated that higher social media use was associated with greater perceived negative effects of social media, suggesting that awareness alone may be insufficient to reduce behavioral risk. Findings indicate that some midlife women who use photo-based social media may be at high risk for appearance concerns, warranting further research and resource development for this group.

Does body positivity work for men as it does for women? The impact of idealized body and body positive imagery on body satisfaction, drive for thinness, and drive for muscularity

Exposure to body-positive imagery plays a positive role in women's body image. However, literature has not examined if this is the case for men too. In this study (N = 207), we examined the impact of idealized body and body-positive imagery on both men's and women's body satisfaction and body image concerns. Participants were asked to report their positive and negative mood, body satisfaction, drive for thinness, and drive for muscularity before and after being exposed to either control (landscapes and animals), idealized body, or body-positive imagery. Results showed that women were overall more dissatisfied with their bodies and reported a stronger negative mood and a higher drive for thinness than men. Men, instead, reported a higher drive for muscularity. Exposure to idealized body imagery decreased positive mood and body satisfaction in both men and women. In contrast, exposure to body-positive imagery increased body satisfaction and decreased the drive for thinness in both men and women. Drive for muscularity was not affected by the type of imagery. The findings show that idealized body and body-positive imagery have similar effects on men and women and showcase the importance of considering the effects of body-positivity content for both genders.

Negative body image mental health literacy in women: Exploring aesthetic and functional concerns and the role of self-objectification

Despite its high prevalence in women, few studies have examined lay knowledge and beliefs about negative body image. Yet, studies applying mental health literacy to body image problems suggest recognition of appearance concerns is poor, which could impede help-seeking. The present study extended previous work by investigating problem recognition, beliefs and help-seeking for aesthetic and functional (physical ability focused) body image concerns in women, and the role of self-objectification in help-seeking. A within-subjects online survey design employing the mental health literacy paradigm was undertaken in a sample of 210 female-identifying adults residing in Australia (Mage = 31.25, SD = 12.76). Overall, results indicated that recognition of body image problems depicted via fictional text vignettes was limited. Moreover, recognition, as well as ratings of perceived prevalence, distress, sympathy, affective reactions, and help-seeking recommendations and intentions, were significantly greater for aesthetic compared to functional body image concerns. Self-objectification displayed significant negative associations with help-seeking recommendations for aesthetic (but not functional) concerns, and was not associated with help-seeking intentions. Findings suggest that negative body image mental health literacy is poor in women, particularly in relation to body functionality. More research is needed to facilitate help-seeking and reduce the impact of body image concerns in women.

Ideal Weight and Weight Discrepancy: A Study of Life Course Trajectories and Intercohort Change in the Netherlands

Objective: This study examined how individuals' ideal weight and weight discrepancy (between ideal and actual weight) changed over the life course and across cohorts. Methods: The study used population-representative longitudinal data collected in the Netherlands (N = 61,431 observations between 2007 and 2018 among N = 13,409 individuals aged 16 to 80 and born 1927-2000). Results: Ideal weight increased linearly with age. Weight discrepancy showed a bell-shaped age pattern. Approximately half of the age-related increase in ideal weight was associated with concurrent increases in actual weight. Ideal weight and weight discrepancy increased slightly across cohorts. The cohort-related increase in ideal weight vanished after adjusting for change in actual weight. Analyses of population heterogeneity showed similar patterns of change in both outcomes across groups, although levels differed by gender, education, and migration status even after adjusting for differences in actual weight between these groups. Conclusion: These results show that ideal weight and weight discrepancy in the Netherlands change substantially with age and modestly across cohorts. Potential explanations include changes in physical appearance and in the importance of physical appearance.

Validation and psychometric testing of the Chinese version of the prenatal body image questionnaire

BACKGROUND

The body image during pregnancy potentially affects both short- and long-term maternal and child health outcomes, including pregnancy mood, postpartum weight recovery, and the quality of mother-child interactions. However, research on the impact of body changes during pregnancy in the Chinese population is scarce. A comprehensive, practical, and reliable tool for assessing pregnant women is needed to detect, intervene in, and implement the reduction of physical dissatisfaction risk. This study translated the Prenatal Body Image Questionnaire (PBIQ) into the Chinese version (PBIQ-C) to assess the body image of pregnant women and evaluated its reliability and validity.

METHODS

An improved Brislin translation model was used for the translation. A panel of experts determined the content validity. A convenience sample of 429 pregnant women was chosen from three third-class hospitals in different regions of Fujian Province, China. Factor analysis, Pearson's correlation, retest reliability, and Cronbach's alpha were employed to evaluate structural validity and reliability.

RESULTS

The final PBIQ-C had five dimensions with 21 items. Exploratory factor analysis obtained a five-factor solution, which accounted for a total of 60.34%. Confirmatory factor analysis showed that the model fit of the five-factor model also reached a satisfactory model fit after modifying: The Comparative Fit Index was 0.93, and the Tucker-Lewis Index was 0.92; the Root Mean Square Error of Approximation was 0.079. The content validity index of the scale ranged from 0.63 ~ 1.00. The Cronbach's alpha coefficient was 0.95 for the total scale, and the test-retest reliability was 0.80.

CONCLUSIONS

The findings indicated that the PBIQ-C is a valid and reliable instrument for assessing women's body image during pregnancy, which helps in the early identification of body dissatisfaction during pregnancy and enables the early prevention of postpartum depression.

Body Image Among Sexual and Gender Minorities: An Intersectional Analysis

Body image is consequential for overall well-being and has a complex relation to gender. Sexual and gender minority (SGM) individuals develop body image amid intersecting systems of oppression, such as sexism, cisnormativity, heteronormativity, and gender binary pressures. This study used an intersectionality framework to examine how various aspects of gender identification (cis/trans, binary/nonbinary, woman/man identification) related to body image differences among SGM individuals. We also assessed whether identification with conventionally masculine and feminine personality traits predicted body image. We used one-way and two-way ANOVAs and linear regressions to analyze two indicators of body image (body appreciation and drive for muscularity) in a sample of 643 SGM individuals (148 sexual minority (SM) cis women, 171 trans women, 121 SM cis men, 43 trans men, 160 nonbinary individuals). Results implicated cisnormativity as an influential and hierarchical force for body image, although woman/man and binary/nonbinary identification also played roles in group differences. With a few exceptions, masculine but not feminine trait identification significantly predicted body appreciation and drive for muscularity, indicating a complicated association with overall body image. These findings underscore the value of an intersectional lens for analyzing how broad social forces may manifest in individual-level body image for SGM individuals.

Family Functioning Styles and Exercise Addiction: Disengaged, Enmeshed, and Rigid Family Patterns Are Associated with Exercise Addiction

Physical exercise is a widely recommended practice for promoting health, but for some individuals, this activity can result in pathological and morbid behaviour. Therefore, the study of the factors contributing to the onset, development, and progression of exercise addiction is particularly relevant. Within this framework, the present study assessed the effect of family functioning, body image concerns, age, and gender on exercise addiction. A sample of 300 regular exercisers (Mage = 30.3 years, SD = 11.6; 69.7% females, 30.3% males) participated in the study and completed the Family Adaptability and Cohesion Evaluation Scales-IV, Body Image Concern Inventory, and Exercise Addiction Inventory. Data were analysed by implementing a series of moderated moderated-mediations. Results showed that three significant models were relevant. First, positive associations of disengaged (p < 0.05), enmeshed (p < 0.05), and rigid (p < 0.01) family functioning with exercise addiction were found. Furthermore, body image concerns mediated all these relationships, and the interaction between gender and age significantly moderated the effects of body image concerns on exercise addiction (p < 0.05). Such data may be useful for a deeper understanding of the variables associated with the development of exercise addiction, suggesting key elements on which it might be useful to focus in clinical and/or preventive activity.

The Longitudinal Associations of Body Dissatisfaction with Health and Wellness Behaviors in Midlife and Older Women

Emerging research suggests that body dissatisfaction (BD) is prevalent among midlife and older women (i.e., upwards of 70%). Cross-sectionally, BD is associated with myriad poor health and wellness outcomes (e.g., depression, disordered eating, bad nutrition) in midlife/older women. However, relatively few studies have examined the longitudinal relations between BD and health outcomes in this population. This preliminary study investigated the longitudinal associations of BD with wellbeing and health-related quality of life (QOL) among midlife/older adult women over one year. Participants (n = 86, women aged 40-72 years, M = 51.49, SD = 7.34, 86% white) completed self-report measures of BD, psychosocial impairment, health behaviors, and QOL at baseline (T1) and 12-month follow-up (T2). A series of multiple linear regression models included T1 BD as the predictor variable of health outcomes at T2, covarying for T1 BMI and age in all models. BD was associated with greater negative emotions and psychosocial impairment, less physical activity enjoyment, and poorer physical, psychological, and social QOL one year later. Findings suggest that BD is associated with negative consequences for women across the lifespan (ƒ2 ranges = 0.06-0.60). Future research investigating BD as a unique, modifiable risk factor for health outcomes among diverse samples of midlife/older women is warranted. Targeting BD in interventions may improve health indices beyond eating disorders for this population.

Problematic alcohol use and food and alcohol disturbance in mothers: Examining the role of stress, body dissatisfaction, and wine-mom-consistent drinking

OBJECTIVE

In recent years, women have significantly closed the alcohol use gender gap-and they are drinking more heavily now than in previous decades (Keyes et al., 2019). Furthermore, "wine-mom" culture (which promotes the use of alcohol to cope with the stressors of parenthood) has become increasingly prevalent in society and may be a factor in mothers' alcohol use. In the present study, we examined wine-mom-consistent drinking (whether one's alcohol use corresponds to that promoted by wine-mom culture) as a moderator in the relationship between psychosocial predictors (stress, body dissatisfaction) and alcohol-related outcomes (problematic alcohol use, food and alcohol disturbance-FAD).

METHODS

Participants were mothers (Mage = 40.18, SD = 8.28) recruited through Prolific from both the United States and the United Kingdom (n = 466; 50 % from the US and UK each); they completed the study via a Qualtrics survey.

RESULTS

In the models tested, stress interacted with wine-mom-consistent drinking in predicting FAD (alcohol effects and restriction dimensions), and body dissatisfaction interacted with wine-mom-consistent drinking in predicting the FAD restriction dimension. Compared to those who did not endorse wine-mom-consistent drinking, the relationship between the predictors and the FAD dimensions was stronger among participants who endorsed wine-mom-consistent drinking. Body dissatisfaction and wine-mom-consistent drinking also emerged as significant independent predictors in some of the models.

CONCLUSION

Wine-mom-consistent drinking is associated with problematic alcohol use and FAD among mothers. Further research is needed to better understand wine-mom culture and related psychosocial factors in mothers' drinking motives and behaviors.

Enhancing body image in motherhood: A randomised controlled trial of Expand Your Horizon among mothers of young children

Motherhood can increase vulnerability to body dissatisfaction, but positive body image interventions may mitigate this. Expand Your Horizon (Alleva et al., 2015), an online writing intervention, enhances functionality appreciation, an aspect of positive body image. The intervention's demonstrated efficacy and focus on body functionality indicate its potential use among mothers. However, its original 3-session format may be unfeasible for mothers alongside other commitments. Thus, we tested the impact of a single 15-minute Expand Your Horizon session on state body appreciation and functionality appreciation. Mothers (N = 143) of 0-10-year-olds were randomly allocated to either the intervention group, or an active control group. State body appreciation and functionality appreciation were assessed pre- and post-intervention. Trait self-compassion was tested as a potential moderator. Participants who completed Expand Your Horizon reported greater state body appreciation and functionality appreciation post-intervention than those in the control group. Self-compassion moderated the intervention's effect on state functionality appreciation, with effects strongest for those with lower levels of self-compassion. Overall, findings support the intervention's suitability for mothers, particularly those with low self-compassion. Practical implications include possibly tailoring Expand Your Horizon and similar interventions to benefit all mothers. Future research directions include longitudinal and qualitative designs, and extension to other specific populations.

A short-form drama series created for the digital media environment: A randomised controlled trial exploring effects on girls' body satisfaction, acceptance of appearance diversity, and appearance-related internalised racism

'Edutainment' micro-interventions are a scalable public health strategy that can challenge media-related body image pressures and race- and weight- based stigma. This study evaluated the impact of viewing a brief, theoretically-informed, short-form drama episode on Black and non-Black adolescent girls' body image, acceptance of diversity of appearance (assessed by acceptance of an individual in a larger body and a Black individual), and appearance-related internalised racism (among Black girls only). The fictional drama depicted characters of diverse body sizes and race/ethnicities, with each episode focusing on a risk or protective factor for body image concerns among adolescent girls (e.g., appearance-related teasing and conversations). Participants (N = 686; 50.4 % Black, 49.6 % non-Black) aged 13-18 (Mage = 15.72 years) were randomly allocated to view either the first episode of this series (focused on social media's unrealistic appearance ideals and strategies to resist pressures) or a non-body-image-related control video. Findings revealed no significant differences in body satisfaction between conditions but significant improvements in the acceptance of appearance diversity among all girls who viewed the body image episode. Black girls who viewed this episode experienced significant improvements to appearance-related internalised racism. Edutainment micro-interventions constitute a promising avenue for promoting acceptance of appearance diversity and reducing appearance-related internalised racism.

Body image disturbance, interoceptive sensibility and the body schema across female adulthood: a pre-registered study

Introduction

Body image disturbance (BID) typically involves explicit negative attitudes toward one's shape and weight and is associated with altered interoceptive sensibility (the subjective perception of internal bodily states). This association is a known risk factor for the development and maintenance of eating disorders. However, while research has centred on younger women with eating disorders, diverse facets of BID appear in women without eating disorders across adulthood. Research shows that in the general population, young women (ages 18-25) with high BID exhibit disturbances in the body schema: an implicit sensorimotor representation of the body in space which includes mental simulation of a movement such as motor imagery. Given that body image is subject to age-related influences, it is important to investigate how age-related variation in BID can influence the body schema beyond young adulthood alone. Here, we examine the relationship between BID, interoceptive sensibility and the body schema across female adulthood.

Methods

Cross-sectional data was collected online from 1,214 women across four age groups: Young adults (18-24), Adults (25-39), Middle-aged adults (40-59), and Older aged adults (60-75). BID was indexed by questionnaires measuring body objectification, state, and trait body dissatisfaction. Interoceptive sensibility (IS) was measured using the MAIA-2 questionnaire. The body schema was evaluated through the Own Body Transformation task: a mental rotation task which assesses the capacity to make an embodied mental transformation.

Results

Analyses revealed that while body objectification and trait body dissatisfaction decreased from young to older adulthood, state body dissatisfaction showed a marked increase. A negative relationship between IS and BID across all age groups was also evidenced. Finally, age, BID and orientation of the presented body were significant predictors of the time taken to make an embodied transformation.

Discussion

These findings highlight the consistent relationship of BID and IS across age groups beyond young adulthood and demonstrate the varying importance of different aspects of BID as individuals age. We also evidence for the first time that disruptions in body image have the potential to impact implicit sensorimotor representations of the body even in women without eating disorders across female adulthood.

Context-dependent sexual changes during women's midlife transitions

For women, midlife represents an important stage of transition, including shifts in physiological, social, and sexual experiences. Prior research demonstrates that women's sexuality is more dynamic and context-dependent than men's. Most research focused on women's sexuality in mid- to later-life emphasizes physiological changes, while largely ignoring changes stemming from social, psychological, and relational contexts. The present study examined midlife women's diverse sexual experiences within the context of their lives. We conducted semi-structured interviews with 27 women, ages 39-57, and used interpretative phenomenological analysis to investigate perceptions and interpretations of midlife sexual experiences and changes. Themes included changes in sexual engagement, unwanted sexual experiences, body image, and sexual healthcare. Participants reported changes in the frequency of sex and sexual desire within the context of their diverse social roles and identities, prior intimate relationships, and sexual health. Women contrasted perceptions of their own bodies with societal perceptions of sexiness. Frequently reported negative experiences with sexual healthcare informed a distrust of healthcare systems. The diverse and changing nature of participants' experiences supports prior evidence of sexual fluidity and context-dependence. By questioning societal expectations around sexuality and body image, participants illustrated the potential of counternarratives to combat dominant beliefs and stereotypes about midlife women's sexuality. To improve sexual health and education, psychoeducational interventions for women in midlife are needed.

Effect of body-related information on food attentional bias in women with body weight dissatisfaction

Women with body weight dissatisfaction (BWD) have long-term negative assessments of their body weight, which are often associated with poor eating behavior. In this study, we investigated the effect of body-related information on the food cue processing and attention of women with BWD. Sixty-eight women were recruited and assigned to either a BWD (NPSS-F > 2) (n = 32) or a no body weight dissatisfaction (NBWD) group (NPSS-F < 1) (n = 36). We measured attentional bias to food cues (high- and low-calorie) with a food probe task after exposure to body-related information and recorded eye tracking data. Body-related images were presented prior to a pair of stimulus images (food-neutral or neutral-neutral). Body-related information and food type were repeated measure factors in our study. Our results showed that the first fixation duration bias for high-calorie foods was significantly longer than for low-calorie foods after exposure to overweight cues in the BWD group. Compared with the NBWD group, the BWD group showed longer first fixation duration bias for high-calorie foods after exposure to overweight cues. The direction for high-calorie foods was significantly more often than that for low-calorie foods in the BWD group after exposure to body-related information. Our findings suggest that compared to women with NBWD, women with BWD may be more susceptible to body-related information, resulting in increased attention to high-calorie foods.

Comparing body image dissatisfaction between pregnant women and non-pregnant women: a systematic review and meta-analysis

Body image dissatisfaction refers to negative thoughts and feelings individuals have towards their own body appearance and this is thought to be affected by the physiological changes that occur during pregnancy. There are two main conflicting theories as to the effect pregnancy has on body image dissatisfaction: 1) Pregnancy related changes are in direct conflict with social ideas of female beauty (e.g. weight gain) and so increase body image dissatisfaction; 2) Due to changes in expectations of bodily appearance during pregnancy, women are liberated from social ideals at this time and thus body image dissatisfaction would decrease. This study aimed to assess these theories by synthesising the current literature. Six databases were searched, and 2,017 study abstracts were screened based on strict inclusion and exclusion criteria. Following screening and quality assessment by two blind reviewers, 17 studies (comprising 17 effect sizes) were subject to full review and meta-analysis following PRISMA guidelines. These studies included cross-sectional, longitudinal and retrospective designs. Results varied with some studies showing women to feel more positive about their body during pregnancy, others showing a more negative body experience and yet others showing no statistical difference. Overall the analysis showed no statistical difference in body image dissatisfaction between pregnant women and non-pregnant women (p = 0.39). Any changes that do occur are heterogeneous and likely to be largely dependent on the individual experience as well as moderator variables and other factors such as differences in methodology of research studies. Studies in this field of research would benefit from more explicit and complete reporting of data and key variables, in order to allow early intervention for women who display body image dissatisfaction in pregnancy.

Body image and hopelessness in older adults: The intervening roles of aging self-stereotypes and marital status

The aim of the current study was to examine the association between body image and hopelessness as well as the roles of aging self-stereotypes and marital status in this association in older adults. There were 821 older adults who participated in the present study and completed questionaries about body image, aging self-stereotypes, hopelessness, demographic information (age and sex), marital status, and health status. The results showed that body image was associated with hopelessness in older adults, and aging self-stereotypes mediated the link between body image and hopelessness. Moderated analyses further indicated that the path from body image to aging self-stereotypes was stronger for single older adults than for those who were married. The results emphasize that older adults' dissatisfaction with their body image can enhance negative aging self-stereotypes, which then result in more severe hopelessness. Marital relationships can alleviate the negative effect of body image on aging self-stereotypes in older adults.

Body Dissatisfaction and Restricted Diet in Chinese Adolescents: A Longitudinal Analysis

Background/Objective

Body dissatisfaction and restricted diet frequently co-occur among adolescents. However, the exact temporal relationship between the two is unclear. Furthermore, most relevant studies concentrate on Western cultural backgrounds, with only a few investigations conducted in many non-Western developing countries, including China. Therefore, this study aimed to investigate the mutual relationship between body dissatisfaction and restricted diet among Chinese adolescents.

Patients/Methods

We recruited a sample of 672 middle school students from China (358 females, mean age = 14.33±0.94) and collected self-reported measures of body dissatisfaction and restricted diet at three-time points (with a five-month interval between each). We used cross-lagged models to examine the bidirectional relationship between body dissatisfaction and restricted diet.

Results

(1) Both cross-sectional and cross-lagged correlation analysis showed positive correlation between body dissatisfaction and restricted diet (r=0.29-0.36; r=0.25-0.35, Ps<0.001); (2) The cross-lagged effect of body dissatisfaction on restricted diet was significant (β=0.09, 0.13, Ps<0.01), and vice versa (β=0.20, 0.18, Ps<0.001); (3) The differences in the associations between body dissatisfaction and restricted diet across gender were found.

Conclusion/Implications

There is a bidirectional relationship between adolescents' body dissatisfaction and restricted diet. Our findings enrich the existing literature on body image and dietary health, thereby contributing to the reduction of negative body image and disordered eating among adolescents.

Body image concerns across different sports and sporting levels: A systematic review and meta-analysis

Mixed findings exist regarding whether athletes have different levels of body image concerns to non-athletes. Such body image concerns have not been reviewed recently, meaning that new findings need to be incorporated into our understanding of the adult sporting population. This systematic review and meta-analysis aimed first to characterise body image in adult athletes versus non-athletes, and second to explore whether specific sub-groups of athletes report different body image concerns. Impact of gender and competition level were considered. A systematic search identified 21 relevant papers, mostly rated moderate quality. Following a narrative review, a meta-analysis was conducted to quantify the outcomes. While the narrative synthesis indicated possible differences between types of sport, the meta-analysis demonstrated that athletes in general reported lower body image concerns than non-athletes. In general, athletes had a better body image than non-athletes, with no reliable differences between different type of sport. A combination of prevention and intervention strategies might assist athletes in focusing on the benefits to their body image without encouraging restriction/compensation or overeating. Future research should define comparison groups clearly, along with attending to training background/intensity, external pressures, gender and gender identity.

Delivering a media literacy intervention for body dissatisfaction using an app-based intervention: A feasibility and pilot trial

Body dissatisfaction rates continue to remain high, and the consequences remain dire, especially among young women. Traditional media literacy interventions have found success in addressing body image-related constructs, though they are limited in their reach and are often quickly outdated. This study was designed to examine the feasibility and acceptability of delivering a media literacy intervention via ecological momentary intervention. This pilot study tested a media literacy intervention delivered via a smartphone app designed to disrupt the connection between media use and body dissatisfaction. Thirty-seven undergraduate women (Mage = 21.17; SD = 2.20) received a 15-day media literacy intervention through a smartphone application. The primary outcomes were completion rates, retention rates, percentage of data points lost to technological errors, and participant feedback. The secondary outcome was change in body dissatisfaction. The retention and percentage of data points lost to technological errors, alongside participants' ratings, indicated that this intervention is feasible and acceptable. Several targets were identified to increase participant acceptance and potential efficacy of the intervention. Trait body dissatisfaction decreased, though not significantly, following the intervention. State body image satisfaction improved significantly from the first day to the last day of engagement with the app. Overall, the intervention was deemed feasible and acceptable, opening the door for future research in which the intervention and its delivery system are improved, and its efficacy is reexamined. Future digital media literacy interventions should focus on building a user-centered app, further reducing participant burden, and testing efficacy in large and diverse samples.

Weight stigma after bariatric surgery: A qualitative study with Brazilian women

Prior studies suggest that one anticipated benefit of bariatric surgery is the achievement of a thinner body, one that is less subject to perceived negative judgment and condemnation by others. However, additional analyses also indicate that stigma may persist even with significant post-surgery weight loss. To investigate the stigma-related perceptions and experiences of women who have undergone bariatric surgery and the resulting body transformations, we conducted individual, semi-structured interviews with thirty Brazilian women (15 aged 33-59 and 15 aged 63-72). The resulting text was then analyzed using thematic analysis. We found that some form of weight stigma persisted for our participants, regardless of weight loss. Ongoing experiences of stigma were also evidenced by the constant internal and external vigilance reported by the women, as well as their articulated efforts to distance themselves from their previous bodies. Additionally, participants reported being judged for choosing an "easy way out" to lose weight. Those in the older group reported that weight stigma was entangled with ageism: older participants received mixed messages underscoring the ways that weight and age may interact in doubly stigmatizing ways. Family and close peers were especially powerful sources of stigma experiences. Collectively, these results show that weight stigma persists even when people undergo a procedure to lose substantive weight and that the degree and types of stigma experiences are influenced by gender and age. Our study suggest future research should explore whether a targeted approach might be more effective, for example, an approach that would emphasize the importance of developing coping strategies with respect to experiences of stigma and discrimination after surgery.

Normative body image development: A longitudinal meta-analysis of mean-level change

This meta-analysis synthesized longitudinal data on mean-level change in body image, focusing on the constructs of body satisfaction and dissatisfaction, body esteem, perceived attractiveness, valuation, self-objectification, and body shame. We searched five databases and accessed unpublished data to identify studies that assessed body image at two or more time points over six months or longer. Analyses were based on data from 142 samples representing a total of 128,254 participants. The age associated with the midpoint of measurement intervals ranged from 6 to 54 years. Multilevel metaregression models examined standardized yearly mean change, and the potential moderators of body image construct, gender, birth cohort, attrition rate, age, and time lag. Boys and men showed fluctuations in overall body image with net-improvements between ages 10 and 24. Girls and women showed worsening body image between ages 10 and 16, but improvements between ages 16 and 24. Change was greatest between ages 10 and 14, and stabilized around age 24. We found no effect of construct, birth cohort, or attrition rate. Results suggest a need to revise understandings of normative body image development: sensitive periods may occur somewhat earlier than previously believed, and body image may show mean-level improvements during certain age ranges.

Coping profiles, depression, and body image anxiety during the Covid-19 pandemic: Comparative analysis of females with thyroid diseases and a non-clinical sample

OBJECTIVES

This study aimed to compare profiles of coping among females with thyroid disorders and females from a healthy control group regarding depression levels and body image anxiety. We also wanted to check whether subjectively experienced Covid-19-related psychological distress moderated the above-mentioned association in both groups of participants.

METHOD

The study sample comprised 564 females, of which 329 were diagnosed with a thyroid disease and 235 formed the healthy control group. Participants filled out paper-and-pencil or online versions of psychometric questionnaires to assess coping strategies, depression, and body image anxiety.

RESULTS

In general, we observed higher depression intensity and a higher level of body image anxiety among females with thyroid diseases than among the healthy control group. Latent profile analysis revealed adaptive vs. maladaptive coping profiles from both study samples. Depression symptoms were significantly higher if coping was maladaptive in both the clinical and control groups. Still, there were no significant differences in body image anxiety between participants with adaptive and maladaptive coping profiles. Covid-19-related distress did not moderate the link between coping profiles, depression, and body image anxiety in either group.

CONCLUSION

Greater focus should be placed on the role of body image in females struggling with thyroid diseases. Bodily therapy may help these patients to cope better with co-occurring thyroid diseases and mental disorders, whose relationship is still not fully understood.

A structural invariance analysis of the acceptance model of intuitive eating across black, hispanic, and white young-adult women

In this cross-sectional study, structural invariance of the acceptance model of intuitive eating was examined between a sample of Black (n = 420), Hispanic (n = 420), and White (n = 435) cisgender women between the ages of 18-30 years old residing in the United States. Mean age for the total sample (n = 1275) was 24.17 years old (SD = 3.65). Women were recruited via Qualtrics Sampling, and self-report measures were administered online. Multigroup analyses were employed within a structural equation modeling framework, and measurement invariance at the configural, metric, scalar, and strict/residual levels was investigated first. After uncovering and accounting for several error variances that were non-invariant, multigroup structural invariance analyses indicated that paths within the model were invariant across the three ethnicities of women. BMI was also incorporated into the model, which, likewise, showed invariance in its associations with specific constructs. With due cautions related to the impact of cultural ideals regarding appearance and the interplay of ethnicity and body-related experiences among women, these results provide preliminary evidence that the model may apply to Black, White, and Hispanic women in the U.S.

Barriers and facilitators to physical activity for young adult women: a systematic review and thematic synthesis of qualitative literature

BACKGROUND

Physical activity (PA) has many benefits in preventing diseases and maintaining physical and mental health. Women, in particular, can benefit from regular PA. However, women's PA did not increase over the past decade globally, and the situations faced by women are often gender-specific. Healthy young adult women's PA does not receive as much attention as older women and adolescent girls, yet, they face the same situation of low level of PA. This review aims to explore and synthesise the self-identified barriers and facilitators to young adult women's participation in PA from qualitative research studies and offer suggestions for future studies and programs designed for this population.

METHODS

A systematic search was conducted in Pubmed, Web of Science, Scopus, Medline, and SPORTDiscus for studies published between January 2000 to February 2022 to identify qualitative studies on the barriers and facilitators of young adult women's PA between ages 18 to 40. The search yielded 694 studies initially, of which 23 were included. The research quality of included studies was appraised using the Critical Appraisal Skills Programme (CASP) tool. Data were extracted and thematically analysed based on the tenets of the social-ecological model (SEM).

RESULTS

Identified barriers and facilitators were grouped into different levels of the SEM, with the most frequently cited factors being time, body image and societal beauty standards, family duty and social support, religious and cultural norms, organisation and community facilities and environment, safety issues and physical environment. Descriptive data were thematically analysed and synthesised in line with the five levels: body image, health and beauty; multiple roles, support, and PA; religious identity, cultural identity, and PA; safety issues and women's fears.

CONCLUSIONS

This qualitative synthesis revealed in-depth information on barriers and facilitators influencing young adult women's PA. It highlighted that the factors young adult women face are diverse at different levels yet holistic and intertwined. Future studies on young adult women's PA should address the social-cultural influence and would benefit from applying multilevel strategies employing the SEM model. It is critical to create an open and inclusive environment and offer more opportunities for women.

TRIAL REGISTRATION

PROSPERO CRD42021290519.

Perceived Body Image towards Disordered Eating Behaviors and Supplement Use: A Study of Mauritian Gym-Goers

Purpose: Individuals with body image distortions tend to develop an obsession with calorie intake and weight, leading to compounded coping strategies such as modified eating behaviors, supplement use, and excessive exercise. In the local context, little is known about the equation connecting body image to improper eating behaviors and other potential coping mechanisms. This study primarily aims at critically identifying the nexus between features of disordered eating behavior including supplement use, and body image. Methodology: A probabilistic randomized sample of 305 gym members was assessed based on their level of body satisfaction and its influence on their eating habits and supplement use through a structured survey. Findings: Only 37% of the participants were satisfied with their body image. The results concurred with the notion of a poor body image influencing body esteem (χ2 (10) = 137.21, p < 0.05; Cramer V = 0.474). While exercise motivated the use of supplements, a significant relationship was also observed between disordered eating habits and supplement use (χ2 (4) = 48.63, p < 0.05; Cramer V = 0.399). A predictive model was successfully drawn inclusive of the disordered eating behaviors dimensions as a potent predictor of body image (χ2 (56) = 397.12, p < 0.001. Implications: This study presents an in-depth analysis of the magnitude of disordered eating behaviors with respect to individuals in the local fitness industry, and the need for professional support programs toward the re-alignment of body image in an effort to curtail the development of eating disorders in Mauritian gym-goers.

Negative body image and avoidant retrieval of body-related autobiographical memories

People with a negative body image may be more likely to recall negative memories of their body, but also be motivated to avoid retrieving specific memories to prevent triggering aversive emotions (e.g., disgust). Such inclination to retain at a global level of memory recall may hamper the correction of their negative body image. In previous research using Autobiographical Memory Tests (AMTs) with minimal instructions, we failed to find an overgeneral memory bias specific to individuals with a negative body image but observed low specificity overall in response to body cue words. In the present study (N = 153), we included the traditional AMT next to a minimal instructions AMT and explored the idea that sensory reliving may be relevant to avoidance by assessing sensory reliving ratings next to memory specificity. A negative body image was associated with more negative body memories. In both AMTs, the findings failed to support our prediction that a more negative body image would be associated with lower specificity or sensory reliving. The findings are consistent with the view that autobiographical memories might be an important factor in defining one's body image, yet cast doubt on the relevance of avoidant retrieval of body-related memories in non-clinical samples.

Examining health experiences and body dissatisfaction in two unique samples of patients with type 2 diabetes

Using cross-sectional data from two samples of adult patients with type 2 diabetes (n = 123 and n = 111), we used an embodiment perspective to examine whether health experiences were related to the extent of individuals' dissatisfaction with their bodies. The nature and strength of associations differed across the two unique samples examined, but weight status had the strongest and most robust association with body dissatisfaction in both samples. None of the associations differed as a function of gender or age. These findings contribute to an understanding of the complex relationship between physical and mental health in the context of diabetes.

Ideal body image for the opposite sex and its association with body mass index

This research studied the preferences reported by women and men about their Ideal Body Image for the Opposite Sex (IBIOS), and its association with body mass index (BMI). It also analysed the preferences of each sex for a woman's ideal body image (W-IBI) and a man's ideal body image (M-IBI). A total of 450 participants aged 18-70 years with different weights were studied. Their IBIOS was assessed using standard figural stimuli. The sample was divided in four groups by sex and age (<45 years; ≥45 years). Sex and age differences in IBIOS, as well as sex differences in the preferences for a woman's ideal body image (W-IBI) and a man's ideal body image (M-IBI), were tested using a non-parametric Mann-Whitney U test. The association between IBIOS and BMI was analysed using Spearman's correlation. In all groups, the most chosen silhouette as IBIOS was number 4. In the under-45 years group, women chose bigger silhouettes for the opposite sex than men did (p<0.05). In this age group women chose as ideal smaller silhouettes for the female body than men did (p<0.01). In addition, women and men in the younger age group and with normal weight chose smaller silhouettes, while those who were overweight or obese selected larger silhouettes (p<0.001). Age was found to be a relevant factor in IBIOS preferences, and in the association between IBIOS and nutritional status as measured by BMI, which was only observed to be significant in the younger age group.

Cognitive Defusion and Psychological Flexibility Predict Negative Body Image in the Chinese College Students: Evidence from Acceptance and Commitment Therapy

Body dissatisfaction is a global phenomenon. Despite the significant cultural difference, most research on negative body image was conducted in Western countries. How do cognitive fusion and psychological flexibility relate to negative body image in the Chinese population? In the present study, this question was investigated through the intervention technique, Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT). Here, 86 young Chinese university students with high negative physical self were invited, in which 42 students received 10 sessions of group-based ACT intervention in a clinical setting while the remained acted as the control group with no intervention. Pretests showed no statistical differences in negative body image between these two groups, while both cognitive fusion and psychological flexibility predicted negative body image. Post-pre tests showed no change in the control group, while enhanced cognitive defusion and psychological flexibility in the ACT group. Individual differences in psychological flexibility and cognitive defusion enhancement predicted improved body image. A strong association of implicit body image with Fatness and Shortness changes suggested that although with individual differences, those components could be internalized during the intervention in the College students.

Predicting Overweight and Obesity Status Among Malaysian Working Adults With Machine Learning or Logistic Regression: Retrospective Comparison Study

BACKGROUND

Overweight or obesity is a primary health concern that leads to a significant burden of noncommunicable disease and threatens national productivity and economic growth. Given the complexity of the etiology of overweight or obesity, machine learning (ML) algorithms offer a promising alternative approach in disentangling interdependent factors for predicting overweight or obesity status.

OBJECTIVE

This study examined the performance of 3 ML algorithms in comparison with logistic regression (LR) to predict overweight or obesity status among working adults in Malaysia.

METHODS

Using data from 16,860 participants (mean age 34.2, SD 9.0 years; n=6904, 41% male; n=7048, 41.8% with overweight or obesity) in the Malaysia's Healthiest Workplace by AIA Vitality 2019 survey, predictor variables, including sociodemographic characteristics, job characteristics, health and weight perceptions, and lifestyle-related factors, were modeled using the extreme gradient boosting (XGBoost), random forest (RF), and support vector machine (SVM) algorithms, as well as LR, to predict overweight or obesity status based on a BMI cutoff of 25 kg/m².

RESULTS

The area under the receiver operating characteristic curve was 0.81 (95% CI 0.79-0.82), 0.80 (95% CI 0.79-0.81), 0.80 (95% CI 0.78-0.81), and 0.78 (95% CI 0.77-0.80) for the XGBoost, RF, SVM, and LR models, respectively. Weight satisfaction was the top predictor, and ethnicity, age, and gender were also consistent predictor variables of overweight or obesity status in all models.

CONCLUSIONS

Based on multi-domain online workplace survey data, this study produced predictive models that identified overweight or obesity status with moderate to high accuracy. The performance of both ML-based and logistic regression models were comparable when predicting obesity among working adults in Malaysia.

Self-compassion and body image in pregnancy and postpartum: A randomized pilot trial of a brief self-compassion meditation intervention

The current study evaluated the efficacy of a three-week self-compassion (SC) meditation intervention in improving body image and SC during pregnancy and postpartum. Participants (n = 71; age = 31.92 ± 3.98 years; white = 61, 85.9%; intervention = 35, 49.3%; pregnant = 33, 46.5%; postpartum = 38, 53.5%) were recruited from a health coaching program and 35 were randomly assigned into a three-week SC meditation intervention while 36 were randomly assigned to a waitlist control condition. Linear regressions using full-information maximum likelihood estimation examined the effect of intervention group on body image and SC outcomes controlling for baseline level of outcome, pregnancy or postpartum status, previous meditation experience, and physical activity. Results indicated women in the intervention group reported significantly reduced body shame and body dissatisfaction and improved body appreciation and self-compassion compared to women in the control group. Implementation of a brief SC meditation intervention during pregnancy and postpartum has potential to improve mental health outcomes related to body image. Future work should replicate this study with a larger, more diverse sample of women.