Women's body representations across the life course: A comparative study in Southern Brazil

The aim of this study is to observe how women of different ages represent their bodies and the changes they undergo across their life course. The research is based on the theory of social representations, idealized by Serge Moscovici. A total of 201 women between 25 and 88 years old from southern Brazil participated in the research. The methodological instrument consists of a questionnaire containing free associations, sentence completion and selection of images. The processing and classification of the data were done by the software Evoc (2000) and content analysis. The results showed differences between the age groups. Younger women represented the body according to aesthetic references and manifested the desire to monitor the body. Older women related the body more frequently with notions of health, social relationships, and leisure. The memories of a younger body and anticipations of an older one reflected the conventions about ageing. The study also shows that concerns about bodily limitations and age-related diseases were frequent in all age groups and may guide behaviour and attitudes towards the body. The study can inform policymakers on the needs and expectations of a growing ageing sector of the population in Brazil and worldwide.

Body positivity through creative immersion: A qualitative study of women’s pole dancing experiences

Perceptions of body image are shaped by sociocultural influences and have been extensively examined in relation to physical and psychological health outcomes. Our study explores concepts of body image manifested through experiences of "flow" among women in South Korea who participate in pole dancing as a recreational physical activity. A qualitative research design incorporating the hermeneutic phenomenological approach revealed that pole dancing serves as a creative medium which embodies a central role in the lives of women of diverse cultural and socioeconomic backgrounds by promoting body appreciation, self-acceptance, improving physical health, enhancing confidence, providing a sense of enjoyment, and establishing social support. Our findings affirm the significance of leisure based physical activities that emphasize functionality and promote positive body image such as pole dancing may be an effective self-care strategy which can be incorporated in health interventions for women within community programs on an international scale.

Body Satisfaction and Associated Predictors Among Baby Boomer Women in Rural and Urban Manitoba

Purpose: This study examines body satisfaction, weight attitudes, dieting behaviours, and aging concerns of baby boomer women (BBW; born 1946-1965) from rural and urban Manitoba.Methods: Primary data collection occurred November 2015, and 1083 participants completed the Body Image and Food Choice Survey. Four strata of BBW were represented to examine differences between older and younger BBW and location of residence. Multinomial logistic regression models were fit to determine predictors of weight and appearance satisfaction. Odds ratios and 95% confidence intervals were considered significant at p ≤ 0.05.Results: Fifty-three percent of participants were satisfied with their appearance, whereas only 34% were satisfied with their weight. Ninety-one percent desired to lose weight (29.9 ± 29.3 lbs). Aging anxiety was evident for 46% of participants and associated with appearance satisfaction (χ² = 27.46, df = 4, p < 0.001). Body work and dieting behaviours were used to mitigate body dissatisfaction, and media influence was associated with both appearance (χ² = 76.17, df = 6, p < 0.001) and weight satisfaction (χ² = 67.90, df = 6, p < 0.001). Desired weight change, appearance stress, appearance importance, and self-rated health predicted both weight and appearance satisfaction.Conclusions: There is a need for greater awareness of aging women's body image concerns and the need for age-appropriate tools/resources to help dietitians support women achieve a healthy body image.

Modeling the associations between internal body orientation, body appreciation, and intuitive eating among early-adult and middle-adult men and women: A multigroup structural invariance analysis

This cross-sectional study investigated the associations among internal body orientation, body appreciation, intuitive eating, age, and BMI in men and women between 30 and 70 years old as delineated in the acceptance model of intuitive eating. Self-report measures were administered to a final sample of 522 individuals consisting of early-adult men (ages 30-44; n = 153), middle-adult men (ages 45-70; n = 108), early-adult women (ages 30-44; n = 135), and middle-adult women (ages 45-70; n = 126). Overall mean age was 45.03 (SD = 10.95). Structural equation modeling evidenced that, for both age groups of men and women, internal body orientation was positively associated with body appreciation and body appreciation was positively associated with intuitive eating. Internal body orientation was positively associated with intuitive eating in each group, except early-adult women. The associations among age and BMI with the aforementioned variables were inconsistent. Although evidencing measurement non-invariance among a number of parameters, multigroup structural invariance analyses showed that the associations among internal body orientation, body appreciation, intuitive eating, age, and BMI were invariant across each gender and age. These results further confirm components of the acceptance model of intuitive eating among men and women in early-adulthood and middle-adulthood.

Body dissatisfaction in midlife women: The applicability of the tripartite influence model

Body image issues and disordered eating are relatively under-researched areas within midlife populations. Accordingly, this study investigated the applicability of the Tripartite Influence Model (TIM) to midlife women. In an online survey, predominately Australian female participants (N = 206) aged 40-55 years (M = 46.75, SD = 4.54) completed measures related to sociocultural pressures, thin-ideal internalisation, appearance comparison, body dissatisfaction, bulimic symptoms, restrained eating, and psychological distress. Path analysis was used to evaluate the model. Greater peer and media pressure were associated with greater appearance comparison, which in turn was associated with greater thin-ideal internalisation, and through this greater body dissatisfaction. Similarly, greater body dissatisfaction was associated with greater restrained eating and bulimic symptoms, which in turn were associated with greater psychological distress. Unexpectedly, family pressure also emerged as an important direct predictor of outcomes, while sociocultural influences were not associated with thin-ideal internalisation, nor was family pressure associated with appearance comparison. Furthermore, appearance comparison was not associated with body dissatisfaction. Overall, the findings provide partial support for applicability of the TIM for midlife women and suggest practical implications such as targeted interventions that may assist body image disturbance and associated outcomes for midlife women.

Internalization of body shape ideals and body dissatisfaction: A systematic review and meta-analysis

OBJECTIVE

The present meta-analysis summarizes existing evidence on the relationship between the internalization of body shape ideals (IBSI) and body dissatisfaction.

METHOD

Pooled effect sizes (r) were computed using a random-effects model. The robustness of the results was examined using influence analyses. Potential predictors of effect heterogeneity were examined using subgroup analysis and univariable/multivariable meta-regressions. Publication bias was examined using the three-parameter selection model (3PSM).

RESULTS

A total of 141 effect-sizes from 78 studies (N = 39,491) were retrieved. Results revealed medium (r = .25; muscular/athletic-ideal internalization) to very large (r = .43, general attractiveness-ideal internalization; and r = .45, thin-ideal internalization) relationships, all these being largely similar in male and female individuals.

DISCUSSION

IBSI and body dissatisfaction were strongly linked: (a) in younger individuals (general attractiveness-ideal internalization); (b) when IBSI was operationalized in terms of endorsement rather than mere awareness of appearance ideals; (c) in studies of lower methodological quality (muscular/athletic-ideal internalization); and (d) when IBSI was assessed using instruments involving social comparisons. Given the largely cross-sectional nature of data included in this meta-analysis, further testing in prospective and experimental studies is needed to confirm hypotheses about causality of observed associations. Such findings would have impact for prevention and intervention studies.

Medium Matters: A Decade of Media Consumption Predicts Positive and Negative Dimensions of Self-Perceptions of Aging

OBJECTIVES

Media consumption over time is suggested to be a significant contributor to how people develop their self-perceptions of aging (SPA); however, this association has only been investigated with cross-sectional methodologies. The current study used growth curve modeling to examine the influence of 10 years of television, newspaper, radio, and book consumption on positive and negative dimensions of SPA.

METHODS

Growth curve modeling on 4 waves of data from the German Aging Survey (N = 2,969), a population-based representative survey of adults aged 40-95, was used to examine the longitudinal associations between media consumption and SPA trajectories.

RESULTS

Across 10 years, more television intake (B = -0.58, 95% CI [-0.94, -0.21]) was associated with lower perceptions of continuous growth. Inversely, greater book (B = 0.10, 95% CI [0.06, 0.13]) and radio (B = 0.52, 95% CI [0.29, 0.74]) consumption was significantly linked to higher perceptions of continuous growth. In parallel, more television (B = 0.88, 95% CI [0.52, 1.25]) and newspaper consumption (B = 0.46, 95% CI [0.04, 0.88]) was associated with higher perceptions of physical decline, while greater radio (B = -0.40, 95% CI [-0.64, -0.16]) and book (B = -0.05, 95% CI [-0.09, -0.00]) consumption was associated with lower perceptions of physical decline.

DISCUSSION

This study provides longitudinal evidence for the relationship between media consumption and SPA. However, not all types of media intake are negative as radio and book consumption were associated with better SPA across time. Age-group differences were investigated and are discussed in the Supplementary Materials.

The effectiveness of positive appearance and functionality reflective writing tasks on state body image and response to idealised media exposure among 35-60 year-old women

Functionality and appearance-based reflective writing tasks can improve body image in young women. There is limited research investigating these tasks in mature women. This study tested (a) the effectiveness of writing tasks on women's state body image and (b) whether these tasks buffered responses to idealised media. Women (N = 240, M_age = 44.58) were randomly allocated to write about the positive aspects of their body functionality, their appearance, or their stress management techniques. They were then exposed to images of cities, or thin-ideal models presented in either posed or active ways. Body appreciation, appearance satisfaction, and functionality satisfaction were measured at pre-reflection, post-reflection, and post-image exposure. Social comparison was measured at post-image. The functionality writing task produced immediate improvements across all state measures, while the positive appearance and stress reflection tasks produced improvements in functionality satisfaction. Image exposure then produced a decrease across all measures, except for body appreciation which remained stable in women who had completed the functionality reflections. No difference in social comparison was found between reflection conditions. The active images resulted in more functionality-based comparison than posed images. These findings contribute to the literature showing benefits of writing tasks which focus on appreciating one's body functionality.

Does culture moderate the relationship between body dissatisfaction and quality of life? A comparative study of Australian and Malaysian emerging adults

Investigating moderating effects of culture between body dissatisfaction (BD) and quality of life (QoL) is paramount, as BD affects psychosocial functioning. Participants include 866 females (18–25) years old from Australia (n = 464) M (20.88) SD (3.38) and Malaysia (n = 402) M (20.63) SD (2.05). Higher levels of BD predicted lower levels of QoL across all four domains. BD had the strongest effect on psychological QoL for both cultures. Culture moderated the relationship between BD and: (i) physical QoL and (ii) environmental QoL. The adverse impact of BD on all domains of QoL, highlights the importance of BD as a public health problem.

Examining eating disorder-related social comparison orientation and body dissatisfaction in the relationship between fit ideal internalization and drunkorexia engagement

The aim of the present study was to examine the relationship between fit ideal internalization and drunkorexia engagement in women. Specifically, in line with the Tripartite Influence Model, we examined the indirect effect of fit ideal internalization on drunkorexia through eating disorder-related social comparison orientation and body dissatisfaction. Data were collected from two samples of women-college undergraduate students (n = 198) and women recruited through Amazon Mechanical Turk (n = 324)-in order to test the model across the two groups. All participants completed the consent forms and then questionnaires via Qualtrics between March and June 2020. The results suggest that fit ideal internalization, body dissatisfaction, and eating disorder-related social comparison orientation are linked to drunkorexia. More specifically, multigroup path analyses indicated that there was an indirect effect of fit ideal internalization on drunkorexia via eating disorder-related social comparison orientation but not through body dissatisfaction. In examining the role of different types of eating disorder-related social comparison orientation (body, eating, exercise) in the model, more nuanced patterns emerged across the samples. Future research examining potential mediators and moderators of the relationship between eating disorder-related social comparison orientation and drunkorexia would be beneficial in expanding this area of study.

The ageing body: contributing attitudinal factors towards perceptual body size estimates in younger and middle-aged women

Over-estimation of body size, a core feature of eating disorders (EDs), has been well-documented both in young healthy and ED individuals. Yet, evidence that altered body perception might also affect older women is limited. Here, we examined whether attitudinal components of body image (i.e. the feelings an individual has about their body size and shape) might affect perceived actual and ideal body shape self-estimates in midlife, similarly to younger women. Thirty-two younger (mean age, 24.22 years) and 33 middle-aged (mean age, 53.79 years) women took part to a computerized body perception assessment of perceived, actual and ideal aspects of body image. Body mass index (BMI), societal and interpersonal aspects of appearance ideals, measured by means of Sociocultural Attitudes towards Appearance Questionnaire (SATAQ-4), and assessment of body uneasiness and concerns for specific body parts, measured by Body Uneasiness Test (BUT-A/B) scales, were also investigated. Younger and middle-aged women with larger BMI showed greater discrepancy in perceptual distortions from their perceived actual body size. However, middle-aged women with greater body part concerns overestimated their perceived body size, as opposed to younger women who were almost accurate. Unlike middle-aged women, younger women with higher body part concerns desired slimmer ideal body image than their perceived actual. Results suggest that distortions in the perceived actual and ideal body size self-estimates of younger and middle-aged women are best explained by a combination of BMI, body part concerns and the particular age group to which a participant belonged. In the future, a personalized approach for the assessment of women's perceptions and concerns of specific body areas during lifespan should be adopted.

Sources of body comparison and their relation to body image concerns among middle-aged women

The aim of the current study is to evaluate different sources of body comparison (e.g., same-sex peers, models, young adult celebrities, middle-aged celebrities, older celebrities, and self-oriented body comparison to one's younger self) and their relation to body image concerns among middle-aged women. Participants were 347 middle-aged women, ages 40-63, who completed questionnaires. After controlling for multiple comparisons, results indicated that participants engaged in body comparison to same-sex peers most frequently, followed by self-oriented body comparison, compared to other sources, and in body comparison to young adult celebrities significantly less frequently than any other source. Additionally, same-sex peers body comparisons and self-oriented body comparisons were significantly associated with body image concerns above and beyond all other sources of comparison. Results highlight limitations of past research into social comparison due to the lack of consideration of the novel construct of self-oriented body comparison, which demonstrates unique linkages to body image concerns above and beyond previously established external sources.

The impact of body diversity vs thin-idealistic media messaging on health outcomes: an experimental study

The recent rise in body dissatisfaction and weight bias has led to a call to the media to increase the diversity of their imagery, in efforts to challenge the thin-ideal. Therefore, this study aimed to evaluate the effects of both body diversity and thin-ideal interventions on health outcomes. Female participants (n = 160) were randomly allocated into an intervention group: body diversity; thin-ideal; control. They completed measures of body satisfaction, body compassion, internalisation of the thin-ideal, weight bias and behavioural intentions at baseline and post-intervention. The results showed significant differences between groups for weight bias and intentions to eat healthily. Specifically, those in the body diversity intervention group reported a greater reduction in weight bias compared to the other conditions. Further, those in the thin-ideal intervention group reported a greater increase in intentions to eat healthily compared to the other conditions. There were no differences between groups for body satisfaction, body compassion, internalisation of the thin-ideal and behavioural intentions to exercise and manage weight. In conclusion, exposure to body diversity images reduced weight bias whereas exposure to the thin-ideal promoted intentions towards healthy eating. These findings therefore offer empirical evidence for the impact of using different types of imagery to change different health outcomes.

Psychological and sociocultural influences on body image among midlife women with and without a history of breast cancer: Testing the Tripartite Influence Model of Body Image

Body image concerns are common among breast cancer survivors and women in midlife. However, effective interventions are lacking for breast cancer survivors. This may be related to prior research having examined non-modifiable and medicalised influences on body image, instead of modifiable sociocultural and psychological influences. An adaptation of the 'Tripartite Influence Model of Body Image' was tested among women with (n = 169; mean age = 49.9) and without (n = 323; mean age = 47.6) a history of breast cancer, to investigate whether psychological and sociocultural influences on body image were similar between groups. Structural equation modelling revealed the model fit was satisfactory. Media pressure had an indirect effect on body image among both groups, and a direct effect among women treated for breast cancer. An additional influence of relevance only to women without breast cancer was pressure from friends. Overall, findings indicate common influences of media pressure and appearance comparisons on body image among both groups of women. This suggests that with some tailoring, existing evidence-based body image interventions designed for midlife women targeting these factors may also be relevant and beneficial for breast cancer survivors.

Selfie-Viewing and Facial Dissatisfaction among Emerging Adults: A Moderated Mediation Model of Appearance Comparisons and Self-Objectification

With the visual turn in online communication, selfies have become common on social media. Although selfies as a way of self-representation provide people with more chances to express themselves, the adverse effects selfies could bring to users' body image need to be treated seriously. This study tested whether selfie-viewing behaviour on social media was related to facial dissatisfaction and whether appearance comparisons played a mediating role. Moreover, the self-objectification was examined as a moderator between selfie-viewing behaviour and facial dissatisfaction via appearance comparisons. Results showed that more selfie-viewing was associated with higher facial dissatisfaction, and this relationship was mediated by appearance comparisons. The study also found that self-objectification moderated the indirect relation between selfie-viewing and facial dissatisfaction via appearance comparisons. Gender differences were also found to affect the mediation model. Our research provides new insights into the interactions between social media use and perception of body image.

Appearance investment: The construct that changed the field of body image

In the mid-1990s, Thomas F. Cash developed the construct of appearance investment and an instrument to measure it, the Appearance Schemas Inventory (ASI). This was followed by a significant revision of this measure, the ASI-R. This instrument distinguished two dimensions to appearance investment, one referring to engagement in behaviours meant to improve appearance esthetics, and one referring to the importance of appearance for self-definition. The construct of appearance investment and its measurement gave rise to a new area of research that widened our understanding of body image beyond the ubiquitous construct of satisfaction. In this paper, we review the literature on appearance investment and offer conclusions based on the different study designs in which either the ASI or ASI-R were used. This is followed by general conclusions about the current state of the research on appearance investment, and future directions to improve our understanding of the factors contributing to the development of excessive investment in appearance.

Facebook, body esteem, and body surveillance in adult women: The moderating role of self-compassion and appearance-contingent self-worth

This study examined how Facebook use and specific Facebook activities were associated with body esteem and body surveillance in adult women. This study also examined whether self-compassion and appearance-contingent self-worth moderated the relationship between Facebook appearance comparison and body esteem, and the relationship between Facebook appearance comparison and body surveillance. Self-report measures were administered to adult women (N = 232) between the ages of 20 and 72 (M = 35.91) recruited through MTurk. Results indicated that Facebook appearance-exposure and Facebook appearance comparison significantly related to body surveillance, whereas only Facebook appearance comparison significantly related to body esteem. Overall Facebook use and Facebook intensity were not significantly associated with either body esteem or body surveillance. Self-compassion and appearance-contingent self-worth significantly related to body esteem and body surveillance. However, neither self-compassion nor appearance-contingent self-worth significantly moderated the relationship between Facebook appearance comparison and body surveillance. Similarly, a lack of significant moderation was found for the relationship between Facebook appearance comparison and body esteem. The importance of studying body image and Facebook activities in adult women is discussed. Additionally, the importance for researchers to examine how specific Facebook activities, beyond Facebook use, are linked with body image in this population is also highlighted.

Personality, emotion-related variables, and media pressure predict eating disorders via disordered eating in Lebanese university students

PURPOSE

Disordered eating behaviors are on the rise among youth. The present study investigates psychosocial and weight-related variables as predictors of eating disorders (ED) through disordered eating (DE) dimensions (namely restrained, external, and emotional eating) in Lebanese university students.

METHODS

The sample consisted of 244 undergraduates (143 female) aged from 18 to 31 years (M = 20.06; SD = 1.67). Using path analysis, two statistical models were built separately with restrained and emotional eating as dependent variables, and all possible direct and indirect pathways were tested for mediating effects. The variables tested for were media influence, perfectionism, trait emotional intelligence, and the Big Five dimensions.

RESULTS

In the first model, media pressure, self-control, and extraversion predicted eating disorders via emotional eating. In the second model, media pressure and perfectionism predicted eating disorders via restrained eating.

DISCUSSION

Findings from this study provide an understanding of the dynamics between DE, ED, and key personality, emotion-related, and social factors in youth. Lastly, implications and recommendations for future studies are advanced.

Evaluating attitudes about aging and body comparison as moderators of the relationship between menopausal status and disordered eating and body image concerns among middle-aged women

OBJECTIVE

Evidence suggests the menopausal period may be a unique window of vulnerability for the development or exacerbation of eating disorder symptoms among middle-aged women; however, it is unclear who is most at risk during this period. The goal of this study was to evaluate whether appearance-related aging concerns and body comparison, two sociocultural factors, moderated the association between menopausal status and disordered eating behaviors and body image concerns among middle-aged women.

METHOD

Participants (N = 310) completed an online survey about their menopausal status, aging concerns, body comparison, disordered eating, and body image concerns.

RESULTS

Tests of moderator models revealed that at low levels of aging concerns, peri-menopausal women reported greater dietary restraint than pre-menopausal or post-menopausal women. Additionally, among women with high scores for body comparison, post-menopausal women reported significantly more dietary restraint than either pre- or peri-menopausal women.

DISCUSSION

These findings suggest that the effects of menopause on dietary restraint may be stronger for some women than others.

Menopausal status and disordered eating and body image concerns among middle-aged women

OBJECTIVE

Eating disorders are present among middle-aged women, yet most eating disorder knowledge comes from adolescents and young adults. There is arguably a need for research specific to middle-aged women and eating pathology. One biological factor that may contribute to eating disorder symptoms and is unique to middle-aged women is menopause, given the changes in body shape and weight that direct women's bodies away from the young, thin beauty standard.

METHOD

This study explored group differences in disordered eating and body image by menopausal status. Participants were 310 middle-aged women between the ages of 40 and 68. They completed an online survey about their menopausal status, disordered eating, and body image concerns. We compared disordered eating behaviors and attitudes across three groups: premenopausal women, perimenopausal women, and postmenopausal women.

RESULTS

Results indicated no group differences on either disordered eating or body image concerns by menopausal status.

DISCUSSION

These findings suggest the perimenopausal period may not be a window of vulnerability for women in general. Given these mixed findings, future research should examine moderators to determine when there are menopausal status group differences on eating pathology.

Eating pathology in midlife women: Similar or different to younger counterparts?

OBJECTIVE

This study examined potential similarities and differences between women with eating disorders (EDs) in midlife and their younger counterparts.

METHOD

Seven hundred and three women assessed by a specialist eating disorder service were divided into three groups based on age (18-25, 25-40, and 40+) and compared on a number of clinical and demographic measures. Distribution of ED diagnoses was also examined between groups.

RESULTS

Midlife women were less likely to receive a diagnosis of anorexia nervosa and more likely to receive a diagnosis of binge-eating disorder than their younger counterparts. Duration of illness was longer and age of ED onset later in the midlife group but no differences were seen on measures of global ED pathology, psychosocial impairment, or psychological distress.

DISCUSSION

This study adds to the developing literature concerning EDs in midlife women, although further work is needed to support the findings presented here and to examine profiles of males presenting to treatment centers.

The effects of priming in a cued dot-probe task on appearance-related attentional biases in women

The dot-probe task (DPT) is a reaction time measure of attentional bias. Research using this task has found inconsistent patterns of appearance-related attentional biases in women. This study examined the effects of a novel priming variation of the DPT, which incorporated additional cues into each trial of the task, on measurement of such biases. The study also examined associations between these biases and body image, a component of eating disorder symptomatology. A convenience sample of women from the general community (N = 103) completed body image measures online and attended a laboratory session to complete one of four DPTs: (1) an appearance-cued DPT containing images of thin-ideal models between each trial; (2) neutral-cued DPT containing images of forests; (3) time-delayed DPT controlling for time in place of an image; or (4) typical DPT containing only word stimuli. Women who completed the appearance-cued DPT demonstrated a stronger attentional bias for positive, but not negative, appearance words than women who completed the other DPT versions. Furthermore, for the appearance-cued and time-delayed DPTs, this bias correlated with poorer body image across several indicators (appearance evaluation, body dissatisfaction, self-evaluative salience of appearance, and state body satisfaction). Although it was unexpected that no attentional bias for negative-appearance words was found, the attentional bias for positive-appearance words may suggest that effects were driven by the ego-threat of positive-appearance words. Further research is warranted to determine whether such biases contribute to and maintain body image disturbance and disordered eating.

A systematic review and narrative synthesis of interventions for uncomplicated obesity: weight loss, well-being and impact on eating disorders

OBJECTIVE

Most weight loss research focuses on weight as the primary outcome, often to the exclusion of other physiological or psychological measures. This study aims to provide a holistic evaluation of the effects from weight loss interventions for individuals with obesity by examining the physiological, psychological and eating disorders outcomes from these interventions.

METHODS

Databases Medline, PsycInfo and Cochrane Library (2011-2016) were searched for randomised controlled trials and systematic reviews of obesity treatments (dietary, exercise, behavioural, psychological, pharmacological or surgical). Data extracted included study features, risk of bias, study outcomes, and an assessment of treatment impacts on physical, psychological or eating disorder outcomes.

RESULTS

From 3628 novel records, 134 studies met all inclusion criteria and were evaluated in this review. Lifestyle interventions had the strongest evidence base as a first-line approach, with escalation to pharmacotherapy and bariatric surgery in more severe or complicated cases. Quality of life was the most common psychological outcome measure, and improved in all cases where it was assessed, across all intervention types. Behavioural, psychological and lifestyle interventions for weight loss led to improvements in cognitive restraint, control over eating and binge eating, while bariatric surgery led to improvements in eating behaviour and body image that were not sustained over the long-term.

DISCUSSION

Numerous treatment strategies have been trialled to assist people to lose weight and many of these are effective over the short-term. Quality of life, and to a lesser degree depression, anxiety and psychosocial function, often improve alongside weight loss. Weight loss is also associated with improvements in eating disorder psychopathology and related measures, although overall, eating disorder outcomes are rarely assessed. Further research and between-sector collaboration is required to address the significant overlap in risk factors, diagnoses and treatment outcomes between obesity and eating disorders.

A systematic review of the existing models of disordered eating: Do they inform the development of effective interventions?

Despite significant advances in the development of prevention and treatment interventions for eating disorders and disordered eating over the last decade, there still remains a pressing need to develop more effective interventions. In line with the 2008 Medical Research Council (MRC) evaluation framework from the United Kingdom for the development and evaluation of complex interventions to improve health, the development of sound theory is a necessary precursor to the development of effective interventions. The aim of the current review was to identify the existing models for disordered eating and to identify those models which have helped inform the development of interventions for disordered eating. In addition, we examine the variables that most commonly appear across these models, in terms of future implications for the development of interventions for disordered eating. While an extensive range of theoretical models for the development of disordered eating were identified (N=54), only ten (18.5%) had progressed beyond mere description and to the development of interventions that have been evaluated. It is recommended that future work examines whether interventions in eating disorders increase in efficacy when developed in line with theoretical considerations, that initiation of new models gives way to further development of existing models, and that there be greater utilisation of intervention studies to inform the development of theory.

Translation and validation of a Spanish version of the Sociocultural Attitudes Towards Appearance Questionnaire-4 (SATAQ-4)

OBJECTIVE

The goal of this study was to create a Spanish version of the Sociocultural Attitudes Towards Appearance Questionnaire-4 (SATAQ-4) and examine its factorial validity, reliability, and convergent validity in a sample of women from Spain.

METHOD

Two hundred and sixty female college students from Spain completed the Spanish version of the SATAQ-4 and measures for eating pathology.

RESULTS

Internal consistency was high; data from EFA and CFA supported the original five-factor structure; and results showed good convergent validity with measures of body-image and eating problems.

DISCUSSION

Results strongly support the psychometric properties of the Spanish version of SATAQ-4 and its use to examine perceived pressure for thinness from parents, peers and the media; and thin- and muscular/athletic-ideal internalization in Spanish-speaking adult women.

The role of media and peer influences in Australian women's attitudes towards cosmetic surgery

The study aimed to examine the influence of media and peers on attitudes towards cosmetic surgery using a sociocultural framework. A sample of 351 Australian women aged 18-69 years completed measures of media exposure, friend conversations, internalisation of appearance ideals, appearance comparison, body dissatisfaction, and attitudes towards cosmetic surgery. Correlational analysis showed that almost all media and friend variables were significantly correlated with positive attitudes towards cosmetic surgery. A structural equation model based on the sociocultural model showed a good level of fit to the data. The effects of media exposure and friend conversations on body dissatisfaction and attitudes towards cosmetic surgery were mediated by internalisation. We concluded that media exposure and friend conversations affected attitudes towards cosmetic surgery both directly and indirectly. Our results contribute to the understanding of the sociocultural mechanisms underlying women's motivations for cosmetic surgery.

Mirror, mirror on the wall: how women learn body dissatisfaction

Extensive research indicates that exposure to media as well as pressure and modeling by sociocultural agents, such as peers and family, are predictive of the development of body image dissatisfaction (BID). This influence is mediated by social comparison and internalization of the thin-ideal. In the current study we assessed comparisons between participants and other women with whom they were in close relationships, (e.g. mother, sister and close female friend), and hypothesized that these would influence women's BID and drive-to-thinness. 283 women between the ages of 18-42 (mean=25.04; SD=3.53) sampled through social networking completed an online self-report which included the original Figure Rating Scale, which yielded self-ideal disparity, as well as a modified version comparing self to mother, self to sister closest-in-age, and self to best friend and then were asked to directly compare themselves to these women. In addition they completed the EDI-2's drive-for-thinness and body dissatisfaction subscales, and reported on Body Mass Index (BMI). Results indicate that comparisons to mothers, sisters, and best friend, were all associated with self-ideal disparity. BMI only slightly mediated this effect. Comparison to sister and to best friend, but not to mother, influenced drive-for-thinness and body dissatisfaction. Positive correlations were found between direct and indirect comparisons to others. Comparison to best friend was the most influential on body ideal. We conclude that comparison to others in close proximity greatly influences women's body ideal and may have a formative role in the development of women's body dissatisfaction. While women cannot choose their mother and sister closest in age, they do choose their best friend; and it is interesting that the comparison to the best friend is so influential.

Expanding the boundaries: reconfiguring the demographics of the "typical" eating disordered patient

Eating disorders have long been recognized as problems afflicting a narrow segment of select populations: Caucasian, adolescent or young adult women from high-income Western countries. This review highlights recent data that reexamine and revise this constricted view of eating disorders in two specific ways. First, data are steadily accumulating that document the increasing prevalence of eating disorders among younger and older individuals. Pre-pubertal children and women in middle and late adulthood are increasingly presenting for eating disorder treatment. Second, data from around the globe indicate that there is nothing uniquely "Western" about eating disorders. As highlighted in this review, eating disorders are a global health problem, and they are predictably on the rise in many parts of the world. The data are also clear that ethnic and racial minority groups and immigrants within North America are vulnerable to eating disorders. This growing knowledge base expands the boundaries of what has historically been considered the "typical" eating disordered patient and should raise awareness among health care providers of the needs of the broader community that is at risk for eating disturbances.

Does the Internet function like magazines? An exploration of image-focused media, eating pathology, and body dissatisfaction

Research has identified a relation between exposure to thin-ideal magazine and television media images and eating disorder pathology. However, few studies have examined the potential influence of Internet media on eating disorder behaviors and attitudes. This study investigated associations among image-focused media exposure, body dissatisfaction, eating pathology and thin-ideal internalization in a sample of 421 female undergraduates. Undergraduate women spent significantly more time viewing online appearance-oriented media, rather than reading image-focused magazines. Appearance-oriented Internet and television use were associated with eating pathology. Moreover, the association between image-focused Internet use and BD was mediated by thin-ideal internalization. These findings are consistent with those of previous research, and highlight the vulnerability individuals high in thin-ideal internalization might have to media exposure. They also suggest that Internet media use is an important topic to attend to in eating disorders prevention and treatment.

African American Women’s Sexual Objectification Experiences

The purpose of our study was to investigate African American women’s experiences with sexual objectification. Utilizing grounded theory methodology as well as Black feminist thought and objectification theory as the research lenses, the results of this study uncovered how racist, sexist, and classist ideologies contributed to sexual objectification experiences (SOEs) among African American women. Twenty African American female graduate students and others recruited from a campus community participated in semistructured interviews. Data revealed a number of different sociocultural factors that contributed to the sexual objectification of African American women (i.e., historical influence of slavery, sexualized views and images of African American women, and patriarchal social structure). These factors were observed to contribute to different forms of sexual objectification, ranging from comments and objectifying gazes to more extreme forms, such as sexual abuse. Participants described a number of effects of sexual objectification, including self-objectification, physical safety anxiety, eating concerns, psychological/emotional, and interpersonal. Participants also described how they coped with and grew from these experiences. Psychologists and mental health professionals are encouraged to consider how African American women’s SOEs are rooted in racism, sexism, and classism. Furthermore, these practitioners are urged to develop an awareness of how these oppressions intersect and contribute to the sexual objectification of African American women.