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Brizzi G, Riva G, Romano D. The Body Image Virtual Reality Assessment (BIVRA): Measuring the body representation through virtual reality. J Neuropsychol 2024. [PMID: 38576316 DOI: 10.1111/jnp.12366] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/04/2023] [Revised: 01/18/2024] [Accepted: 03/12/2024] [Indexed: 04/06/2024]
Abstract
Our physical and psychological well-being is significantly influenced by how we perceive our body, in addition to our thoughts and emotions associated with it. Dysfunctional body perceptions and attitudes play a key role in the development and maintenance of severe conditions such as eating disorders in both males and females. Given its relevance, some attempts have been made to improve body image assessment methods in terms of perceptual accuracy and body satisfaction taking advantage of technological advances such as virtual reality. However, existing applications have mainly focused on women and clinical conditions. In this study, we presented the Body Image Virtual Reality Assessment (BIVRA), a virtual reality figure rating scale to assess body image in both male and female subjects. We tested BIVRA's ability to measure perceptual accuracy and compared its results with a standardized body satisfaction questionnaire. Additionally, we investigated gender differences. BIVRA was found to be effective in assessing body image. We observed that a perceptually based task successfully captured both low and high levels of body representations, shedding light on the significant gender differences. The association between BIVRA and the body satisfaction questionnaires was moderated by gender, with a stronger association for women. While further validation of BIVRA is needed to fully exploit its potential, our results suggest that the integration of virtual reality into the assessment of body image and related disorders may significantly enhance our understanding of individuals struggling with body image issues and has the potential to advance current methods and techniques.
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Affiliation(s)
- Giulia Brizzi
- Applied Technology for Neuro-Psychology Laboratory, IRCCS Istituto Auxologico Italiano, Milan, Italy
| | - Giuseppe Riva
- Applied Technology for Neuro-Psychology Laboratory, IRCCS Istituto Auxologico Italiano, Milan, Italy
- Humane Technology Laboratory, Catholic University of Sacred Heart, Milan, Italy
| | - Daniele Romano
- Department of Psychology and MIBTEC: Mind and Behavior Technological Center, University of Milano-Bicocca, Milan, Italy
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Jiménez-Morcillo J, Rodriguez-Besteiro S, Clemente-Suárez VJ. The Nexus of Training Duration, Body Image, Nutritional Practices, and Mental Health: Insights from a Strength Training Cohort. Behav Sci (Basel) 2024; 14:267. [PMID: 38667063 PMCID: PMC11047612 DOI: 10.3390/bs14040267] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/19/2024] [Revised: 03/21/2024] [Accepted: 03/21/2024] [Indexed: 04/29/2024] Open
Abstract
This study investigated the intricate relationship between strength training and its effects on body image, psychological health, and nutritional habits. By examining 605 participants, divided into two groups based on training frequency, the research aimed to discern how varying intensities of training influenced different wellness facets. The investigation employed a comprehensive survey, gathering demographic data, training specifics, dietary patterns, and psychological characteristics, utilizing statistical tools for analysis. Results unveiled significant differences in dietary habits and psychological profiles between groups with higher and lower training frequencies. The group with more frequent training displayed less favourable health outcomes and suboptimal dietary habits, challenging the prevailing notion that increased training frequency leads to better health. The study emphasized the necessity of a balanced approach to physical training, highlighting the need for personalized strategies that encompass both physical and mental health considerations. The findings exposed the complexities of training regimens and their broader implications on individual health, suggesting that enhanced training frequency alone does not assure improved health outcomes. This research significantly contributed to the domain by providing insights into how the frequency of strength training could differentially affect health and well-being, offering valuable guidelines for fitness professionals and healthcare providers.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jorge Jiménez-Morcillo
- Faculty of Sports Sciences, Universidad Europea de Madrid, Tajo Street, s/n, 28670 Madrid, Spain; (J.J.-M.); (V.J.C.-S.)
| | - Stephanie Rodriguez-Besteiro
- Faculty of Sports Sciences, Universidad Europea de Madrid, Tajo Street, s/n, 28670 Madrid, Spain; (J.J.-M.); (V.J.C.-S.)
| | - Vicente Javier Clemente-Suárez
- Faculty of Sports Sciences, Universidad Europea de Madrid, Tajo Street, s/n, 28670 Madrid, Spain; (J.J.-M.); (V.J.C.-S.)
- Grupo de Investigación en Cultura, Educación y Sociedad, Universidad de la Costa, Barranquilla 080002, Colombia
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Xia R, Liu Y, Liu B, Kou M, Zhao L, Zhang P, Wang Q. Effects of perspective taking on attention bias to body-related information among junior high school students with body image disturbance. Acta Psychol (Amst) 2024; 243:104131. [PMID: 38219429 DOI: 10.1016/j.actpsy.2024.104131] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/21/2022] [Revised: 04/27/2023] [Accepted: 01/08/2024] [Indexed: 01/16/2024] Open
Abstract
Using lexical judgment tasks, the present study explored whether perspective taking affected attention bias to body-related information among junior high school students with body image disturbance. Experiment 1 examined the junior high school students' attention bias to body schema-related words; the results showed the body image disturbance group responded significantly more quickly to negative body schema-related words than positive words, whereas the control group did not show a significant difference between positive and negative words. In Experiment 2, participants were asked to judge whether the positive or negative body schema-related words were suitable to describe themselves, when adopting their own perspective or that of another person. The results showed that reaction times to negative words were significantly shorter than to positive words when adopting a self-perspective. When taking another's perspective, there was no significant difference of reaction time between positive and negative words. This result demonstrated that perspective taking reduced attention bias to negative body schema-related information among junior high school students with body image disturbance. The present research suggests that guiding adolescents to view themselves from different perspectives can help them form a more accurate and objective body image.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ruixue Xia
- School of Psychology, Northwest Normal University, Lanzhou 730070, China; Key Laboratory of Behavioral and Mental Health of Gansu Province, Lanzhou 730070, China.
| | - Yang Liu
- School of Psychology, Northwest Normal University, Lanzhou 730070, China; Key Laboratory of Behavioral and Mental Health of Gansu Province, Lanzhou 730070, China
| | - Binghua Liu
- School of Psychology, Northwest Normal University, Lanzhou 730070, China; Key Laboratory of Behavioral and Mental Health of Gansu Province, Lanzhou 730070, China; School of Education and Arts, Lanzhou Modern Vocational College, Lanzhou 730070, China
| | - Mingjiao Kou
- School of Psychology, Northwest Normal University, Lanzhou 730070, China; Key Laboratory of Behavioral and Mental Health of Gansu Province, Lanzhou 730070, China; Shenzhen Fuhe Psychological Education Consulting Co., Ltd, Shenzhen 518105, China
| | - Liyun Zhao
- School of Psychology, Northwest Normal University, Lanzhou 730070, China; Key Laboratory of Behavioral and Mental Health of Gansu Province, Lanzhou 730070, China
| | - Peiying Zhang
- School of Psychology, Northwest Normal University, Lanzhou 730070, China; Key Laboratory of Behavioral and Mental Health of Gansu Province, Lanzhou 730070, China
| | - Qin Wang
- School of Psychology, Northwest Normal University, Lanzhou 730070, China; Key Laboratory of Behavioral and Mental Health of Gansu Province, Lanzhou 730070, China
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Plana MT, Flamarique I, Julià L, Tasa-Vinyals E, Citoler B, Díaz C, Moreno E, Andrés-Perpiñá S, Martínez E, Lázaro L, Castro-Fornieles J. Accuracy of estimating self and other body size among adolescent girls with anorexia nervosa. Eat Disord 2024; 32:29-42. [PMID: 37599453 DOI: 10.1080/10640266.2023.2243425] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 08/22/2023]
Abstract
This study aimed to analyze body size estimates of others by patients with anorexia nervosa (AN) and to identify any differences with the perception of their own body size. Adolescent females (age, 13-17 years) were enrolled into AN (n = 30) and control(n = 23) groups. The Subjective Body Dimensions Apparatus (SBDA) was used to evaluate body size estimates for oneself (self-estimation) and others (other-estimation). Participants also completed questionnaires assessing eating disorders and depressive symptoms. The AN and control groups scored significantly higher in self-estimation than in other-estimation. However, the AN group showed higher self-estimation scores than the control group for all the body parts and for the global silhouette (p < .001). Patients with more severe eating disorder symptomatology showed more distorted self-estimation (p < .05). No statistically significant differences were found in the other-estimation scores between the groups (p = .714), indicating that AN and control patients estimate the body sizes of others similarly. Eating disorder symptomatology correlates with self-estimation scores but not with other-estimation scores in adolescents with AN. No correlations existed between clinical symptomatology and other-estimation.
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Affiliation(s)
- Maria Teresa Plana
- Department of Child and Adolescent Psychiatry and Psychology, Institute of Neurosciences, Hospital Clinic of Barcelona, Barcelona, Spain
| | - Itziar Flamarique
- Department of Child and Adolescent Psychiatry and Psychology, Institute of Neurosciences, Hospital Clinic of Barcelona, Barcelona, Spain
- Centro de Investigación Biomédica En Red - Salud Mental (CIBERSAM), Spain
| | - Laia Julià
- Department of Child and Adolescent Psychiatry and Psychology, Institute of Neurosciences, Hospital Clinic of Barcelona, Barcelona, Spain
| | - Elisabet Tasa-Vinyals
- Department of Child and Adolescent Psychiatry and Psychology, Institute of Neurosciences, Hospital Clinic of Barcelona, Barcelona, Spain
- Institut d'Investigacions Biomèdiques August Pi I Sunyer (IDIBAPS), Barcelona, Spain
- Department of Medicine, University of Barcelona, Barcelona, Spain
| | - Bárbara Citoler
- Department of Child and Adolescent Psychiatry and Psychology, Institute of Neurosciences, Hospital Clinic of Barcelona, Barcelona, Spain
| | - Cristina Díaz
- Department of Child and Adolescent Psychiatry and Psychology, Institute of Neurosciences, Hospital Clinic of Barcelona, Barcelona, Spain
| | - Elena Moreno
- Department of Child and Adolescent Psychiatry and Psychology, Institute of Neurosciences, Hospital Clinic of Barcelona, Barcelona, Spain
| | - Susana Andrés-Perpiñá
- Department of Child and Adolescent Psychiatry and Psychology, Institute of Neurosciences, Hospital Clinic of Barcelona, Barcelona, Spain
- Centro de Investigación Biomédica En Red - Salud Mental (CIBERSAM), Spain
- Institut d'Investigacions Biomèdiques August Pi I Sunyer (IDIBAPS), Barcelona, Spain
- Department of Psychology, University of Barcelona, Barcelona, Spain
| | - Esteban Martínez
- Department of Child and Adolescent Psychiatry and Psychology, Institute of Neurosciences, Hospital Clinic of Barcelona, Barcelona, Spain
| | - Luisa Lázaro
- Department of Child and Adolescent Psychiatry and Psychology, Institute of Neurosciences, Hospital Clinic of Barcelona, Barcelona, Spain
- Centro de Investigación Biomédica En Red - Salud Mental (CIBERSAM), Spain
- Institut d'Investigacions Biomèdiques August Pi I Sunyer (IDIBAPS), Barcelona, Spain
- Department of Medicine, University of Barcelona, Barcelona, Spain
| | - Josefina Castro-Fornieles
- Department of Child and Adolescent Psychiatry and Psychology, Institute of Neurosciences, Hospital Clinic of Barcelona, Barcelona, Spain
- Centro de Investigación Biomédica En Red - Salud Mental (CIBERSAM), Spain
- Institut d'Investigacions Biomèdiques August Pi I Sunyer (IDIBAPS), Barcelona, Spain
- Department of Medicine, University of Barcelona, Barcelona, Spain
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Smith LL. Similarities and differences regarding acute anorexia nervosa and semi-starvation: does behavioral thermoregulation play a central role? Front Behav Neurosci 2023; 17:1243572. [PMID: 37953827 PMCID: PMC10634530 DOI: 10.3389/fnbeh.2023.1243572] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/20/2023] [Accepted: 09/22/2023] [Indexed: 11/14/2023] Open
Abstract
Objective To clarify the association between acute anorexia nervosa (AN) and semi-starvation (SS) by focusing on similarities and differences in physiology, mood, and behavior. Method A comparison of published literature between these two groups. Results Both groups show similar hormonal and metabolic changes in response to caloric restriction and extreme weight loss (~25%). Associated changes result in a reduced body temperature (Tcore-low). Maintenance of body temperature within a specific range is crucial to survival. However, both groups cannot activate autonomic strategies to maintain their Tcore-low, such as increasing metabolic rate, constricting skin blood vessels, or shivering. Furthermore, Tcore-low increases the individuals' "coldness sensations" throughout the body, hence the frequent reports from ANs and SSs of "feeling cold." To eliminate these uncomfortable "coldness sensations" and, importantly, to maintain Tcore-low, ANs, and SSs "select" different thermoregulatory behavioral strategies. It is proposed that the primary differences between AN and SS, based on genetics, now manifest due to the "selection" of different thermo-regulatory behaviors. AN patients (ANs) "select" hyperactive behavior (HyAc), which increases internal metabolic heat and thus assists with maintaining Tcore-low; in harmony with hyperactive behavior is a lively mood. Also related to this elevated arousal pattern, ANs experience disrupted sleep. In contrast, SS individuals "select" a passive thermo-behavioral strategy, "shallow torpor," which includes reduced activity, resulting in energy conservation. In addition, this inactivity aids in the retention of generated metabolic heat. Corresponding to this lethargic behavior, SS individuals display a listless mood and increased sleep. Conclusion Initial similarities between the two are attributable to physiological changes related to extreme weight loss. Differences are most likely attributable to genetically programmed "selection" of alternate thermoregulatory strategies, primarily to maintain Tcore-low. However, if acute AN is prolonged and evolves into a chronic condition, AN will more closely align with starvation and more precisely reflect SS symptomology.
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Affiliation(s)
- Lucille Lakier Smith
- Human Performance Laboratory, Department of Kinesiology, School of Health Sciences, East Carolina University, Greenville, NC, United States
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Clemente-Suárez VJ, Ramírez-Goerke MI, Redondo-Flórez L, Beltrán-Velasco AI, Martín-Rodríguez A, Ramos-Campo DJ, Navarro-Jiménez E, Yáñez-Sepúlveda R, Tornero-Aguilera JF. The Impact of Anorexia Nervosa and the Basis for Non-Pharmacological Interventions. Nutrients 2023; 15:2594. [PMID: 37299557 PMCID: PMC10255390 DOI: 10.3390/nu15112594] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/10/2023] [Revised: 05/29/2023] [Accepted: 05/30/2023] [Indexed: 06/12/2023] Open
Abstract
Anorexia nervosa is a psychiatric disorder with an unknown etiology that is characterized by an individual's preoccupation with their weight and body structure while denying the severity of their low body weight. Due to the fact that anorexia nervosa is multifaceted and may indicate the coexistence of genetic, social, hormonal, and psychiatric disorders, a description of non-pharmacological interventions can be used to ameliorate or reduce the symptoms of this condition. Consequently, the purpose of the present narrative review is to describe the profile's context in the anorexic person as well as the support they would require from their family and environment. In addition, it is aimed at examining preventative and non-pharmacological interventions, such as nutritional interventions, physical activity interventions, psychological interventions, psychosocial interventions, and physical therapy interventions. To reach the narrative review aims, a critical review was conducted utilizing both primary sources, such as scientific publications, and secondary sources, such as bibliographic indexes, web pages, and databases. Nutritional interventions include nutritional education and an individualized treatment for each patient, physical activity interventions include allowing patients to perform controlled physical activity, psychological interventions include family therapy and evaluation of the existence of other psychological disorders, psychosocial interventions include management of the relationship between the patient and social media and physical therapy interventions include relaxation massages and exercises to relieve pain. All these non-pharmacological interventions need to be individualized based on each patient's needs.
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Affiliation(s)
- Vicente Javier Clemente-Suárez
- Faculty of Sports Sciences, Universidad Europea de Madrid, Tajo Street, s/n, 28670 Madrid, Spain; (V.J.C.-S.); (M.I.R.-G.); (J.F.T.-A.)
| | - Maria Isabel Ramírez-Goerke
- Faculty of Sports Sciences, Universidad Europea de Madrid, Tajo Street, s/n, 28670 Madrid, Spain; (V.J.C.-S.); (M.I.R.-G.); (J.F.T.-A.)
| | - Laura Redondo-Flórez
- Department of Health Sciences, Faculty of Biomedical and Health Sciences, Universidad Europea de Madrid, C/Tajo s/n, Villaviciosa de Odón, 28670 Madrid, Spain;
| | - Ana Isabel Beltrán-Velasco
- Psychology Department, Facultad de Ciencias de la Vida y la Naturaleza, Universidad Antonio de Nebrija, 28240 Madrid, Spain;
| | - Alexandra Martín-Rodríguez
- Faculty of Sports Sciences, Universidad Europea de Madrid, Tajo Street, s/n, 28670 Madrid, Spain; (V.J.C.-S.); (M.I.R.-G.); (J.F.T.-A.)
| | - Domingo Jesús Ramos-Campo
- LFE Research Group, Department of Health and Human Performance, Faculty of Physical Activity and Sport Science-INEF, Universidad Politécnica de Madrid, 28040 Madrid, Spain
| | | | - Rodrigo Yáñez-Sepúlveda
- Faculty of Education and Social Sciences, Universidad Andres Bello, Viña del Mar 2520000, Chile;
| | - José Francisco Tornero-Aguilera
- Faculty of Sports Sciences, Universidad Europea de Madrid, Tajo Street, s/n, 28670 Madrid, Spain; (V.J.C.-S.); (M.I.R.-G.); (J.F.T.-A.)
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