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Nutrients Apr 2024Classical examples of disorders associated with body image disturbances are eating disorders (EDs) such as anorexia nervosa (AN) and bulimia nervosa (BN), as well as...
Classical examples of disorders associated with body image disturbances are eating disorders (EDs) such as anorexia nervosa (AN) and bulimia nervosa (BN), as well as body dysmorphic disorder (BDD) [...].
Topics: Humans; Body Image; Mental Health; Nutritional Status; Feeding and Eating Disorders; Body Dysmorphic Disorders; Anorexia Nervosa
PubMed: 38674797
DOI: 10.3390/nu16081106 -
BMC Pregnancy and Childbirth Sep 2014Pregnancy-related physical changes can have a significant impact on a woman's body image. There is no synthesis of existing literature to describe the intricacies of... (Meta-Analysis)
Meta-Analysis Review
BACKGROUND
Pregnancy-related physical changes can have a significant impact on a woman's body image. There is no synthesis of existing literature to describe the intricacies of women's experiences of their body, and relevant clinical implications.
METHODS
Four electronic databases were searched in February 2014 using predefined search terms. English-language, qualitative studies published between January 1992 and December 2013 exploring pregnancy and postpartum body image were included. Following quality appraisal, 17 papers were synthesised using the interpretive thematic synthesis approach within a social constructionist framework.
RESULTS
Three themes were highlighted: "Public Event: 'Fatness' vs. Pregnancy", "Control: Nature vs. Self", and "Role: Woman vs. Mother". Women perceived the pregnant body to be out of their control and as transgressing the socially constructed ideal, against which they tried to protect their body image satisfaction. Women perceived the physical manifestation of the mothering role as incongruent to their other roles as a wife or partner, or working woman. Body dissatisfaction dominated the postpartum period.
CONCLUSIONS
Women's perception of their pregnancy body image is varied and depends on the strategies they use to protect against social constructions of female beauty. Women have unrealistic expectations for their postpartum body, highlighting this as an area where women need better support. Attending to women's narratives about their pregnant body may identify at-risk women and provide an opportunity for health professionals to provide support to either address or accept body image dissatisfaction. Clinical communication training may enable health professionals to explore body image concerns with women and guide them in identifying ways of accepting or reducing any dissatisfaction.
Topics: Adaptation, Psychological; Body Image; Female; Gender Identity; Humans; Internal-External Control; Postpartum Period; Pregnancy; Social Desirability
PubMed: 25248649
DOI: 10.1186/1471-2393-14-330 -
Revista de Investigacion Clinica;... 2017Young women with breast cancer have age-specific concerns regarding changes in sexuality, fertility, and body image. However, the psychological impact of BC and its... (Review)
Review
Young women with breast cancer have age-specific concerns regarding changes in sexuality, fertility, and body image. However, the psychological impact of BC and its treatments is not exclusive to young patients and it also affects their social context, especially their partners, as they experience higher illness intrusiveness than the partners of older women. In young BC patients, relationships, body image, and sexual problems are related to most quality of life domains. While BC treatment is being planned, all women should be informed about the possible side-effects of treatment on sexuality, fertility, and body image. Inclusion of partners into decision making should be pursued to restore, improve, and maintain effective communication and positive relationships in young couples facing BC. The aim of this review is to describe the psychological impact of alterations in sexuality, fertility, and body image in young BC patients and their partners, and to recommend strategies to address such issues in a timely manner.
Topics: Adult; Age of Onset; Body Image; Breast Neoplasms; Female; Fertility; Humans; Quality of Life; Sexual Partners; Sexuality
PubMed: 28776605
DOI: 10.24875/ric.17002279 -
International Journal of Environmental... Dec 2021Internalisation of appearance ideals moderates the relationship between exposure to media images and body dissatisfaction. To date, the role of thin- and muscular-ideal...
Internalisation of appearance ideals moderates the relationship between exposure to media images and body dissatisfaction. To date, the role of thin- and muscular-ideal internalisation in the context of social media remains under explored, particularly for boys. As such, we aimed to explore how social media use (Instagram and Snapchat) was related to body dissatisfaction, and whether thin- and muscular-ideal internalisation would moderate this relationship in a sample of 1153 adolescent boys and girls (55.42% males; = 13.71, = 1.14). As hypothesised, social media use, and thin- and muscular ideal internalisation were positively correlated with body dissatisfaction in both genders. In moderation analyses, thin-ideal internalisation emerged as the only variable that had a significant effect on body dissatisfaction in both genders. Additionally, the influence of social media use on body dissatisfaction was moderated by muscular-ideal internalisation in boys, whereby for boys with high muscular-ideal internalisation, greater social media use was associated with greater body dissatisfaction. The two-way (muscular x thin-ideal internalisation) and three-way interaction (social media use x thin-ideal internalisation x muscular-ideal internalisation) effects on body dissatisfaction were non-significant. These findings emphasise the importance of considering the sociocultural environment (i.e., new media influences) as frameworks for understanding body dissatisfaction and suggest targeting of internalisation of appearance ideals in body dissatisfaction prevention programs.
Topics: Adolescent; Body Dissatisfaction; Body Image; Defense Mechanisms; Female; Humans; Male; Personal Satisfaction; Social Media
PubMed: 34948830
DOI: 10.3390/ijerph182413222 -
Nutricion Hospitalaria Aug 2022Body dissatisfaction (BD) is considered one of the most important risk factors for the development of an eating disorder (ED), and low self-esteem a confirmed...
Body dissatisfaction (BD) is considered one of the most important risk factors for the development of an eating disorder (ED), and low self-esteem a confirmed psychological trait of vulnerability. People with ED or related characteristics suffer more often (two to three times more) from bullying or teasing related to appearance. Special mention should be made of participants in intimidation and harassment behaviors, both as victims or perpetrators, who are at greater risk of developing food symptoms. The results are homogeneous when the control group is made up of the general population and more contradictory with psychiatric control groups. It is also necessary to study cyberbullying because of its relevance. Teasing interventions do not appear to be a priority in ED prevention programs, although EAT-IV results support the importance of targeting weight-related ridicule in education and health initiatives, and of including the family environment as a target in anti-bullying interventions, especially in girls. It will be necessary to consider different models of preventive intervention depending on their gender. In both sexes, personal and socio-family education interventions would be appropriate to expand a more flexible body aesthetic model. Interventions based on health promotion and education to improve self-esteem, where positive body image is promoted with face-to-face interventions, have been successful in reducing BD and ED. Body Project, ZARIMA, DITCA and AMEMC are effective programs.
Topics: Adolescent; Adolescent Behavior; Body Image; Feeding and Eating Disorders; Female; Humans; Male; Schools; Self Concept
PubMed: 35748371
DOI: 10.20960/nh.04177 -
Nutrients Mar 2020Body appreciation is one of the main facets of a positive body image. The present study aimed to examine the psychometric properties of the Lithuanian version of the... (Randomized Controlled Trial)
Randomized Controlled Trial
Body appreciation is one of the main facets of a positive body image. The present study aimed to examine the psychometric properties of the Lithuanian version of the Body Appreciation Scale-2 (BAS-2-LT) and test the associations between body appreciation and disordered eating in a large sample of adolescents of both genders. The sample consisted of 1412 adolescents (40.2% were boys). The ages ranged from 15 to 18 years (92.4% were 17), with a mean age of 16.9 (SD = 0.5) for girls and 17.0 (SD = 0.4) for boys. Participants completed the BAS-2-LT alongside the measures of body dissatisfaction, disordered eating, body mass index, self-esteem, body functionality, and participation in sports. Linear regressions were used to test the associations between study variables and disordered eating. BAS-2-LT replicated the original one-dimensional structure in girls and boys. Invariance across genders was established. The instrument showed good internal consistency and temporal stability. Body appreciation was negatively correlated with higher levels of body mass index, body dissatisfaction, and disordered eating. Positive associations were observed between body appreciation, self-esteem, body functionality, and sports participation. Higher levels of body appreciation decreased the risk of disordered eating behaviors in both genders. The results of the present study support the psychometric properties of BAS-2-LT. Body appreciation is associated with lower disordered eating in adolescent girls and boys. These findings present empirical support for the development of interventions programs that promote positive body images and aim to prevent disordered eating in adolescent boys and girls.
Topics: Adolescent; Body Image; Body Mass Index; Feeding Behavior; Feeding and Eating Disorders; Female; Humans; Male; Self Concept
PubMed: 32178334
DOI: 10.3390/nu12030752 -
International Journal of Environmental... Jun 2018European statistics confirm a rise in breast cancer among contemporary women. Those suffering from cancer and undergoing a surgery (mastectomy) are undoubtedly... (Review)
Review
European statistics confirm a rise in breast cancer among contemporary women. Those suffering from cancer and undergoing a surgery (mastectomy) are undoubtedly considered to be in difficult situations. The range of the numerous negative and/or positive emotions, thoughts, and behaviours depend on many psychological factors such as psychological resilience. The authors are currently drawing a report on their own studies where they are trying to determine factors that protect body image resilience in women suffering from breast cancer after mastectomies. The research group consisted of 120 women after a short (up to 2 years) or a long (over 2 years) duration having elapsed since their mastectomy. The results of the research groups show that psychological resilience is a significant protecting factor for the body image that prevents the excessive development of negative self-esteem in post-mastectomy women. Female patients ought to be provided aid in the short time immediately after the procedure and afterwards, when they are less capable of tolerating negative emotions. In order to significantly improve the general body image resilience to emotional and cognitive distortions in post-mastectomy women who experienced breast cancer, it is recommended that psychological interventions (from psychoeducation to psychological assistance and specialist psychotherapy) are conducted systematically throughout the course of treatment.
Topics: Adult; Body Image; Breast Neoplasms; Female; Humans; Mastectomy; Middle Aged; Protective Factors; Resilience, Psychological; Time Factors
PubMed: 29874874
DOI: 10.3390/ijerph15061181 -
Body Image Sep 2021The present study examined whether trait physical appearance perfectionism moderates young women's body image following upwards appearance comparison to idealized body... (Randomized Controlled Trial)
Randomized Controlled Trial
The present study examined whether trait physical appearance perfectionism moderates young women's body image following upwards appearance comparison to idealized body images on social media, and whether cognitive coping mediates the relationship between physical appearance perfectionism and resulting body image from social comparison processes. Female undergraduate students (N = 142) were randomly assigned to either 1) compare the size of their body parts to the body parts of attractive Instagram models, or 2) an appearance-neutral control condition. All participants completed measures of trait physical appearance perfectionism, pre and post measures of state body image, and state cognitive coping processes. Appearance comparison to the models resulted in lowered confidence and increased appearance and weight dissatisfaction. High trait physical appearance perfectionism predicted lower confidence and higher weight dissatisfaction and appearance dissatisfaction, and these relationships were mediated by engagement in rumination and catastrophizing. Clinical implications of the findings are discussed.
Topics: Adolescent; Body Image; Cognition; Emotional Regulation; Female; Humans; Perfectionism; Physical Appearance, Body; Social Comparison; Social Media; Young Adult
PubMed: 33798801
DOI: 10.1016/j.bodyim.2021.03.012 -
Journal of Medical Internet Research Jun 2018Social media use has become ubiquitous in the lives of many people, especially young adults. A popular recent trend emerging on social media is that of posting and...
BACKGROUND
Social media use has become ubiquitous in the lives of many people, especially young adults. A popular recent trend emerging on social media is that of posting and following 'Fitspirational' content - material that purports to motivate and showcase healthy lifestyle habits, particularly relating to exercise and diet. There is very limited existing literature on how engaging with this type of content influences people's psychological and physical heath. Initial studies have focused on concerns over potential negative effects on psychological wellbeing including body image, self-esteem and eating disorders.
OBJECTIVE
We aimed to address a gap in the literature for exploratory research on this topic from the perspective of users. We used a qualitative approach to explore how people experience viewing Fitspiration on social media including why and how they engage with this material and how they perceive that it affects their thoughts, emotions, behaviour and health.
METHODS
We recruited 20 young adults (14 females, 6 males, aged 18-25) who self-declared themselves to be Fitspiration followers to participate in either focus groups or individual interviews. We asked detailed, open-ended questions about their motivations for following Fitspiration, experiences of viewing this content and its perceived impact. We used inductive thematic analysis to derive themes that represented common and salient features of the data set.
RESULTS
Four main themes were developed: 1) A tool with the potential to support healthy living, 2) Unrealistic, untrustworthy content, 3) Negative effects on emotional wellbeing, and 4) Vulnerability and protective factors. Following Fitspirational posts on social media can provide young people with knowledge and motivation that may support healthy lifestyle behaviours. However, a range of harms also appeared to arise from Fitspiration viewing ranging from minor annoyances and frustrations to more meaningful negative effects on psychological & physical health. These negative effects seemed to persist despite individuals acknowledging that the material can be unrealistic, and believing that they are personally equipped to minimise harms to themselves.
CONCLUSIONS
This study suggests that Fitspiration on social media can be attractive and compelling for young people but appears to bring about negative as well as positive effects. Future research should aim to confirm the scale and intensity of positive and negative effects and investigate ways of harnessing desirable outcomes and minimising undesirable outcomes.
Topics: Adolescent; Adult; Body Image; Female; Humans; Male; Qualitative Research; Self Concept; Social Media; Young Adult
PubMed: 29914859
DOI: 10.2196/jmir.9156 -
Body Image Mar 2019This experimental study examined the effects of engaging on social media with attractive female peers on young adult women's body image. Participants were 118 female...
This experimental study examined the effects of engaging on social media with attractive female peers on young adult women's body image. Participants were 118 female undergraduate students randomly assigned to one of two experimental conditions. Participants first completed a visual analogue scale measure of state body image and then either browsed and left a comment on the social media site of an attractive female peer (n = 56) or did the same with a family member (n = 62) and then completed a post-manipulation visual analogue scale measure of state body image. A 2 × 2 mixed analysis of variance showed a significant interaction between condition and time. Follow-up t-tests revealed that young adult women who engaged with an attractive peer on social media subsequently experienced an increase in negative body image (dependence-corrected d = 0.13), whereas those who engaged with a family member did not (dependence-corrected d = 0.02). The findings suggest that upward appearance comparisons on social media may promote increased body image concerns in young adult women.
Topics: Adolescent; Adult; Beauty; Body Image; Female; Humans; Interpersonal Relations; Peer Group; Social Media; Young Adult
PubMed: 30439560
DOI: 10.1016/j.bodyim.2018.11.002