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Acta Dermato-venereologica Aug 2016Most people would like to change something about their bodies and the way that they look, but for some it becomes an obsession. A healthy skin plays an important role in... (Review)
Review
Most people would like to change something about their bodies and the way that they look, but for some it becomes an obsession. A healthy skin plays an important role in a person's physical and mental wellbeing, whereas a disfiguring appearance is associated with body image concerns. Skin diseases such as acne, psoriasis and vitiligo produce cosmetic disfigurement and patients suffering these and other visible skin conditions have an increased risk of depression, anxiety, feelings of stigmatization and self-harm ideation. Body image affects our emotions, thoughts, and behaviours in everyday life, but, above all, it influences our relationships. Furthermore, it has the potential to influence our quality of life. Promotion of positive body image is highly recommended, as it is important in improving people's quality of life, physical health, and health-related behaviors. Dermatologists have a key role in identifying body image concerns and offering patients possible treatment options.
Topics: Aging; Body Dysmorphic Disorders; Body Image; Cultural Characteristics; Dermatology; Humans; Psychosomatic Medicine; Self Concept; Skin Diseases
PubMed: 27283435
DOI: 10.2340/00015555-2368 -
PloS One 2021Recent evidence suggests that altered responses to affective touch-a pleasant interoceptive stimulus associated with activation of the C-Tactile (CT) system-may...
Recent evidence suggests that altered responses to affective touch-a pleasant interoceptive stimulus associated with activation of the C-Tactile (CT) system-may contribute to the aetiology and maintenance of mental conditions characterised by body image disturbances (e.g., Anorexia Nervosa). Here, we investigated whether tactile pleasantness and intensity differ across body sites, and if individual differences in dysmorphic appearance concerns and body and emotional awareness might be associated with touch perceptions across body sites. To this end, we measured perceived pleasantness and intensity of gentle, dynamic stroking touches applied to the palm, forearm, face, abdomen and back of 30 female participants (mean age: 25.87±1.17yrs) using CT-optimal (3 cm/s) and non-CT optimal (0.3 and 30 cm/s) stroking touch. As expected, participants rated CT-targeted touch as more pleasant compared to the two non-CT optimal stroking touch at all body sites. Regardless of stroking velocity, touch applied to the abdomen elicited the lowest pleasantness ratings. Lower levels of emotional awareness, greater levels of interoceptive sensibility and of dysmorphic concerns were associated with lower preference for CT-optimal stroking touch applied to the forearm and the back. These findings begin to elucidate the link between CT sensitivity, dysmorphic appearance concerns and body and emotional awareness, which may have implications for future research looking to inform early interventions. Addressing impaired processing of affective interoceptive stimuli, such as CT-targeted touch, may be the key to current treatment approaches available for those populations at risk of disorders characterised by body image disturbance.
Topics: Adult; Affect; Body Image; Emotions; Female; Humans; Male; Physical Stimulation; Touch; Touch Perception; Young Adult
PubMed: 34818341
DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0243680 -
Current Obesity Reports Dec 2018Sexual functioning is an important, yet often overlooked, aspect of quality of life for many individuals with obesity. (Review)
Review
PURPOSE OF THE REVIEW
Sexual functioning is an important, yet often overlooked, aspect of quality of life for many individuals with obesity.
RECENT FINDINGS
With the growing recognition of obesity as a significant, international public health issue, a developing body of research has investigated the relationship between obesity and sexual functioning. Several studies have found that obesity is associated with impairments in sexual functioning. The mechanisms of this relationship, whether physiological, psychosocial, or a combination of the two, are yet to be fully elucidated. Other studies have suggested that weight loss, whether induced by bariatric surgery or less intensive interventions, is associated with significant and clinically meaningful change in sexual functioning and relevant reproductive hormones. This chapter reviews the research in these areas and provides recommendations for future research on these relationships.
Topics: Bariatric Surgery; Body Image; Humans; Obesity; Quality of Life; Sexual Dysfunction, Physiological; Sexual Dysfunctions, Psychological; Sexual Health
PubMed: 30220074
DOI: 10.1007/s13679-018-0319-6 -
Sultan Qaboos University Medical Journal May 2022This study aimed to examine body image perceptions and body image dissatisfaction and their relationship with body mass index (BMI) among medical students in Oman.
OBJECTIVES
This study aimed to examine body image perceptions and body image dissatisfaction and their relationship with body mass index (BMI) among medical students in Oman.
METHODS
This cross-sectional study was conducted among students of the College of Medicine and Health Sciences, National University of Science and Technology, Sohar, Oman, between September and December 2019. The data (including self-reported weight and height) were collected through a questionnaire-based survey. Body image perception and satisfaction were assessed using the Stunkard Figure Rating Scale.
RESULTS
A total of 351 medical students (response rate: 70.2%) participated in the study with a mean age of 21.6 ± 2.2 years and a mean BMI of 22.7 ± 4.3 kg/m. Most students were within normal ranges of BMI (63%), 12% were underweight and 25% overweight/obese. Approximately, 66% of students perceived their body image correctly; students at both BMI extremes were more accurate about their body image perceptions. Body image dissatisfaction was high (80%) among the respondents with 73.5% of those dissatisfied desiring to be thinner. The association between self-reported BMI with perceived BMI and body image dissatisfaction was significant ( <0.001). Only 18.2% of students felt 'attractive'. The association between body image perception and body image dissatisfaction was statistically significant ( <0.05).
CONCLUSION
A high degree of body image dissatisfaction and incorrect body image perceptions exists among medical students. There is an increased desire to be thinner and the majority of this study's participants feel unattractive. There is a need to foster healthy body image perceptions among students of health sciences as they are the future in healthcare and can influence the health beliefs in our society.
Topics: Adult; Body Dissatisfaction; Body Image; Cross-Sectional Studies; Humans; Oman; Students, Medical; Young Adult
PubMed: 35673292
DOI: 10.18295/squmj.8.2021.121 -
Body Image Mar 2021Body functionality describes everything that the body is able to do, across diverse domains (e.g., bodily senses, creative endeavours). Nearly a decade ago, leading... (Review)
Review
Body functionality describes everything that the body is able to do, across diverse domains (e.g., bodily senses, creative endeavours). Nearly a decade ago, leading scholars identified research on body functionality as a priority for the body image field. The field has responded, as shown by the recent rise of body functionality research. We considered this an opportune time to (a) define body functionality (what it is and is not); (b) present theoretical frameworks of body functionality; (c) articulate first-generation and current measures relating to body functionality; (d) offer functionality-focused body image interventions that can improve appreciation for one's body functionality (and body image more broadly); (e) summarise additional areas of research related to body functionality and positive body image; and (f) provide considerations and directions for future research and interventions incorporating body functionality. Research has underscored body functionality as a valuable construct with respect to positive body image and well-being, particularly when individuals appreciate what their bodies can do and conceptualise their body functionality holistically. Yet, the experience of body functionality is nuanced across social identities. Overall, the field has greatly advanced knowledge about body functionality, and we are excited to see the next generation of research that emerges.
Topics: Body Image; Humans; Randomized Controlled Trials as Topic; Social Identification
PubMed: 33321273
DOI: 10.1016/j.bodyim.2020.11.006 -
BMC Pregnancy and Childbirth Sep 2022During pregnancy, women`s bodies undergo rapid changes in body weight and body size within a relatively short period of time. Pregnancy may therefore be associated with...
BACKGROUND
During pregnancy, women`s bodies undergo rapid changes in body weight and body size within a relatively short period of time. Pregnancy may therefore be associated with an increased vulnerability for the development of body image dissatisfaction that has been linked to adverse health outcomes for mother and child. The present study aims to examine changes in body image during pregnancy as well as predictors of body image dissatisfaction. This is the first study using a tailored, multidimensional measure of body image especially developed for the pregnant population.
METHODS
A prospective longitudinal design with a quantitative approach was applied. Healthy pregnant women (N = 222) were assessed using standardized instruments at two time points (T1: 18th-22th week of gestation, T2: 33th-37th week of gestation). The impact of demographic, weight- and health-related, behavioral, and psychological factors assessed at T1 on body image dissatisfaction at T1 and T2 was examined using stepwise linear regression analyses.
RESULTS
T-tests for paired samples revealed that dissatisfaction with strength-related aspects of body image, dissatisfaction with body parts, and concerns about sexual attractiveness increased significantly from the middle to the end of pregnancy. In contrast, preoccupation with appearance, dissatisfaction with complexion, and prioritization of appearance over function were significantly reduced over time. Stepwise linear regression analyses revealed that factors influencing body image depend on the component of body image investigated. Overall, a low level of self-esteem and a high level of pregnancy-specific worries were risk factors for several components of body image dissatisfaction. Besides these, poor sleep quality, low levels of physical activity, disturbed eating behavior, and higher levels of BMI and weight gain were significant predictors.
CONCLUSIONS
The results highlight the multidimensional nature of body image and show positive as well as negative changes during pregnancy. Overall, modifiable psychological, behavioral, and weight-related factors appear relevant to the extent of body image dissatisfaction.
Topics: Body Dissatisfaction; Body Image; Child; Female; Humans; Pregnancy; Pregnant Women; Prospective Studies; Self Concept
PubMed: 36127633
DOI: 10.1186/s12884-022-05050-x -
International Journal of Environmental... Sep 2022University students, as young adults, are at risk for Body Dissatisfaction (BD) and Distorted Body Image (DBI), which are related to Disordered Eating Behaviors (DEBs)....
University students, as young adults, are at risk for Body Dissatisfaction (BD) and Distorted Body Image (DBI), which are related to Disordered Eating Behaviors (DEBs). This study aimed to assess changes in the prevalence of these three conditions over six years; and the associations between them. Data was collected through an annual online survey from 2017 to 2022 at a private university in Mexico City. Students between 18-30 years old were invited to participate. Body image-related variables were assessed by the Stunkard's Silhouettes and Body Mass Index, by self-reported height and weight. Disordered Eating Behaviors were measured by the Brief Disordered Eating Behaviors Questionnaire. A median of 250 students participated per year, with a median age of 21 years old. The prevalence was 63.5-71.7% for BD, 40.4-49.1% for DBI, and 25-38.3% for DEBs. DEBs and BD showed associations during the whole period (OR from 3.6 to 15.9, ≤ 0.001); as well as DBI with DEBs (OR from 1.9 to 3.3, < 0.05). Alterations in Body Image and eating behaviors are common conditions, mainly in women and in the young population. Therefore, it is important to promote screening for these conditions, as they usually remain undiagnosed, their prevalence is increasing worldwide, and their impact on physical and mental health has already been acknowledged.
Topics: Adolescent; Adult; Body Dissatisfaction; Body Image; Feeding and Eating Disorders; Female; Humans; Students; Universities; Young Adult
PubMed: 36141756
DOI: 10.3390/ijerph191811482 -
Eating and Weight Disorders : EWD Oct 2022Mental health problems among university students have been reported to be significantly increasing and suggested to be associated with college drop-out. Body...
PURPOSE
Mental health problems among university students have been reported to be significantly increasing and suggested to be associated with college drop-out. Body dissatisfaction and compulsive exercise are both constructs relevant for mental health problems in general and eating disorders in particular. This study examined associations between body dissatisfaction, compulsive exercise and self-reported symptoms of depression among Swedish university students.
METHODS
Participants (n = 4262) are students in an ongoing cohort study, and data from the baseline assessment were used. Four linear regression models were built to explore the associations between body dissatisfaction, compulsive weight control exercise and depressive symptoms.
RESULTS
Our findings showed that females reported higher levels of body dissatisfaction than males. Body dissatisfaction and compulsive exercise were associated with self-reported symptoms of depression in this non-clinical population. Results showed that compulsive exercise was negatively associated with reported symptoms of depression, while body dissatisfaction was positively associated with symptoms of depression.
CONCLUSION
In line with previous research, there was a gender difference in body dissatisfaction where females displayed higher levels of dissatisfaction than males. Body dissatisfaction was positively associated with reported symptoms of depression, suggesting support of previous research indicating body dissatisfaction to increase mental health problems. Compulsive exercise was negatively associated with symptoms of depression suggesting a behavior negatively reinforced, supporting both constructs to be of interest for reported symptoms of depression in a non-clinical population of Swedish university students.
LEVEL OF EVIDENCE
III, cohort study.
TRIAL REGISTRATION
http://clinicaltrials.gov/ID : NCT04465435.
Topics: Body Image; Cohort Studies; Compulsive Exercise; Depression; Exercise; Female; Humans; Male; Students; Universities
PubMed: 35179726
DOI: 10.1007/s40519-022-01374-x -
Body Image Sep 2023Mixed findings exist regarding whether athletes have different levels of body image concerns to non-athletes. Such body image concerns have not been reviewed recently,... (Meta-Analysis)
Meta-Analysis Review
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.
Topics: Adult; Female; Humans; Male; Body Image; Gender Identity; Sports; Athletes
PubMed: 37172557
DOI: 10.1016/j.bodyim.2023.04.007 -
International Journal of Environmental... Feb 2022The study analyzed the differences between sexes in body image perception and body ideals to assess possible dissatisfaction and misinterpretation in the body image...
The study analyzed the differences between sexes in body image perception and body ideals to assess possible dissatisfaction and misinterpretation in the body image considered attractive for the other sex. Moreover, the influence of anthropometric traits and sports practice on body dissatisfaction and misjudgment was evaluated. Using a cross-sectional design, 960 Italian university students were investigated. Anthropometric characteristics were measured directly. Assessment of body image perception was performed using Thompson and Gray's silhouettes. We developed two new indexes to assess the possible discrepancy between (1) the perceived silhouette of one's body and that of the same sex deemed attractive to the other sex (FAD); (2) the silhouette is deemed attractive to the opposite sex and the average attractive silhouette selected by the opposite sex (AMOAD). As expected, females showed greater dissatisfaction with their bodies than males concerning both their own ideal and the silhouette they considered attractive to the opposite sex. Although both sexes misjudged the attractive silhouette for the opposite sex, women were found to be more wrong. According to the outcomes of multivariate regression models, stature, body composition parameters, amount of sport, sex, and FAD were significant predictors of dissatisfaction and misjudgment. In addition to action aimed at correcting misperceptions, the study revealed the importance of sports participation in improving the perception and acceptance of one's body image.
Topics: Body Dissatisfaction; Body Image; Body Mass Index; Cross-Sectional Studies; Female; Flavin-Adenine Dinucleotide; Humans; Male; Sex Characteristics
PubMed: 35270436
DOI: 10.3390/ijerph19052745