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PubMed2001

Body-image attitudes and psychosocial functioning in Euro-American and Asian-American college women.

Euro-American (n = 94) and Asian-American (n = 72) college women were compared on multiple dimensions of body image, including global body satisfaction, preoccupation with appearance, satisfaction with individual body parts or features, and weight concern, and psychosocial functioning, including self-esteem, public self-consciousness, social anxiety, and public body consciousness. Both groups reported similar scores on these variables and showed similar patterns of correlations between body-image and psychosocial variables. Despite similar global body satisfaction, there were group differences in satisfaction with individual body parts or features, with Asian-American women reporting lower satisfaction with six parts or features and higher satisfaction with one feature. Stepwise multiple regression analyses predicting global body satisfaction from individual body parts or features suggested that both the specific body parts or features most salient to global body satisfaction and the relative influence of these parts or features varied as a function of ethnicity. Implications of these findings for research and practice are discussed.

Adult↗

PubMed1977

Social aspects of body image: perception of normalcy of weight and affect of college undergraduates.

Two aspects of body image, perception of normalcy of weight and affect, were studied by means of a paper-and-pencil test with 62 male and 117 female undergraduates. The relationship of the social characteristics of sex, age, race, and actual body weight (underweight, normal weight, overweight) to body-image distortion was investigated. Individuals who were underweight or overweight were more likely to perceptually distort their weight-related appearance than were normal weight respondents. Among those who misperceived their weight-related appearance, both underweight and overweight persons tended to normalize their appearance. Among those who misperceived their weight-related appearance, sex was also related to the type of perceptual distortion experienced. Females tended to perceive themselves as appearing heavier, whereas males tended to perveive themselves as appearing lighter, than they actually were. There was no relationship between perceptual distortion of body weight and body affect. Age, race, and actual body weight were related to affect. Affect was more negative among young respondents than older respondents. White individuals had poorer affect scores than non-whites. Overweight respondents also had more negative affect scores than other respondents.

Adolescent↗

PubMed1996

Perceived somatotype as indicator of accuracy of body image, a method using somatotype attitudinal distance.

A method intended to assess accuracy of body image was applied to 52 Caucasian girls aged 14 and 15 years. Each girl, after being somatotyped by the Heath-Carter anthropometric method, was asked to select, among ten somatotype standard photographs, the one she perceived closest to her own objective somatotype. The purposes of the research were (i) to measure the distance between the objective and subjective judgements, self-perceived somatotypes by means of the somatotype attitudinal distance, and (ii) to assess the stability of the subjective somatotype by a test-retest correlation. The girls were also asked to select the pictures corresponding to the most preferred and aversive somatotypes. The test-retest coefficients were significant for the three somatotype choices. Hence, the method provides adequate stability and may be employed to reproduce the discrepancies between body image and real body build by a quantitative continuous measure.

Adolescent↗

PubMed2004

Rating of figures used for body image assessment varies depending on the method of figure presentation.

OBJECTIVE: To determine the effect of method of figure presentation on figure rating scales used for body image assessment. METHODS: Ratings of current, ideal, and socially acceptable body sizes were elicited from 360 university students. Male and female figure drawings ranging from thin to obese were presented to subjects using one of three presentation methods. Figures were presented as an ordered array, an unordered array, or they were placed individually on cards that were fixed in order from thin to obese. RESULTS: Figure ratings were significantly different among methods for the selection of current and ideal figure and socially acceptable body sizes. DISCUSSION: The method of figure presentation had an influence on figure ratings. These findings suggest that the manner in which figures are presented to research participants for the evaluation of body image constructs may be responsible, in part, for the discordant results reported in the body image assessment literature. Future research is required to address potential reasons why the method of figure presentation results in different figure ratings.

Adult↗

PubMed2000

Discrepancy between actual and ideal body images; Impact on eating and exercise behaviors.

This study examined how discrepancies between actual and ideal body images are related to eating and exercise patterns. A total of 115 college-age women completed the Body Discrepancy Scale (BDS, a measure of the discrepancy between one's "actual" vs. "ideal" weight and size), a leisure-time physical activity survey, and questionnaires assessing the intake of fat and fiber (i.e., fruits and vegetables), as well as measures of maladaptive eating attitudes and behaviors. Partial correlations (controlling for Body Mass Index, BMI) showed that scores on the BDS were significantly (P's<.05) associated with low levels of physical activity (r=-.28), with low levels of fruit and vegetable consumption (r=-.19), and with high levels of body image dissatisfaction (r=.32) and binge eating (r=.32). Collectively, these findings suggest that discrepancies between actual and ideal body images are associated with maladaptive eating and exercise patterns.

Journal Article↗

PubMed2003

[Body image, self-esteem and depression in college female students: normal and overweight].

PURPOSE: The purpose of this study was to investigate the relationships among variables of body image, self-esteem and depression in college female students according to the normal and overweight. METHOD: The subjects of this study consisted of 245 college female students. The data was collected through personal interviews using questionnaires from May to June of 2001. The data was analyzed by the SPSS computer program, and it included descriptive statistics, chi(2)-test, t-test and the pearson correlation coefficient. RESULT: Demographics provided a significant difference in grade, household income, weight control experience. There was a perceived health status difference, according to the normal and overweight subjects. There was a significant difference in body image, self-esteem and depression between the two groups. There was a significant positive correlation between body image and self-esteem, and negative correlation between body image and depression, and self-esteem and depression in college female students. CONCLUSION: The Findings of this study give useful information to construct further studies in intervention program relating overweight control for college female students.

English Abstract↗

PubMed2001

Similarities in body image in sisters: the role of sociocultural internalization and social comparison.

The sociocultural theory of body image disturbance states that Western women experience pressure from sources such as parents, peers, and the media to maintain thinness. Social comparison theory emphasises the role of comparing one's appearance to others. Body image disturbance; awareness and Internalization of sociocultural messages regarding thinness; and sibling social comparisons were examined in 41 closest-in-age sisters through self-report questionnaires. Sisters showed similar levels of body image disturbance and sociocultural awareness and internalization. Sibling comparisons were negative for younger sisters but neutral or positive for older sisters. Sociocultural internalization predicted body dissatisfaction in both sisters, and body size distortion in younger sisters. Negative sibling comparisons during teenage years predicted body size distortion and body dissatisfaction in younger sisters, and preference for thinness in older sisters.

Journal Article↗

PubMed1993

The role of body image in sexually avoidant behavior.

"Spectatoring" refers to a cognitive self-absorption, wherein individuals fixate on and carefully monitor personal body parts and/or the adequacy of personal sexual functioning. To examine this process within a university population, undergraduate and graduate students (108 male and 140 female) filled out questionnaires that assessed body image, sexual knowledge, global sexual attitudes (i.e., liberal-conservative), general psychological adjustment, and frequency of sexual behaviors. Multiple regression analyses were used to determine if spectatoring, operationalized by measures of body image, would significantly predict sexually avoidant behavior. Results indicated that body image scores significantly predicted frequency of sexual behaviors for both genders, while general sexual knowledge and psychological adjustment did not predict sexual behavior. Overall, sexual attitude scores were the best predictors of sexual approach/avoidance behaviors for both genders. Implications are drawn for future research using the assessment of more global sex attitudes in the study of spectatoring.

Adaptation, Psychological↗

PubMedDate not supplied

Methodological problems of body image research in anorexia nervosa patients.

The significance of the disturbed body image as a psychopathological phenomenon in anorexia nervosa patients is quite evident to clinicians. It appears to be difficult, however, to assess this disturbance in a more objective way. The studies on body image perception discussed here make use of objective psychometric methods of measurement: image marking procedure, visual size estimation apparatus, distorting photograph technique, and video distortion. The following methodological problems are discussed: reliability, validity, experimental situation, and selection of subjects. Experimental data are presented on 52 anorectic patients as well as 210 control subjects, studied with three different perceptual tasks.

Anorexia Nervosa↗

PubMedDate not supplied

Is smoking related to body image satisfaction, stress, and self-esteem in young adults?

OBJECTIVES: To examine the association of smoking and gender with body image satisfaction, perceived stress, and self-esteem in young adults. METHODS: Respondents completed a survey consisting of Perceived Stress Scale, Body-Areas Satisfaction Scale, Rosenberg Self-Esteem Scale, and the Positive and Negative Affect Schedule. Current smokers (n = 483) and never smokers (n = 973) are included. RESULTS: Smoking and female gender were independently associated with higher perceived stress (P < 0.001). Female gender was associated with lower body image satisfaction and lower self-esteem (P < 0.001). Current smoking was associated with lower self-esteem (P = 0.007). CONCLUSION: Smoking treatment should include stress management and self-esteem and body image improvement.

Adolescent↗

PubMedDate not supplied

Perception of body image in children with burns, five years after burn injury.

Burn injuries and subsequent disfigurement may place children at high risk for psychologic dysfunction. If medical professionals are to aid the child in achieving psychologic resolution and acceptance of the injury, they must be aware of the stage of body-image perception that the child is experiencing. This study was designed to determine differences in body image between children with burns and children without burns through the use of human figure drawings. The experimental group consisted of 32 children with burns, aged 5 to 15 years, studied at approximately 5 years after burn injury. The control group consisted of 32 children without burns, aged 6 to 15 years. Subjects in the burn group were matched to control subjects by age and sex. There were no significant differences in body image in relation to any of the demographic measures except age. Age was inversely related to body image both in patients with burns and in control subjects.

Adaptation, Psychological↗

PubMed2002

Do cenesthesias and body image aberration characterize a subgroup in schizophrenia?

OBJECTIVE: To identify and characterize a subgroup of schizophrenia patients with marked and dominating bodily sensations (cenesthesias and body image aberration). METHOD: We assessed cenesthesias and different aspects of body image aberration systematically along with common (general, positive and negative symptoms) and ego-psychopathology in 60 patients with acute paranoid schizophrenia. Cluster analysis was applied to identify subgroups. Psychopathology scores of the clusters were compared at admission and after 2 weeks of hospital treatment. RESULTS: One of the three clusters comprised of 14 patients (23.3%) with marked disturbances of body experience (underestimation of lower extremities, desomatization, boundary loss and diminution). The subgroup was further characterized by significantly higher ego-psychopathology scores at admission. Some of the differences held true over a 2-week period. CONCLUSION: The findings from the present study suggest that cenesthesias and body image aberration might represent an additional dimension of psychopathology that might be used for defining a nosological subtype of schizophrenia.

Adolescent↗

PubMed1997

Changes in self-concept and body image during alopecia induced cancer chemotherapy.

Alopecia as a result of cancer chemotherapy has been reported to cause changes to the self-concept and body image. In a prospective longitudinal study, self-concept and body image were analysed in 29 patients after histological confirmation of gynaecological malignancy, mainly ovarian cancer, who were assigned to receive a complete-alopecia-inducing PEC combination chemotherapy (cisplatin 50 mg/m2, epirubicin 60 mg/m2, and cyclophosphamide 500 mg/m2 in 1 day every 28 days). The analysis was performed before the commencement of treatment and repeated when alopoecia was complete and after completion of therapy when patients had already experienced regrowth of hair, using the Frankfurt self-concept scales (FSKN) and Frankfurt body concept scales (FKKS). Significant differences were observed in the various evaluation scales FSAP (general ability to solve problems), FSSW (general self-esteem), SGKB (state of health), and SKEF (physical fitness). For all scales the results worsened during chemotherapy but did not return to normal or improve when patients experienced regrowth of hair. It was found that 73.3% of the patients did not feel as self-confident as before treatment and that for 46.6% alopecia was the most traumatic side effect of chemotherapy. Since there is no chemotherapeutic regimen or any other effective treatment that can prevent alopecia, either of the following conclusions can be drawn: the observed differences may not be related exclusively to alopecia, but also associated with coping processes initiated by chemotherapy and perhaps enhanced by alopecia; or the changes persist even after the discontinuation of chemotherapy. Regrowth of hair and other adaptive processes do not normalize or improve the impaired body image and self-concept.

Adult↗

PubMed1997

Childhood leukemia and body image: interview reveals impairment not found with a questionnaire.

Twenty-eight adolescent leukemia survivors and 34 healthy controls were examined by means of a self-report questionnaire and a semi-structured face-to-face interview to appraise the quality of their body image. To protect against observer bias a blind-rater was used. The self-report inventory suggested that survivors have a perfectly normal body image, whereas in the interview 36% of the survivors were rated as having an impaired and 36% a diffuse, body image. The survivors' characteristic attitude towards their physical appearance--to evade the difficult issue--because evident when there were no ready answers from which to choose. Thus, in evaluating the impact of cancer on body image the choice of method of inquiry is vital.

Acute Disease↗

PubMed2002

Relations of strength training to body image among a sample of female university students.

College women enrolled in a strength training class were evaluated before and after the class using a combination of physical fitness measures, including weight, percentage of body fat, body circumference, and strength measures. Forty-nine subjects participated in strength training, twice a week for a total of 12 weeks. At the end of the class, participants were asked to respond to 9 open-ended questions dealing with perceptions of body image. Physical results of the study showed a mean weight gain of 1 lb, an average increase in body fat of 0.9%, and a 5-11 lb improvement in maximal lifting ability. In addition, most subjects reported that they felt healthier and more fit and had an improved body image and a better attitude about their physical selves after strength training. In this study, exercise using strength training improved strength and body image in women.

Adolescent↗

PubMed2004

Male body image: self-perceived weight status and avoidance of body exposure.

157 undergraduate students (M age 18.6 yr.) taking introductory psychology courses participated in this study to assess if men's self-perceived weight status is associated with a disposition to engage in or to avoid activities that would expose the body to scrutiny of male and female observers. A second objective of this study was to examine whether willingness to expose the upper torso would be associated with self-reports of anxiety about physique and fear of negative evaluation. Analysis indicated that both self-perceived overweight and underweight men reported less intent than self-perceived normal weight men to volunteer for activities that would expose the body to scrutiny. Surprisingly, participants volunteered for more activities if the viewers of their bodies were women than if they were men. Finally, endorsed unwillingness to expose the upper torso to others was significantly associated with increased social physique anxiety and higher fear of negative evaluation.

Adolescent↗

PubMed1981

Body image in anorexia nervosa: measurement, theory and clinical implications.

Clinical manifestations of body image disturbance in anorexia nervosa are described including size misperceptions and faulty beliefs about shape. The empirical investigations of body image aberrations in anorexia nervosa are critically reviewed. Methodological issues such as reliability, validity subject selection and sources of experimental bias are discussed with recommendations for further research. Theoretical explanations for the mechanisms determining self-overestimation are presented with data indicating a relationship between self-overestimation, body satisfaction and self-esteem. Finally, a therapeutic approach is suggested that is aimed specifically at modifying the patient's faculty beliefs about her body while coping with her refractory self-misperceptions.

Adult↗

PubMed2000

The influence of race, ethnicity, class, and sexual politics on lesbians' body image.

Based on interviews conducted with eight lesbians, this paper explores how the intersection of gender, sexual identity, race, ethnicity, and class affect lesbians' feelings about their bodies. Their responses suggest that, while being female has a strong effect on lesbians' feelings about their bodies, issues of race, acculturation, and class also affect body image. Lesbian feminism and S/M politics also appear to play a significant role in lesbians' body image. These findings highlight the limitations of existing theories about body image and call for a more complex theory incorporating a more diverse range of experiences.

Adult↗