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PubMed2000

Preventing eating and body image problems in children and adolescents using the Health Promoting Schools Framework.

This paper outlines the Health Promoting Schools Framework and how it may be implemented in schools for preventing eating and body image problems. Discussion focuses on the efficacy of preventive school-based strategies, and on the safest and most successful interventions. The Framework encompasses three major areas of intervention in the school and community: 1) School curriculum, teaching, and learning; 2) School ethos, environment, and organization; and 3) School-community partnerships and services. Suggested strategies for implementing the Framework are outlined. A case study of how a girls high school adapted the new approach for dealing with the problem of eating and body image problems is presented.

Adolescent↗

PubMedDate not supplied

Depression in burn reconstruction patients: symptom prevalence and association with body image dissatisfaction and physical function.

OBJECTIVE: This study investigated the prevalence and the clinical correlates of symptoms of depression among burn reconstruction patients. METHOD: A sample of 224 burn reconstruction patients completed the Beck Depression Inventory (BDI), the SF-36 Health Survey and the Satisfaction with Appearance Scale. RESULTS: The prevalence of at least mild to moderate symptoms of depression (BDI > or =10) was 46%. Female patients were disproportionately represented in this burn reconstruction population (46%) compared to all survivors from the burn center (29%; P<.001) and compared to a national sample of burn survivors (27%; P<.001). Compared to males, female patients presented for consultation much longer after a burn injury (P<.001), tended to have smaller burns (P=.06) and were less likely to have facial burns (P=.08). Depressive symptoms were largely predicted by body image dissatisfaction (beta=.58; P<.001), with additional variance predicted by physical function (beta=-.13; P=.07). The effect of patient and burn injury variables on depressive symptoms was mediated by body image dissatisfaction and physical function. CONCLUSION: The high prevalence of significant symptoms of depression in burn reconstruction patients and their relationship with body image suggest the importance of the routine psychological screening of patients seeking reconstruction services.

Adult↗

PubMed2001

Virtual reality-based multidimensional therapy for the treatment of body image disturbances in obesity: a controlled study.

The main goal of this paper is a preliminary evaluation of the efficacy of a virtual reality VR-based multidimensional approach to the treatment of body image attitudes and related constructs. The female obese patients (n = 28) involved in a residential weight control treatment, including low-calorie diet (1,200 kcal/day) and physical training, were randomly assigned either to the VR treatment or to psychonutritional groups based on the cognitive-behavior approach. Patients were administered a battery of outcome measures assessing eating disorders symptomatology, attitudes toward food, body dissatisfaction, level of anxiety, motivation for change, level of assertiveness, and general psychiatric symptoms. In the short-term, the VR treatment was more effective than the traditional cognitive-behavioral psychonutritional groups in improving the overall psychological state of the patients. In particular, it was more effective in improving body satisfaction, self-efficacy, and motivation for change. The improvement was associated with a reduction in problematic eating and social behaviors. The possibility of inducing a significant change in body image and its associated behaviors using a VR-based short-term therapy can improve body satisfaction in traditional weight reduction programs. However, given that this research that does not include a follow-up study, the obtained results are preliminary.

Adolescent↗

PubMed1996

Impact of Bariatric Surgery on Body Image Perception and Sexuality in Morbidly Obese Patients and their Partners.

BACKGROUND: This study was undertaken to determine whether surgery for morbid obesity affects sexual attitudes and performance in patients and their partners. METHODS: Questionnaires concerning sexuality were sent to 94 patients who underwent gastric restriction procedures and their partners. Twenty-eight patients at least 1 year postoperatively (range of 1-11 years, mean 4.2 years +/- 3.24 SD) and 16 of their partners responded. The blinded questionnaires addressed the enjoyment and frequency of sexual intercourse, orgasms, body image, number of partners, abuse, sexual problems and masturbation. Comparisons were made before and after surgery. Patient answers were compared with their partners. RESULTS: Preoperatively, 64% of patients stated that they enjoyed sexual intercourse. Postoperatively, 50% of patients and 78% of partners stated that they enjoyed sex more. Improved orgasms were noted by 44% of patients and 40% partners after surgery. Improvement in body image was also achieved. Only 27% of patients felt they were attractive before surgery, while 80% felt they were more attractive after surgery; 94% of their partners agreed. While 48% of patients undressed in darkness in front of their partners before surgery, only 27% did so after surgery. CONCLUSIONS: Weigh loss attained though bariatric surgery improves body image and sexuality. Sexual intercourse and orgasms are improved postoperatively both for patient and partner.

Journal Article↗

PubMed1993

[Body image of anorexic girls, their mothers and sisters: a controlled study].

Body image disturbance is a main diagnostic criterion for anorexia nervosa. However, its transmission in families has never been studied empirically. Our study compared the body experience of a consecutive series of 29 adolescent anorexics at initial assessment (DSM-III-R, mean age 14.4 years), their mothers (n = 29) and 9 sisters with a control group of 29 healthy girls (matched in age and education), their mothers (n = 29) and 10 sisters, using the Body Experience Questionnaire (Strauss u. Appelt 1983). Within-group comparison revealed no significant differences in the control group. Although anorexics showed a more negative body experience than their mothers and sisters, the between-group comparisons revealed no significant differences to healthy controls, neither in cases nor in their sisters. Surprisingly, mothers of anorexics reported a significantly more positive body experience than control mothers. Whereas in patients and their mothers a correlation of insecurity was found, the control mother-daughter-pairs revealed a correlation of attractiveness. In the transmission of body experience amongst female family members negative aspects seem to play a major role between mothers and their anorexic daughters, whereas positive aspects correlate significantly in healthy mothers and daughters; mothers of anorexics may communicate specific negative aspects of body experience to anorexic daughters or anorexics might be more susceptible to such messages. If further studies confirm our results, this should have consequences for treatment.

Adolescent↗

PubMedDate not supplied

The relationship of pubertal status to body image, social physique anxiety, preoccupation with weight and nutritional status in young females.

The relationship of puberty to body image, social physique anxiety, preoccupation with weight and nutritional status was examined in 77 non-obese females (7-16 years). Results showed that 34% of the pre-pubescent girls, 36% of the early pubescent girls and 76% of the post-pubescent girls were dissatisfied with their body shape. Social physique anxiety, determined by the SPAS scale, and preoccupation with weight, measured by the Eating Disorder Inventory were observed in all pubertal groups but were more evident in the early and post-pubescent groups. No significant difference existed among the maturation groups in mean caloric and nutrient intake. The results showed that antecedents for developing an eating disorder existed in all maturational groups studied, although no health risk behaviours regarding nutritional status were observed.

Analysis of Variance↗

PubMed1990

Distorted body image as a risk factor in anorexia nervosa: replication and clarification.

This study replicated the results of an earlier one in which college women showing psychological similarities to anorexics indicated an unrealistically larger body-image relative to controls but only if they were relatively thin. This kind of perceptual enhancement was not found when inanimate objects were rated. The proposal that an enhanced body image plays a dynamic role in motivating food restraint (and may increase the risk of becoming anorexic) was supported by an analysis of dieting strategies.

Adolescent↗

PubMed1992

Adolescent body image and attitudes to anabolic steroid use.

Eleventh-grade students at seven high schools in central Arkansas were surveyed regarding anabolic steroid use, risk-taking behavior, satisfaction with body image, and attitudes and beliefs regarding anabolic steroids. A total of 1492 adolescents were surveyed. Fifty-one (7.6%) of 672 males and 12 (1.5%) of 806 females admitted anabolic steroid use. Fourteen students did not specify gender. Bivariate comparisons showed significant differences between users and nonusers in risk-taking behaviors and degree of satisfaction with body image and muscles. Users were more likely than nonusers to approve of anabolic steroid use in sports and to believe that anabolic steroid use could improve one's health. Multivariate analyses found gender, knowledge of beneficial side effects, knowing other anabolic steroid users, age, and race to be significantly related to anabolic steroid use. Information about steroids' effects seldom came from physicians, but often came from peers. Anabolic steroid use was strongly motivated by social influences, some knowledge of beneficial effects, and denial of adverse effects in white adolescent males in our study population.

Adolescent↗

PubMedDate not supplied

Effects of weight training on the emotional well-being and body image of females: predictors of greatest benefit.

BACKGROUND: This study was conducted to determine the extent to which participation in a weight training intervention was associated with changes in the emotional well-being and body image of females compared to non-weight trainers. An ancillary objective was to study the extent to which psychological, physical, and demographic factors accounted for changes in emotional well-being and body image. METHODS: The experimental group consisted of 60 females, and a comparison group was comprised of 92 females. Experimental subjects participated in a 15-week, two-day-per-week weight training intervention, while subjects in the comparison group did not participate in any weight training activities. Subjects were pre- and posttested on the General Well-Being Schedule and the Body Cathexis Scale. Experimental subjects were also tested in muscular strength and three skinfold measurements. RESULTS: With pretest scores controlled, the weight trainers had significantly higher General Well-Being and Body Cathexis posttest scores than the comparison group. Weight trainers also showed significant increases in muscular strength, and significant decreases in skinfold thickness. Four variables predicted 38.8% of the variance of those who improved most in General Well-Being: lower pretest General Well-Being, lower parental income, greater loss of body weight, and lower posttest skinfold. Five variables predicted 61.5% of the variance of those women who improved most in Body Cathexis: lower pretest Body Cathexis, greater body weight at the outset, shorter in height, less involvement in non-weight training exercise, and lower posttest skinfold. DISCUSSION: (ABSTRACT TRUNCATED AT 250 WORDS)

Adult↗

PubMed2002

Virtual-reality-based multidimensional therapy for the treatment of body image disturbances in binge eating disorders: a preliminary controlled study.

The main goal of this paper is to preliminarily evaluate the efficacy of a virtual-reality (VR)-based multidimensional approach in the treatment of body image attitudes and related constructs. The female binge eating disorder (BED) patients (n = 20), involved in a residential weight control treatment including low-calorie diet (1200 cal/day) and physical training, were randomly assigned either to the multidimensional VR treatment or to psychonutritional groups based on the cognitive-behavior approach. Patients were administered a battery of outcome measures assessing eating disorders symptomathology, attitudes toward food, body dissatisfaction, level of anxiety, motivation for change, level of assertiveness, and general psychiatric symptoms. In the short term, the VR treatment was more effective than the traditional cognitive-behavioral psychonutritional groups in improving the overall psychological state of the patients. In particular, the therapy was more effective in improving body satisfaction, self-efficacy, and motivation for change. No significant differences were found in the reduction of the binge eating behavior. The possibility of inducing a significant change in body image and its associated behaviors using a VR-based short-term therapy can be useful to improve the body satisfaction in traditional weight reduction programs. However, given the nature of this research that does not include a followup study, the obtained results are preliminary only.

Adolescent↗

PubMed2001

Media influence and body image in 8-11-year-old boys and girls: a preliminary report on the multidimensional media influence scale.

OBJECTIVE: To develop a scale for the assessment of multiple components of a media-based influence on body image. METHOD: Seventy-five boys and 107 girls, ranging in age from 8 to 11, completed a measure designed to assess five facets of a media influence previously conceptualized by researchers. RESULTS: Three distinct scales emerged, which appeared to focus on concepts defined as internalization, awareness, and pressure. Correlations between subscales of the Multidimensional Media Influence Scale (MMIS) and the Eating Disorder Inventory-Body Dissatisfaction subscale were significant for both boys and girls. Girls had higher levels on all three subscales and regression analyses indicated that the MMIS scores predicted 30% of the variance associated with body dissatisfaction for girls, but an R(2) of only 0.10 emerged for boys. Internalization levels predicted significant variance beyond that explained by awareness and pressures, but only for the female sample. DISCUSSION: The findings are discussed with regard to the usefulness of the MMIS for future research and the role of internalization as a risk factor for the development of body image disturbances and eating disorders.

Body Image↗

PubMed2003

Reconceptualizing causative factors and intervention strategies in the eating disorders: a shift from body image to self-concept impairments.

In this report, we argue that impairments in self-concept development function as a cognitive vulnerability that contributes to the formation of the eating disorders (ED) of anorexia nervosa (AN) and bulimia nervosa (BN). More specifically we argue that impairments in development of the total collection of identities that comprise the self-concept contribute to body image disturbances which in turn, motivate the eating and body-weight attitudes and behaviors that characterize the disorders. First, we review current understandings of the role of body image disturbances in the ED and discuss limitations of this approach. Then we review theories from psychoanalytic and feminist traditions that suggest that identity disturbances are a key factor in the etiology of the ED. Next, results of studies that examine identity disturbances in the ED are reviewed. Results of a study of women with AN and BN using the schema model of the self-concept as the theoretical framework showed that women with few positive and many negative self-cognitions are particularly vulnerable to cultural messages about body weight and form weight-related cognitions about the self that contribute to disordered eating attitudes and behaviors. Finally, the implications of these findings for primary and secondary level prevention of ED are addressed.

Body Image↗

PubMed1999

Evolving ideals of male body image as seen through action toys.

OBJECTIVE: We hypothesized that the physiques of male action toys--small plastic figures used by children in play--would provide some index of evolving American cultural ideals of male body image. METHOD: We obtained examples of the most popular American action toys manufactured over the last 30 years. We then measured the waist, chest, and bicep circumference of each figure and scaled these measurements using classical allometry to the height of an actual man (1.78 m). RESULTS: We found that the figures have grown much more muscular over time, with many contemporary figures far exceeding the muscularity of even the largest human bodybuilders. DISCUSSION: Our observations appear to represent a "male analog" of earlier studies examining female dolls, such as Barbie. Together, these studies of children's toys suggest that cultural expectations may contribute to body image disorders in both sexes.

Adult↗

PubMed1995

Obese and nonobese postpartum women: complications, body image, and perceptions of the intrapartal experience.

Obesity continues to be a major health problem. The purpose of this descriptive study was to ascertain if differences existed between obese and nonobese postpartum women in relation to obstetric complications, body image, and perceptions of the intrapartal experience. In this study, obesity was found to be a significant predictor of pregnancy-induced hypertension. Additionally, as obesity becomes more pronounced, the likelihood of pregnancy-induced hypertension increased and body image became more negative. Perceptions of the intrapartal experience were not altered by obesity, however.

Adult↗

PubMed2004

Asian body image satisfaction: ethnic and gender differences across Chinese, Indo-Asian, and European-descent students.

This study extends previous research on ethnocultural differences in body image satisfaction by comparing two distinct Asian groups with a European descent group (N = 1471). Canadian undergraduates completed self-report body image measures. Participants descended from China reported the lowest levels of body satisfaction. Body satisfaction of participants descended from Indo-Asia was the next lowest, significantly lower than their European descent counterparts. The body satisfaction of women was lower than that of men across all groups and all participants expressed a desire to be thinner. The results suggest that one cannot generalize across Asian populations, as there may be significant differences between various ethnic minority groups.

Journal Article↗

PubMed1991

Body-image correlates of anxiety in a sample of male alcoholics.

Body-image testing of 10 male alcoholics with and 7 without anxiety disorders showed those with panic disorder had low barrier scores. Those with phobias emphasized their hearts and those with Posttraumatic Stress Disorder emphasized their backs. The barrier score correlated positively with both intensity of physical symptoms and with sense of blocked body openings.

Adult↗

PubMed1977

Desensitization therapy for body image anxiety.

A newly devised therapy technique to desensitize individuals for body image anxiety arising from conversion symptoms and psychophysiologic disorders is outlined. One application involves the projective use of inkblots with high anatomical content which provide a source of visual input to stimulate somatic images in consciousness. When these are activated in a state of relaxation the anxiety content of the pathologic anatomical imagery is reduced. A case history involving desensitization treatment for a psychoneurotic patient's psychophysiologic symptom of premature ejaculation is cited. It is primarily designed to alert interested clinical investigators to this technical innovation in treatment.

Adult↗

PubMedDate not supplied

Eating disorders and body image disturbances among ballet dancers, gymnasium users and body builders.

BACKGROUND: Eating disorders are frequent among elite performers of certain sports or physical activities; however, little is known about non-professional performers. METHOD: 113 female non-elite ballet dancers, 54 female gymnasium users, 44 male non-competitive body builders, 105 female controls and 30 male controls were evaluated using the Body Uneasiness Test, the State-Trait Anxiety Inventory, the Beck Depression Inventory, and the Eating Disorder Examination 12th edition (EDE-12). RESULTS: Non-elite ballet dancers reported the highest prevalence of eating disorders (anorexia nervosa 1.8%; bulimia nervosa 2.7%; eating disorders not otherwise specified 22.1%), followed by gymnasium users (anorexia nervosa 2.6%; eating disorders not otherwise specified 18%). Significant differences (p < 0.01) between athletes and their controls were found in the following parameters (median values): Beck Depression Inventory (female dancers 5.7, gymnasium users 6.1, female controls 2.8, body builders 1.6, and male controls 1.3), Body Uneasiness Test (female dancers 1.08, gymnasium users 0.62, female controls 0.54, body builders 0.35, and male controls 0.27), EDE total scores (female dancers 1.6, gymnasium users 1.7, female controls 1.0, body builders 1.0, and male controls 0.4), EDE - restraint subscale scores (female dancers 0.8, gymnasium users 1.6, female controls 0.0, body builders 0.8, and male controls 0.0), EDE--eating concern subscale scores (female dancers 0.4, gymnasium users 0.2, female controls 0.0, body builders 0.0, and male controls 0.0), EDE--weight concern subscale scores (female dancers 2.1, gymnasium users 2.1, female controls 1.6, body builders 1.4, and male controls 0.5), and EDE--shape concern subscale scores (female dancers 2.7, gymnasium users 2.8, female controls 2.0, body builders 2.1, and male controls 0.9). EDE scores were highly related to Body Uneasiness Test scores, especially in non-elite ballet dancers and in non-competitive body builders (p < 0.01). CONCLUSION: Non-professional performers of sports emphasising thinness or muscularity, such as ballet and body-building, show a high degree of body uneasiness and inappropriate eating attitudes and behaviours.

Adolescent↗