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Outcomes of a Cluster Randomized Controlled Trial of the SoMe Social Media Literacy Program for Improving Body Image-Related Outcomes in Adolescent Boys and Girls.
Gordon, CS, Jarman, HK, Rodgers, RF, McLean, SA, Slater, A, Fuller-Tyszkiewicz, M, Paxton, SJ
Nutrients. 2021;(11)
Abstract
Although the negative effect of social media use among youth on body image and eating concerns has been established, few classroom-based resources that can decrease these effects through targeting social media literacy skills have been developed. This study aimed to test the efficacy of SoMe, a social media literacy body image, dieting, and wellbeing program for adolescents, through a cluster randomized controlled trial. Participants (n = 892; Mage = 12.77, SD = 0.74; range 11-15; 49.5% male) were randomized by school (n = 8) to receive either weekly SoMe (n = 483) or control sessions (lessons as usual; n = 409) over 4 weeks in their classroom. Participants completed surveys at four timepoints (baseline, 1-week post-intervention, and 6- and 12-month follow-up) assessing body dissatisfaction, dietary restraint, strategies to increase muscles (primary outcomes), self-esteem and depressive symptoms (secondary outcomes), and internalization of appearance ideals and appearance comparison (exploratory outcomes). Modest positive intervention effects were found in dietary restraint and depressive symptoms at 6-month follow-up in girls but few positive effects emerged for boys. The findings provide only preliminary support for a social media literacy intervention, but suggest the usefulness of both identifying those who benefit most from a universally delivered intervention and the need to refine the intervention to maximize intervention effects.
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Methods to develop figure rating scales (FRS): A systematic review.
Jayawardena, R, Sooriyaarachchi, P, Kagawa, M, Hills, AP, King, NA
Diabetes & metabolic syndrome. 2021;(3):687-693
Abstract
BACKGROUND AND AIMS Figure Rating Scales (FRS) are psychometric instruments developed to measure individual's perception of physical appearance and subsequently, to determine the level of body dissatisfaction. The following systematic review summarizes existing FRSs and the techniques used to development them. METHODS A systematic search was conducted in the following databases; PubMed®, Web of Science®, Scopus® using key words "figure rating scale" AND "Stunkard". RESULTS From 466 potentially relevant articles, 24 publications were included, 22 publications reporting original FRSs with the other two scales being modifications of the original for children and babies. Fifteen were figural drawings or silhouettes and nine were developed by photographic techniques, video methods or using computer software. Most of the figural scales were applicable for adults and consisted of nine images. Ten of the 15 figural scales were without facial features and four scales had minimal facial features. Technological advancements including 3D modeling have played a pivotal role in the development of FRSs. CONCLUSIONS FRSs have been developed by a mix of traditional and modern techniques. The development and validation of ethnic specific FRSs using modern technology should be the priority for future studies.
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[Evolution of body image perception and distorsion with mat and apparatus Pilates practice in adult women].
Vaquero-Cristóbal, R, López-Miñarro, PÁ, Alacid, F, González-Gálvez, N, Esparza-Ros, F
Nutricion hospitalaria. 2021;(1):161-168
Abstract
Introduction: the systematic practice of physical exercise may influence the perception and distortion of body image in adult women. Objective: to analyze the evolution of body image perception and distortion in adult women who performed a systematic practice of mat Pilates (PM) or Pilates with apparatus (PA). Methods: a total of 35 adult women participated in a PM (n = 19) or PA (n = 26) program for 16 weeks, two days a week. Body image was assessed before and after the interventions using the Eating Behavior Inventory 3 (EBI-3), Gardner's body image assessment scale, and Thompson and Gray's silhouette scale questionnaires. Results: the PM group showed a significant reduction in dissatisfaction with buttocks, dissatisfaction with body image, perceived image, distortion index, dissatisfaction index, perceived mental image, perceived affective image, cognitive dissatisfaction index, and affective dissatisfaction index (p < 0.05; ES: 0.26-0.80). As compared to the PA group, a significant reduction was shown in dissatisfaction with thighs, dissatisfaction with hips, dissatisfaction with body image, dissatisfaction index, cognitive dissatisfaction index, and affective dissatisfaction index (p < 0.05; 0.22-0.79). Conclusion: the systematic practice of PM or PA improves body image in adult women, reducing their body dissatisfaction.
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Tailoring a dissonance-based body image intervention for adult women in a proof of concept trial: The Women's Body Initiative.
Verzijl, CL, Duan, J, Wilfred, SA, Becker, CB, Kilpela, LS
Body image. 2021;:269-275
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Abstract
Although historically conceptualized as problems of youth, recent research indicates that women of all ages experience body dissatisfaction and eating disorder (ED) pathology. Despite this, existing body image interventions predominantly target youth. The Body Project (BP) has extensive support for reducing ED risk factors in younger women and girls. The current proof-of-concept study investigated the feasibility, acceptability, and estimates of intervention effect sizes of a modified BP for adult women, the Women's Body Initiative (WBI). Conducted in the Southwestern United States, adult women (N = 13) aged 29-70 (M = 49.1) participated in 4, 1-h weekly sessions, completing measures at baseline, post-intervention, and 3-month follow-up. Participants rated the program as highly feasible and acceptable. Within-subjects effects sizes were medium to large for primary outcomes (body dissatisfaction, ED pathology) and secondary outcomes (psychosocial impairment, negative affect, quality of life, nutritious food consumption, and sleep) through 3-months. Results suggest preliminary feasibility and acceptability of WBI for adult women, and support proceeding with a larger trial to investigate intervention efficacy.
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Association of a Mediterranean Diet and Fruit and Vegetable Consumption with Subjective Well-Being among Adults with Overweight and Obesity.
Godoy-Izquierdo, D, Ogallar, A, Lara, R, Rodríguez-Tadeo, A, Arbinaga, F
Nutrients. 2021;(4)
Abstract
Recent evidence suggests that among behavioral-lifestyle factors, adherence to a healthy dietary pattern such as the Mediterranean Diet (MedDiet) is linked not only to better psychological health and mental positive status but also to increased subjective well-being (SWB). Nevertheless, this association has been unexplored among individuals with excessive weight. This study explored whether adherence to the MedDiet and the intake of healthy foods such as fruits and vegetables (FV) are associated with increased happiness and life satisfaction among Spanish adults with overweight or obesity when weight, body image, and body satisfaction are also considered. A convenience sample of adult individuals with excessive weight completed self-reports on the study variables, and weight and BMI were measured by bioimpedance. No evidence of a relationship with SWB indicators was obtained for MedDiet global indicators, probably due to the low adherence to a healthy diet by these individuals. In contrast, FV intake, as a powerful indicator of healthy eating, was associated with life satisfaction when BMI and body image dimensions were considered, among which body satisfaction had a key role. Moreover, life satisfaction fully mediated the relationship between FV consumption and happiness. Our findings are expected to make a relevant contribution to knowledge on the positive correlates or protective factors for overall well-being in obesity, including dietary habits and body appreciation. Our results may inform obesity management actions focused on inclusive, positive aesthetic models and promoting a healthy lifestyle for happiness in obesity.
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[Assessment of nutritional-dietary status, body composition, eating behavior, and perceived image in rhythmic gymnastics athletes].
Martínez-Rodríguez, A, Reche-García, C, Martínez-Fernández, MDC, Martínez-Sanz, JM
Nutricion hospitalaria. 2020;(6):1217-1225
Abstract
Introduction: among adolescent gymnasts some concern for body weight has been observed, with diets inadequate in energy and some nutrients in the search for maximum performance. Objective: the aim of this study was to evaluate the dietary-nutritional status, body composition, eating behavior, and perceived body image concerns of female gymnasts at sub-national competition levels. In addition, to study the relationship between the prevalence of the risk of eating disorders and variables such as substance use, irregular menstruation, fatigue, and hours of sleep. Materials and method: a total of 33 female subelite gymnasts participated (age: M = 14.52, SD = 1.85), with age ranging from 11 to 18 years. Anthropometric evaluations (restricted profile) were made, the Eating Attitudes Test (EAT-26) and Body Shape Questionnaire (BSQ) were administered, and the subjects were then interviewed for collecting sociodemographic, socio-sports, health, and food intake data. Results: the results showed that their diet was deficient, among other micro- and macro-nutrients, in water, carbohydrates, proteins, vitamins D and E, fiber, iron and calcium, whereas they ingested an excess of vitamin A and sodium. These athletes had normal weight, high muscle mass values, low fat mass levels, and intermediate somatotype components (balanced endomorph with a tendency to central). Two cases at risk for an eating disorder, and concerns related to perceived body image in a quarter of the sample were identified. Conclusion: the risk of having an eating disorder is related to the consumption of prohibited drugs or addictive substances, irregular menstruation, tiredness, and fewer hours of sleep.
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Gender Dysphoria, Eating Disorders and Body Image: An Overview.
Milano, W, Ambrosio, P, Carizzone, F, De Biasio, V, Foggia, G, Capasso, A
Endocrine, metabolic & immune disorders drug targets. 2020;(4):518-524
Abstract
BACKGROUND Gender dysphoria is a clinical condition in which a state of inner suffering, stress and anxiety is detected when biological sex and a person's gender identity do not coincide. People who identify themselves as transgender people are more vulnerable and may have higher rates of dissatisfaction with their bodies which are often associated with a disorderly diet in an attempt to change the bodily characteristics of the genus of birth and, conversely, to accentuate the characteristics of the desired sexual identity. AIM: The purpose of this work is to examine the association between dissatisfaction with one's own body and eating and weight disorders in people with gender dysphoria. RESULTS Gender dysphoria and eating disorders are characterized by a serious discomfort to the body and the body suffers in both conditions. The results of our study suggest that rates of pathological eating behaviors and symptoms related to a disordered diet are high in patients with gender dysphoria and that standard screening for these symptoms must be considered in both populations at the time of evaluation and during the course of the treatment. CONCLUSION In light of this evidence, clinicians should always investigate issues related to sexuality and gender identity in patients with eating disorders, to develop more effective prevention measures and better strategies for therapeutic intervention.
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Study protocol for Goodform - a classroom-based intervention to enhance body image and prevent doping and supplement use in adolescent boys.
Doley, JR, McLean, SA, Griffiths, S, Yager, Z
BMC public health. 2020;(1):59
Abstract
BACKGROUND Very few programs aimed at improving body image among adolescent boys have been effective, and there is still no clear evidence as to what will work for universal prevention of eating disorders and body dissatisfaction with this group. We combined two previously efficacious programs and used a design thinking framework to optimise program content alongside potential end-users including adolescent boys, teachers, parents, and experts. Goodform is a four-session universal program that aims to reduce body dissatisfaction and prevent the use of muscle-building supplements among 14-to-16 year old adolescent boys. METHODS/DESIGN Goodform will be trialled using a cluster randomised controlled trial (RCT) conducted in Australian schools, with Year 9 boys as participants. The intervention is teacher-delivered. Data will be collected at three time points: baseline, post-intervention, and follow-up (2 months). Three primary outcome constructs will be examined, including body dissatisfaction (Male Body Attitudes Scale-Revised) and attitudes towards appearance and performance enhancing substances (APES; Outcome Expectations for Steroid and Supplement Use, Intentions to use APES) and actual use of APES at each time point. Three secondary outcome constructs will be examined, which are social norms for APES (adapted Peer Norms Scale), negative body talk (Male Body Talk Scale), and internalisation of and pressure to attain appearance ideals (Sociocultural Attitudes Towards Appearance Questionnaire-4 Revised). Internalisation of appearance ideals will also be examined as a mediator of change in primary outcomes. Teachers will provide data on adherence to lessons, student engagement/enjoyment, and understanding of the content. DISCUSSION The GoodForm RCT will trial a novel, generalizable, and extensively developed program intended to improve boys' body image and reduce actual and intended APES use. We anticipate that it will provide a novel contribution to the field of boys' body dissatisfaction prevention. TRIAL REGISTRATION This trial was retrospectively registered with the Australian and New Zealand Clinical Trials Registry on May 14th 2019, registration number ACTRN12619000725167.
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#Ihaveembraced: a pilot cross-sectional naturalistic evaluation of the documentary film Embrace and its potential associations with body image in adult women.
Yager, Z, Prichard, I, Hart, LM
BMC women's health. 2020;(1):18
Abstract
BACKGROUND The aim of this project was to examine the qualitative responses of adult women who had seen the feature-length documentary film 'Embrace'. In addition, to establish the potential for the documentary to be used as an intervention to improve adult body image, a naturalistic study was conducted to examine whether any differences on measures of body image were apparent among women who had, versus those who had not, seen the film. METHOD Participants were 1429 women aged 18-77 who were members of the Facebook group 'Body Image Movement' facilitated by Taryn Brumfitt, who also directed the documentary Embrace. Participants completed a cross-sectional online questionnaire regarding whether they had seen the film, their perceptions of the impact of the film on their lives and body image, and a range of standardized scales measuring psychological wellbeing. RESULTS Overall, the majority of participants had seen the film (n = 1053, 73.7%). Qualitative analysis of open-ended data asking about the changes participants made after viewing the film revealed that a large proportion (44.1%) felt they had higher levels of body appreciation and body confidence, many reported engaging less in dieting (19.6%), and some reported lowered disordered eating (2.8%), since seeing Embrace. Women who had seen the film also reported significantly higher levels of body appreciation (Body Appreciation Scale; medium effect size), and significantly lower levels of internalization of body ideals, self-objectification, body shame, and dietary restraint, than women who had not seen the film. CONCLUSIONS Adult women reported numerous positive responses to their viewing of the film. Future experimental research should explore the efficacy of Embrace as a brief and engaging intervention for improving body image in adult women.
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Parents' perceptions of parent-child interactions related to eating and body image: an experimental vignette study.
Lydecker, JA, Cunningham, PM, O'Brien, E, Grilo, CM
Eating disorders. 2020;(3):272-288
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Abstract
Parents are key to children's health because they can influence children's eating behavior and body image and can make health-related decisions for children. Despite their influence, research on parents' opinions about parenting practices related to weight and eating is limited. Experimental vignettes examined parents' perceptions of parent-child interactions around body image, eating, and weight loss. We manipulated vignette-child weight (healthy-weight, overweight) and communication tone (positive, negative, neutral) to assess their influence on parents' perceptions. Parents (N = 233, 27.5% fathers, 72.5% mothers) were randomly assigned to read one of six vignettes. When the vignette-child had overweight, parents were more likely to recommend seeking help for body image and that the vignette-parent should choose the restaurant food order. Parents were less opposed to commenting on the vignette-child's weight when tone was positive. Parents were more likely to recommend weight-loss efforts that could be implemented by the family rather than those requiring professional assistance. This study is among the first to examine parents' opinions about parenting practices related to weight and eating using an experimental design. Findings might inform future research and continued work on prevention and treatment applications to help align parents' existing opinions about weight and eating with evidence-based health-promoting strategies.