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Purpose: Assessment of the symptoms of body image disorder (BID) is crucial in anorexia nervosa (AN). Recent technological advancements such as virtual reality (VR) have improved the visual perception with 3D avatars and the feeling to be the avatar with the immersive conditions. This retrospective study examines the hypothesis that VR with standardized 3D avatars would improve body image perception and then body image evaluation by adolescents with AN, compared to the paper-based figure rating scales (FRS)., Methods: Data of 31 female adolescents with AN were retrospectively studied. Paired data of perceived and desired body forms in addition to body perception index (BPI) (p = 0.2) and body dissatisfaction (p = 0.6), obtained by both VR and FRS were compared. Furthermore, correlation with validated psychometric questionnaires was also studied. Head-tracking technology allowed for the implicit measurement of explicit choices of patients., Results: Participants with AN overestimated own body size regardless of the assessment tool used. BPI and body dissatisfaction did not differ significantly between FRS and VR. VR-based evaluation was correlated with the psychometric parameters BID and body dissatisfaction. Head tracking revealed significantly longer participant engagement with avatars representing malnutrition and underweight states, while those least engaged corresponded to obesity., Conclusions: Results of BID evaluation by VR standardized 3D avatars are comparable to those obtained by paper-based FRS. These findings suggest that comparable results obtained by both tools of evaluation reflect primarily the role of affective-cognitive perturbation in BID. The perceptive component could be better evaluated using biometric-enhanced assessment tools., Level of Evidence: Level V, cross-sectional descriptive study (evaluation data retrospectively studied).

Online data collection is becoming increasingly common and has some advantages compared to traditional paper-and-pencil formats, such as reducing loss of data, increasing participants' privacy, and decreasing the effect of social desirability. However, the validity and reliability of this administration format must be established before results can be considered acceptable. The aim of this study was to evaluate the validity, reliability, and equivalence of paper-and-pencil and online versions of the Weight Concerns Scale (WCS) when applied to Brazilian university students. A crossover design was used, and the Portuguese version of the WCS (in both paper-and-pencil and online formats) was completed by 100 college students. The results indicated adequate fit in both formats. The simultaneous fit of data for both groups was excellent, with strong invariance between models. Adequate convergent validity, internal consistency, and mean score equivalence of the WCS in both formats were observed. Thus, the WCS presented adequate reliability and validity in both administration formats, with equivalence/stability between answers.

In the past, phenomenological research on subjective body experience was characterised by vaguely defined terminology and methodological shortcomings. The term "body image" has been applied heterogeneously in literature in order to describe a variety of bodily phenomena. In this paper, the German terminology applied to the phenomenology of body experiences is described systematically. In developing a systematic terminology the authors refer to scientific evidence as well as recent reviews, and closely adhere to definitions commonly used in English literature. Different perspectives are utilised, particularly anthropological concepts and theories from developmental and self-psychology. Distinct aspects of body experience are described within the context of a network of external determinants and along a continuum between somatic and mental anchor points. Applying the term "body experience" as umbrella term, different aspects are defined: perceptive (body schema/-perceive), affective (body-cathexis), cognitive-evaluative (body-image, body-ego) and body-consciousness. It is emphasized, that the distinct description of functional levels has to be taken as an approximation of the reality of integrated body experience.

Objective: Theoretical models highlight body image disturbances as central to the maintenance of eating disorders, with empirical evidence finding negative body image to be a robust predictor of treatment nonresponse, relapse and symptom persistence. Accessible, scalable, and inexpensive interventions that can effectively target negative body image across the eating disorders are needed. We developed an online single session intervention (SSI) for negative body image and evaluated its acceptability and efficacy in a randomized controlled trial in individuals with recurrent binge eating., Method: Participants with recurrent binge eating were randomly assigned to the SSI (n = 99) or a waitlist (n = 101). Assessments were conducted at baseline, 4 week follow-up, and 8 week follow-up., Results: 81% of participants accessed the SSI, demonstrating reasonable uptake. However, issues with attrition were apparent; a 32% study dropout rate was observed at posttest, while a 58% dropout rate was observed at follow-up. 87% of participants who completed satisfaction measures would recommend the SSI. SSI participants experienced greater improvements in negative body image at both 4 (d = -0.65) and 8 week (d = -0.74) follow-up. Significant between-group effects were also observed on most other secondary symptom measures, though no differences were found for motivations and help-seeking beliefs and intentions., Conclusion: Body image-focused self-guided SSIs for recurrent binge are largely accepted by those who are retained in the trial, but are associated with significant attrition. Although SSIs are not intended to replace standard treatment, they may help with short-term symptom management and could play an important role in eating disorder care., Public Significance: Single session interventions (SSI) are a potentially accessible, scalable, and cost-effective way to deliver evidence-based treatment content to people with eating disorders. This study shows that an online (SSI) designed to target body image among people with recurrent binge eating is accepted and produced short-term symptom relief., (© 2024 The Authors. International Journal of Eating Disorders published by Wiley Periodicals LLC.)

The objectives of this study were (a) to explore the preliminary cross-cultural validity of a visual-perceptual method to assess body image; (b) to examine potential differences and similarities in body image phenomena between women from two Western countries (i.e., Canada and Spain). 201 self-identified women participated in this cross-sectional study. Ideal, normal, and self-perceived body sizes were assessed using a visual-perceptual method, whereas body dissatisfaction was measured using both a visual-perceptual method and a questionnaire. Visual-perceptual body dissatisfaction was significantly correlated with questionnaire body dissatisfaction, suggesting a preliminary convergent validity between the two assessment methods. Women in both countries were dissatisfied with their bodies. Compared to their self-perceived body, all women chose a significantly thinner visual representation of their "normal" and ideal body. These results may suggest a shift towards the "thin" body as not only ideal, but also normative. This study provides the first evidence for the cross-cultural validity of a visual-perceptual body image assessment tool. The results of the current study confirm the presence of "normative discontent", and suggest more cross-country similarities than differences among women from these two Western societies., (© 2024 The Authors. European Eating Disorders Review published by Eating Disorders Association and John Wiley & Sons Ltd.)

The current study uses a mixed method design to investigate Kenyan and Ghanaian adolescents' experiences of puberty, and the relations between gender, country of origin, pubertal status, and body image appraisals (N = 86; Ghana = 46, Kenya = 40, 52.9% female aged 13 and 14). Qualitative results revealed seven major themes; puberty means a universal period of growth and transition into adulthood but also evokes negative emotions of shame, anxiety, and embarrassment, being in sync with peers during puberty is important and knowing that others in their lives similarly experience puberty is reassuring. Quantitative results revealed significant gender and country differences in pubertal status and body image. Ghanaian adolescents had more advanced pubertal status and more positive body image appraisals compared to Kenyan adolescents. Moderation analysis results revealed that for the Kenyan sample, post-pubertal males had less favorable body image appraisals than their counterparts who were still pre pubertal whilst for females, post-pubertal girls had more favorable body images than their counterparts. No such effects were observed with the Ghanaian sample. The findings highlight the need for context considerations in understanding body image during the pubertal transition to help identify relevant protective factors for possible interventions. The results affirm the importance of positive body image promotions for adolescents within the African context and suggest the need for much more comprehensive sex education with gender-specific components to help allay fears about puberty, thus preventing the development of possible adaptation problems., (© 2024 Society for Research on Adolescence.)

People with CF (pwCF) are at high risk for malnutrition, making nutritional management a critical aspect of CF care. Over the past several decades, optimal nutritional status for pwCF has been defined by body mass index (BMI) based on evidence linking suboptimal BMI to decreased lung function and life expectancy, although more recent changes in CF care may also bring changes to how nutritional health is defined. The historical focus on weight, BMI, and nutrition as key parts of multidisciplinary CF care starting at an early age places pwCF at increased risk for body image concerns and disordered eating. The landscape of CF care is evolving with the approval of highly effective modulator therapies (HEMT) and resulting improvements in growth; however, issues related to body image and eating remain important to consider, especially as past difficulties gaining weight may shift to discomfort with one's weight gain and/or physical appearance. This review aims to describe how body image concerns and disordered eating occur in pwCF across the lifespan; to discuss evidence-based approaches to addressing these concerns; and to identify future directions for research and clinical practice in assessing and treating eating disorders and body image concerns in this population., (© 2024 Wiley Periodicals LLC.)

An introduction is presented in which the author discusses articles within the issue on topics including the role of visual experiences and sociocultural pressures in the shaping of body images of people diagnosed with blindness, feasibility and acceptability of using videoconferencing tools to present an adapted job-search intervention, and low vision rehabilitation of optometrists providing services in the Pubjab, Pakistan.

Purpose: In this study, we investigate whether individuals' BMI categories are associated with being dissatisfied with one's life, how this association is affected by the social comparison that individuals make, and what the role of the overall BMI levels in this process is., Methods: We use data for 21,577 men and 27,415 women, collected in 2016 by the European Bank for Reconstruction and Development, from 34 countries in Europe, the Middle East, and Central Asia. To understand the moderating effect of contextual environment, we use multilevel mixed effect logistic regression models and data for national, regional, and cohort-specific BMI levels., Result: We find that the association of BMI and dissatisfaction with life differs by gender, with overweight men being less likely to be dissatisfied with life than men with normal weight and obese women being more likely to be dissatisfied with life compared to women with normal weight. For contextual effects, we find that obese women in regions with low BMI levels are more likely to be dissatisfied with life. The effect of obesity on female life dissatisfaction is not observed in regions with high BMI levels. As for men, regional BMI levels affect the levels of life dissatisfaction but only for underweight men., Conclusions: Our study adds additional nuance to the quality-of-life research by showing that the association between BMI and decreased life satisfaction is, at least partially, moderated by the contextual environment, and that the character of these effects differs by gender., (© 2021. The Author(s).)

Aim: This study was planned to determine the relationship between social media addiction and orthorexia nervosa (ON), eating attitude and body image among adolescents., Method: This cross-sectional study was conducted with 1232 high school-going adolescents. Data were collected using the Social Media Addiction Scale for Adolescents, Eating Attitude Test-26 (EAT-26), Body Image Scale (BIS) and ORTO-11 questionnaire., Results: Social media addiction levels were higher in girls than in boys (p < 0.05). Multiple linear regression analysis showed that a better body image was associated with lower social media addiction scores (β =  - 0.268, p < 0.001). Social media addiction was significantly associated with a greater risk of eating behavior disorders (OR: 1.07, 95% Cl: 1.04-1.10) and ON tendency (OR: 1.02, 95% Cl = 1.00-1.04). Adolescents who stated that they always or often read nutrition-related posts on social media had an increased likelihood of eating behavior disorder risk (OR: 6.77, 95% CI: 3.84-11.94) and ON tendency (OR: 5.49, 95% CI: 3.39-8.88)., Conclusion: This study demonstrated that social media addiction was associated with a higher eating behavior disorder risk, ON tendency and lower body image. Moreover, frequent reading of posts about nutrition on social media was positively associated with ON tendency and eating behavior risk. These results highlight that adolescents should be educated about social media use and its content to minimize the negative effects of constant exposure to unrealistic body images and nutrition-related misinformation and reduce the risk of eating disorders and ON among adolescents. Level of evidence Level V, cross-sectional descriptive study., (© 2022. The Author(s), under exclusive licence to Springer Nature Switzerland AG.)

Women with body image concerns are more likely to experience sexual difficulties (e.g., with arousal, lubrication, orgasm). However, the processes by which body image impacts sexual well-being are poorly understood. We theorized that women with negative body image are less likely to view sex in terms of reward, leading them to have weaker approach sexual motives (i.e., to pursue positive experiences such as pleasure). Rather, women with negative body image may have sex to avoid personal insecurities and negative emotions, leading them to have stronger avoidance sexual motives (i.e., to cope with negative affect or to avoid partner conflict). In turn, we theorized that stronger approach sexual motives may allow women to be more focused on erotic cues during sex, thereby enhancing sexual pleasure, whereas avoidance motives may lead to greater distraction, interfering with sexual pleasure. Women (N = 1619) were recruited from online venues and reported on their body image and most recent sex. We found that body dissatisfaction was associated with weaker self-focused approach motives and in turn more distraction. Additionally, body dissatisfaction was associated with stronger self- and partner-focused avoidance motives and in turn more distraction. In turn, more distraction was associated with less pleasure and worse sexual function. To the best of our knowledge, this is the first investigation of whether body image in women is associated with their sexual motives. Findings highlight the importance of sexual motives in explaining the link between body image and sexual pleasure and function., (© 2022. The Author(s), under exclusive licence to Springer Science+Business Media, LLC, part of Springer Nature.)

Purpose: Fashion models and athletes are considered at risk for eating disorders, but research has produced mixed findings and little insight into psychological risk factors. Body-focused performance is common to both occupations, but emotional risk factors like alexithymia and body-image particularities have not been compared between them. This study aimed to: (1) examine the levels of alexithymia and affective states among female fashion models and athletes as body-performing occupations, and a control group, and (2) compare multidimensional body image and disordered eating among these groups., Methods: Data from 351 females aged 16-30 were compared among three samples: fashion models (n = 88), student athletes (n = 84) and control students (n = 179), who completed measures for alexithymia, affective states, multidimensional body image, and disordered eating., Results: Fashion models had significantly lower alexithymia compared with the other groups, and lower negative affect than controls. Positive affect was significantly lower among controls than the other groups. Body image comparisons revealed significantly higher fitness evaluation and orientation in fashion models and athletes compared to controls. Fashion models had significantly higher appearance orientation than the other groups. Student athletes had significantly higher appearance evaluation than controls and higher fitness evaluation than fashion models. Disordered eating did not differ among groups., Conclusion: Lower alexithymia among fashion models is discussed in the context of emotional labor and artistic public performance. The findings suggest that body-focused performance may have emotional benefits and may drive higher body-image investment and satisfaction., Level of Evidence: Level III, case-control analytic study., (© 2021. The Author(s), under exclusive licence to Springer Nature Switzerland AG.)

Objective: Establishing factors that protect against the onset of eating disorder symptoms is needed to identify critical intervention targets to inform the design of more potent prevention programs. Knowledge of robust protective factors is lacking, which might account for the limited effectiveness of existing prevention programs. As positive body image, intuitive eating, and self-compassion show protective potential, the present study tested whether these factors protect against the onset of a range of different eating disorder symptoms., Method: Data were analyzed from 1,270 women who completed study measures at baseline and 8 months. Logistic regressions tested whether, among initially asymptomatic women, baseline and changes in positive body image components (body appreciation, body image flexibility, and functionality appreciation), intuitive eating, and self-compassion predicted the continued absence versus onset of seven core eating disorder symptoms at follow-up., Results: Each of the five factors at baseline was associated with a lower odds of symptom onset for each outcome in univariate analyses. Baseline body appreciation and intuitive eating scores remained consistent, unique predictors of a lower odds of experiencing symptom onset in multivariate models. Greater increases in intuitive eating and body appreciation over time were the two factors consistently associated with a lower odds of symptom onset across several outcomes., Discussion: This study provides strong evidence for the protective influence of positive body image components, intuitive eating, and self-compassion against several eating disorder symptoms. Building these factors within established prevention programs may, in the longer term, help reduce the incidence of eating disorder syndromes and symptoms., (© 2021 Wiley Periodicals LLC.)

Purpose: This study's objective was to investigate the effects of programs that improve adolescents' body image, using a systematic review and meta-analysis., Methods: A literature search was performed in eleven electronic databases, using preferred reporting items for systematic reviews and meta-analysis guidelines. Population characteristics, contents of the programs, and measured outcomes were systematically reviewed from 21 selected studies. To estimate the size of the effects, meta-analysis was conducted using Comprehensive Meta-Analysis software., Results: The contents of the programs that aimed to improve body image included physical, psychological, interpersonal, and sociocultural interventions. Sixteen studies were meta-analyzed to estimate the effect size of body-image improvement programs. Results showed that the program for body-image improvement had significant effects on body satisfaction (effect size [ES] = 0.56, 95% confidence interval [CI] = 0.23 to 0.89), and body dissatisfaction (ES = - 0.15, 95% CI = - 0.23 to - 0.08)., Conclusion: The program for body image improvement in adolescents includes a combination of physical, psychological, interpersonal relationship, and socio-cultural dimensions. The program that seeks to improve body image appears to be effective at increasing body satisfaction, and at reducing body dissatisfaction in adolescents. Thus, it is necessary to develop and apply multidimensional programs for adolescents to have a positive body image., Competing Interests: The authors declared no conflict of interest., (© 2021 Korean Society of Nursing Science.)

Body image or how a person views their body and the way it functions ultimately influences their quality of life and functional well-being in their daily environments. The changes to appearance or to body structures and functions that occur as a result of cancer and its treatment can cause individuals to become dissatisfied with their body image where maladaptive emotions, thought processes, and behaviors develop and may lead to deleterious consequences including social avoidance and isolation. Although reconstructive surgery is restorative in nature, it does not guarantee the mitigation of body image dissatisfaction when treating adults with cancer. The majority of adults who undergo reconstructive surgery for the treatment of cancer demonstrate some level of body image dissatisfaction during or after the reconstructive process. Therefore, a need exists for nurses and other oncological team members to recognize and address body image dissatisfaction and the detrimental emotional and behavioral consequences associated with it. This article provides guidance for nurses to address body image by understanding the effects of cancer and its treatment on body image, by recognizing the impact of reconstructive surgery on body image when treating cancer in adults, and by integrating body image assessment and interventions into practice., Competing Interests: The author reports no conflicts of interest., (Copyright © 2021 International Society of Plastic and Aesthetic Nurses. All rights reserved.)