Predictors of body satisfaction in college women

1993 ◽  
Vol 93 (9) ◽  
pp. 1037-1039 ◽  
Author(s):  
Gail M Mortenson ◽  
Sharon L Hoerr ◽  
David M Garner
2001 ◽  
Vol 88 (3) ◽  
pp. 917-928 ◽  
Author(s):  
Elissa Koff ◽  
Amy Benavage ◽  
Bonnie Wong

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.


2020 ◽  
Vol 39 (7) ◽  
pp. 617-639
Author(s):  
Renee Engeln ◽  
Megan N. Imundo

Introduction: Messages encouraging women to love their bodies are common elements of positive body image movements, but there are theoretical reasons to suspect that such messages may backfire. Methods: In a sample of 293 college women, we tested the impact of mentally repeating the affirmation “I love my body” on body satisfaction. We prompted participants to think either “I love my body” (affirmation condition) or “I am [age] years old” (control condition) while they completed a five-minute writing task. Results: Relative to the control, the affirmation condition led to significantly lower body satisfaction. Additionally, 53% of affirmation condition participants counterargued the body affirmation by writing something negative about their appearance; only 6% in the control condition wrote a negative appearance comment. Discussion: Results suggest that some messages intended to promote positive body image have the potential to decrease women's body satisfaction, in part because they prompt women to think of flaws in their appearance.


2004 ◽  
Vol 98 (3) ◽  
pp. 1093-1099 ◽  
Author(s):  
Elizabeth M. Cameron ◽  
F. Richard Ferraro

2018 ◽  
Vol 12 (4) ◽  
pp. 508-524 ◽  
Author(s):  
Renee Engeln ◽  
Margaret Shavlik ◽  
Colleen Daly

Two-hundred and three college women participated in a 16-minute strength and conditioning group fitness class. Participants were randomly assigned to a class that featured either appearance-focused motivational comments by the instructor (e.g., “Blast that cellulite!”) or function-focused comments (e.g., “Think of how strong you are getting!”). Body satisfaction from pre-test to post-test increased overall, but those in the function-focused (as opposed to appearance-focused) condition experienced a significantly greater increase in body satisfaction. A similar pattern was observed for positive affect. Additionally, those in the function-focused condition described the class in more positive terms and reported experiencing less body surveillance during the class. These findings are consistent with research suggesting that exercise can improve mood and body satisfaction, but also suggest that a more function-focused class can lead to even greater improvements. The motivational comments fitness instructors use may have a notable impact on women’s mood, body satisfaction, and body surveillance.


Body Image ◽  
2020 ◽  
Vol 34 ◽  
pp. 38-45 ◽  
Author(s):  
Renee Engeln ◽  
Ryan Loach ◽  
Megan N. Imundo ◽  
Anne Zola

2016 ◽  
Vol 44 (4) ◽  
pp. 482-492 ◽  
Author(s):  
Susan E. Margolis ◽  
Susan M. Orsillo

Background: Body dissatisfaction among college women is concerning given its high prevalence and associated negative consequences. While cognitive-behavioral approaches to reducing body dissatisfaction have considerable support, it may be beneficial to target the problematic relationship that some individuals have with their internal experiences. Aims: To examine the relative efficacy of an acceptance-based compared to a cognitive restructuring approach to targeting body dissatisfaction. Method: College women were randomly assigned to an acceptance (n = 21), cognitive restructuring (n = 21) or a neutral comparison condition (n = 24). Participants completed a body dissatisfaction challenge postintervention and their dissatisfaction, distress about body-related thoughts and emotions, and the extent they felt defined by their outward appearance were measured. Results: Both approaches provided a protective effect against decreases in body satisfaction and related feelings. Conclusion: Acceptance and CBT approaches to treating body dissatisfaction are worthy of future investigation.


2008 ◽  
Vol 41 (14) ◽  
pp. 43
Author(s):  
MICHELE G. SULLIVAN
Keyword(s):  

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