scholarly journals “Can A Ballerina Eat Ice Cream?”: A Mixed-Method Study on Eating Attitudes and Body Image in Female Ballet Dancers

2022 ◽  
Vol 8 ◽  
Author(s):  
Heloisa C. Santo André ◽  
Ana Jessica Pinto ◽  
Bruna Caruso Mazzolani ◽  
Fabiana Infante Smaira ◽  
Mariana Dimitrov Ulian ◽  
...  

Aim: We aimed to explore how a group of classical ballet dancers perceived their eating attitudes and their bodies, with special attention to the potential presence of eating disorders (EDs) symptoms and body image (dis)satisfaction.Methods: A cross-sectional, mixed-method study was conducted on fourteen trained classical ballet dancers (18–30 years old). Their experiences, perceptions, and feelings regarding eating attitudes and body image concerning classical ballet were acquired through qualitative focus groups. The presence of EDs symptoms and perception and (dis)satisfaction with body image was analyzed quantitatively through self-report questionnaires.Results: Participants reported concerning eating attitudes during the focus groups, such as the regular practice of several restrictive popular diets, constant restriction of foods considered “heavy” or “fatty,” meal skipping and ignoring signs of hunger, presence of overeating episodes due to stress and anxiety, feeling guilty about breaking their usual diet, classifying foods as “good” and “bad” or “lean” and “fat,” and excluding some of those foods from their usual diets. These reports were partially reflected in the questionnaires, with 50% of the ballerinas showing bulimic symptoms indicative of an unusual eating pattern (only two of them with a significant risk index), 7.1% showing symptoms of moderate binge eating, and 14.3% symptoms of EDs in general. Additionally, when considering their bodies in the context of everyday life, participants were satisfied; however, in the “classical ballet” context, they reported feeling dissatisfied with their shape. These findings were in line with results from the Stunkard's Scale, which revealed that 50% of the sample was dissatisfied with their current body shape and 57.1% indicated that their desired body shape was a leaner figure than one they considered healthy.Conclusions: The constant practice of restrictive diets and other weight-loss strategies to achieve a leaner body were associated with symptoms of EDs and body dissatisfaction in this sample. Importantly, the questionnaires used seemed to underestimate the presence of a disordered eating pattern reported by the participants during focus groups. These data could help to inform psychological and nutritional strategies aimed at improving performance, physical and psychological well-being, and quality of life of ballet dancers.

2021 ◽  
Vol 9 (1) ◽  
Author(s):  
Ruty Eulália de Medeiros Eufrásio ◽  
Rannapaula Lawrynhuk Urbano Ferreira ◽  
Leilane Lílian Araújo Leal ◽  
Erikarla Baracho Avelino ◽  
Rafaela Nayara da Costa Pelonha ◽  
...  

Abstract Background Ballet dancers are a risk group for body image (BI) distortion, dissatisfaction and eating disorders (ED), but few studies have investigated these aspects in amateur adult practitioners. This study aimed to evaluate if amateur female adult classical ballet dancers presented different BI and behaviors for ED than gym users and sedentary women. Methods This is a cross-sectional study where classical ballet dancers (n = 19) were compared to gym users (n = 19) and sedentary women (n = 19). Body mass index (BMI) was assessed, and a figure rating scale was applied to assess BI distortion/dissatisfaction. The body shape questionnaire (BSQ) was used to measure BI concern. The eating attitudes test (EAT-26) and the bulimic investigatory test, Edinburgh (BITE) were used for behaviors toward anorexia and bulimia. Results BMI was significantly lower in ballet dancers than gym users and sedentary women (F, p = .04). BI distortion did not differ among the studied groups. BI dissatisfaction was lower (X2, p = .041) in ballet dancers (75.0%) and gym users (70.6%) compared to sedentary women (100%). Correspondence analysis showed ballet dancers were mostly not concerned with BI, which was not observed among the other groups. The EAT-26 did not differ between the studied groups. The BITE score was lower (Tukey’s post hoc test, p = .005) in the ballet dancers [mean 5.3 (5.6)] compared to the sedentary women [mean 10.9 (4.8)]. Conclusions Data suggest that amateur classical ballet practicing is associated to better BI and fewer behaviors for ED in the studied population. The lower BMI in ballet dancers might explain these findings, and further studies should explore these associations.


BMJ Open ◽  
2021 ◽  
Vol 11 (11) ◽  
pp. e052259
Author(s):  
Tracie Risling ◽  
Courtney Carlberg ◽  
Iman Kassam ◽  
Tyler Moss ◽  
Patricia Janssen ◽  
...  

IntroductionThe global COVID-19 pandemic has reported to have a negative impact on the mental health and well-being of individuals around the world. Mental health system infrastructure, primarily developed to support individuals through in-person care, struggled to meet rising demand for services even prior to COVID-19. With public health guidelines requiring the use of physical distancing during the pandemic, digital mental health supports may be one way to address the needs of the population. Despite this, barriers exist in promoting and supporting access to existing and emerging digital resources. Text messaging may address some of these barriers, extending the potential reach of these digital interventions across divides that may separate some vulnerable or disadvantaged groups from essential mental health supports. Building on an existing knowledge synthesis project identifying key digital resources for improved mental health, this research will establish low-tech connections to assess need and better match access to services for those who need it most. The aim of this study is to codesign a customised two-way texting service to explore need and better align access to mental health supports for Canadians located in Saskatchewan during the COVID-19 pandemic.Methods and analysisThis study will be completed in Saskatchewan, Canada. For this project, the RE-AIM (reach, effectiveness, adoption, implementation, maintenance) framework will be used to support three phases of a sequential mixed-method study. An advisory committee of Saskatchewan residents will guide this work with the study team. A 10-week service will be launched to connect individuals with appropriately suited digital mental health interventions through the use of text messaging. In phase 1, implementation and prototyping will be conducted with collaborative codesign for key elements related to features of an enrolment survey and initial messaging content. Phase 2 will focus on advancing the effectiveness of the service using quantitative user data. In phase 3, an embedding approach will be used to integrate both qualitative and quantitative data collected to understand the overall acceptability, satisfaction and perceived benefit of the text messaging service. Thematic analysis and descriptive statistics will be used as analytic methods.Ethics and disseminationThis study has received approval from the Research Ethics Board at the University of Saskatchewan. A knowledge dissemination plan has been developed that includes traditional academic approaches such as conference presentations, and academic publications, as well as mainstream approaches such as social media, radio and dissemination through the advisory committee.


2016 ◽  
Vol 22 (2) ◽  
pp. 164-175 ◽  
Author(s):  
Nicole Paraskeva ◽  
Helena Lewis-Smith ◽  
Phillippa C Diedrichs

Disclaimer labels on airbrushed media images have generated political attention and advocacy as a social policy approach to promoting positive body image. Experimental research suggests that labelling is ineffective and consumers’ viewpoints have been overlooked. A mixed-method study explored British consumers’ ( N = 1555, aged 11–78 years) opinions on body image and social policy approaches. Thematic analysis indicated scepticism about the effectiveness of labelling images. Quantitatively, adults, although not adolescents, reported that labelling was unlikely to improve body image. Appearance diversity in media and reorienting social norms from appearance to function and health were perceived as effective strategies. Social policy and research implications are discussed.


2020 ◽  
Vol 14 ◽  
Author(s):  
Isadora Ramos Fonseca ◽  
Ana Paula Gonçalves de Oliveira ◽  
Maria Olimpia Ribeiro do Vale Almada ◽  
Rene Jesus De La Torre Acosta ◽  
Monise Martins da Silva ◽  
...  

Objetivo: avaliar, em universitárias da área da saúde, indícios de transtornos alimentares, satisfação com a imagem corporal e influência da mídia. Método: trata-se de um estudo quantitativo, descritivo, transversal, observacional, com 61 universitárias, com idade superior ou igual aos 20 anos de idade, aplicando-se os questionários Eating Atitudes Test, Body Shape Questionnaire, questionário de Teste de Imagem Corporal, Atitudes Socioculturais em Relação à Aparência, Escala de Compulsão Alimentar Periódica e dados antropométricos. Realizou-se a análise descritiva das variáveis. Resultados: observou-se que, das 45 universitárias, a maioria apresentou Índice de Massa Corporal adequado; 26,7% apresentaram indícios de transtornos alimentares; 4,4%, insatisfação corporal grave e a influência da mídia e a compulsão alimentar periódica apresentaram-se em 2,2% do total da amostra estudada. Conclusão: entende-se que o diagnóstico precoce desses distúrbios, assim como de suas complicações clínicas, nem sempre é possível. Torna-se essencial que o tratamento das complicações seja realizado de maneira concomitante ao acompanhamento psicoterápico e nutricional. Descritores: Transtornos Alimentares; Imagem Corporal; Universitárias; Anorexia; Bulimia; Transtorno Alimentar Periódico.AbstractObjective: to evaluate, in university students in the health field, signs of eating disorders, satisfaction with body image and media influence. Method: this is a quantitative, descriptive, cross-sectional, observational study, with 61 university students, aged 20 years or over, using the Eating Attitudes Test, Body Shape Questionnaire, Body Image Test questionnaire , Sociocultural Attitudes Toward Appearance, Periodic Eating Compulsion Scale and anthropometric data. Descriptive analysis of the variables was carried out. Results: it was observed that, of the 45 university students most had an adequate Body Mass Index; 26.7% showed signs of eating disorders; 4.4%, severe body dissatisfaction and the influence of the media and binge eating were 2.2% of the total sample studied. Conclusion: it is understood that the early diagnosis of these disorders, as well as their clinical complications, is not always possible. It is essential that the treatment of complications is carried out concurrently with psychotherapeutic and nutritional monitoring. Descriptors: Eating Disorders; Body Image; University Students; Anorexia; Bulimia; Periodic Eating Disorder.ResumenObjetivo: evaluar, en estudiantes universitarias en el campo de la salud, signos de trastornos alimentarios, satisfacción con la imagen corporal e influencia de los medios. Método: este es un estudio cuantitativo, descriptivo, transversal, observacional, con 61 estudiantes universitarias, de 20 años o más, utilizando el Test de Actitudes Alimentarias, el Cuestionario de Forma Corporal, el cuestionario del Test de Imagen Corporal, Actitudes socioculturales hacia la apariencia, Escala de compulsión alimentaria periódica y datos antropométricos. Se realizó un análisis descriptivo de las variables. Resultados: se observó que, de las 45 estudiantes universitarias, la mayoría tenía un Índice de Masa Corporal adecuado; 26.7% mostró signos de trastornos alimentarios; 4.4%, la insatisfacción corporal severa y la influencia de los medios de comunicación y los atracones fueron 2.2% de la muestra total estudiada. Conclusión: se entiende que el diagnóstico temprano de estos trastornos, así como sus complicaciones clínicas, no siempre es posible. Es esencial que el tratamiento de las complicaciones se realice simultáneamente con el monitoreo psicoterapéutico y nutricional. Descriptores: Trastornos de la Alimentación; Imagen Corporal; Estudiantes Universitarios; Anorexia Bulimia; Trastorno Alimentario Periódico.


2021 ◽  
Vol 23 (2) ◽  
pp. 17-33
Author(s):  
Juanita Argudo

This paper reports on a descriptive mixed-method study that aimed to identify the impact of expressive writing on relieving the academic stress of 157 undergraduate students at an Ecuadorian university. Data were gathered through two questionnaires and from focus groups. Results showed enduring relief of academic stress. Furthermore, they help to shed light on the need to study the impact of academic stress on university students and to look for different strategies that can alleviate it. These findings could help to understand students’ needs, as they have essential implications in teachers’ practices and, consequently, in students’ performance. In conclusion, expressive writing has a positive effect on helping to ease academic stress and overcome some difficulties caused by this issue.


2015 ◽  
Vol 12 (2) ◽  
pp. 57 ◽  
Author(s):  
María Del Pilar Ureña-Molina ◽  
Mayerlin Pacheco-Milian ◽  
Mónica Janett Rondón-Ortega

Objetivo: determinar la relación entre las conductas alimentarias de riesgo y la imagen corporal en los estudiantes de enfermería durante el primer semestre del año 2015. Materiales y Métodos: estudio de tipo cuantitativo, correlacional. Se utilizaron como instrumentos, el Test de Imagen Corporal - Cuestionario Body Shape Questionnaire y el Test De Actitudes Alimentarias - 26. La muestra estuvo conformada por 181 estudiantes. Resultados: la mayor proporción de estudiantes pertenecen al género femenino, las edades fluctuaron entre los 16 a 28 años, predominando el estado civil soltero, pertenecientes a un estrato socioeconómico bajo (1 -2) y conviven con sus padres. El 63% obtuvo un estado nutricional normal, la mayor parte de ellos no presentaron conductas alimentarias de Riesgo (94%) y se encontraban satisfechos con su imagen corporal (91%). Se estableció una relación estadísticamente significativa entre las conductas alimentarias de riesgo y la imagen corporal. Conclusiones: los estudiantes de enfermería, en su mayoría, no presentaron conductas alimentarias de riesgo, es decir, no realizan prácticas extremas para el control de su peso corporal y los que la presentaron, pueden tener afectaciones en su desempeño académico, las relaciones interpersonales y la calidad de vida. Así mismo, la mayoría de ellos mostraron una apreciación satisfactoria de su imagen corporal y un pequeño porcentaje, estuvo insatisfecho, reflejando diversos desórdenes de tipo conductual, cognitivo y emocional. Se determinó que la integridad de la imagen corporal disminuye la presencia de conductas alimentarias de riesgo. PALABRAS CLAVE: actitud frente a la salud, enfermería, hábitos alimenticios, satisfacción personal. Risky eating behaviors and their relationship with body image among nursing students                                                                   ABSTRACTGoal: to determine the relationship between eating disorders and body image in nursing students during the first half of 2015. Materials and Methods: quantitative, correlational study. There was used as instrument the Test of Body Image - Body Shape Questionnaire and the Eating Attitudes Test - 26. The sample consisted of 181 students. Results: the highest proportion of students are female, ages  between 16-28 years, they have mainly single marital status and they belong to a low socioeconomic status (1 -2) and they  lived with their parents. 63% of them had a normal nutritional status, most of them did not present eating behavior risks (94%) and felt happy with their body image (91%). A statistically significant relationship between eating disorders and body image is established. Conclusions: the nursing students in their higher proportion presented no risk eating behaviors, that means that they do not perform extreme practices to control their body weight and that showed that they can have problems in their academic performance, interpersonal relationships and quality of life. Likewise, most of them showed good appreciation of their body image and a small percentage was dissatisfied, reflecting various behavioral disorders, cognitive and emotional. It was determined that the integrity of the body image decreases the presence of eating disorders.KEYWORDS: attitude to health, nursing, eating habits, personal satisfaction. Comportamentos alimentares de risco e sua relação com a imagem corporal entre estudantes de enfermagem comRESUMO Objetivo: para determinar a relação entre transtornos alimentares e imagem corporal em estudantes de enfermagem durante o primeiro semestre de 2015. Materiais e Métodos: quantitativa, de correlação. Eles foram usados como instrumentos de teste de imagem corporal - Body Shape Questionnaire Questionnarire e Eating Attitudes Test - 26. A amostra foi composta por 181 alunos. Resultados: a maior proporção de estudantes são do sexo feminino, a idade variou entre 16-28 anos, estado civil, principalmente único, pertencente a um baixo nível socioeconômico (1 -2) e viveu com seus pais. 63% tiveram um estado nutricional normal, a maioria de les não apresentava risco comportamentos alimentares (94%) e foram satisfeitos com a sua imagem corporal (91%). Uma relação estatisticamente significativa entre a imagem corporal transtornos alimentares e é estabelecido. Conclusões: o estudantes de enfermagem em sua maior parte apresentou nenhum risco comportamentos alimentares, o que significa que não realizam práticas extremas para controlar seu peso corporal e os que apresentavam pode ter danos em seu desempenho acadêmico, relações interpessoais e qualidade de vida. Da mesma forma, a maioria deles mostrou uma avaliação satisfatória da imagem corporal e uma pequena percentagem, estava insatisfeito, refletindo vários distúrbios comportamentais, cognitivos e emocionais. Determinou-se que a integridade da imagem corporal diminui a presença de distúrbios alimentares. PALAVRAS-CHAVE: atitude para a saúde, nutrição, hábitos alimentares, a satisfação pessoal.  


2018 ◽  
Vol 11 (3) ◽  
pp. 245 ◽  
Author(s):  
JagdishR Varma ◽  
BhalenduS Vaishnav ◽  
SmrutiB Vaishnav ◽  
VibhaS Vaishnav

2021 ◽  
Vol 12 ◽  
Author(s):  
Edouard Leaune ◽  
Laurène Lestienne ◽  
Pierre Grandgenèvre ◽  
Margot Morgiève ◽  
Guillaume Vaiva ◽  
...  

Introduction: Suicide bereavement is known to be highly distressing and is frequently associated with mental health problems. Despite high-level of need regarding mental and physical health, people bereaved by suicide display low level of help-seeking and perceived support in the aftermath of the loss. The lack of accessibility and reliability of face-to-face counseling resources is notably reported by suicide survivors. Online resources can enhance early access to help and support for people bereaved by suicide. The primary objective of the study is to design and implement an innovative and adaptive online resource for people bereaved by suicide according to their needs and expectation regarding online solutions dedicated to suicide bereavement.Methods: The ESPOIR2S study is a mixed-method user-centered study. ESPOIR2S seeks to build the resource from the perspectives and needs of both people bereaved by suicide and professionals or volunteers working in the field of postvention. The Information System Research (ISR) Framework is used to guide the design of the study through a 3-step research cycle. The structure of the ESPOIR2S study relies on a simultaneous collection of qualitative and quantitative data which will be collected and analyzed during (a) the Relevance cycle through an online questionnaire and focus groups; (b) the Design cycle through focus groups; and (c) and the Rigor cycle through an online questionnaire and semi-structured interviews. The user-centeredness will be ensured by the active participation of people bereaved by suicide, members of associations for bereaved people and professionals of postvention.Discussion: The mixed-method and user-centered design of the ESPOIR2S study will offer an in-depth collection of the needs and expectation of suicide survivors regarding online resources. Through the implementation of an adaptive online solution, we aim to enhance the access to help and support for suicide survivors which are highly correlated with well-being and recovery.


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