scholarly journals Nature Exposure and Positive Body Image: A Cross–Sectional Study Examining the Mediating Roles of Physical Activity, Autonomous Motivation, Connectedness to Nature, and Perceived Restorativeness

Author(s):  
Migle Baceviciene ◽  
Rasa Jankauskiene ◽  
Viren Swami

Research shows that nature exposure is directly and indirectly associated with more positive body image, which is an important facet of well-being more generally. In this study, we tested the mediating roles of physical activity in nature, perceived restoration in nature, autonomous motivation, and connectedness to nature in explaining the association between nature exposure and positive body image. An online sample of 924 Lithuanian adults (age M = 40.0 years, 73.6% women) completed a survey that included the Nature Exposure (NE) Scale, the Body Appreciation Scale-2, a measure of frequency of physical activity in nature (PAN), the Behavioral Regulation in Exercise Questionnaire-2, the Restoration Outcome Scale, and the Connectedness to Nature Scale. Path analysis was conducted to examine hypothesized direct and indirect effects. Results showed that both greater NE (B = 0.564, SE = 0.057, p < 0.001) and autonomy in exercise motivation (B = 0.039, SE = 0.006, p < 0.001) were associated with more frequent PAN. Direct effects from exercise autonomy to nature restorativeness (B = 0.017, SE = 0.006, p = 0.004) and body appreciation (B = 0.041, SE = 0.004, p < 0.001) were observed. Associations were also found between connectedness to nature and body appreciation (B = 0.166, SE = 0.040, p < 0.001), nature restorativeness and body appreciation (B = 0.075, SE = 0.019, p < 0.001), and frequency of PAN and body appreciation (B = 0.064, SE = 0.019, p < 0.001). PAN mediated the relationship between NE and body appreciation. The final model was invariant across place of residence (urban vs. rural) and gender. Including self-determined physical activity in nature may increase the effectiveness of intervention programs aimed at promoting more positive body image.

2021 ◽  
pp. 135910532110092
Author(s):  
Rasa Jankauskiene ◽  
Migle Baceviciene

The most acceptable model explaining the associations between physical exercise and self-esteem is the exercise and self-esteem model (EXSEM). The present cross-sectional study tested the mediating role of body appreciation and physical fitness perception in the associations between physical activity and self-esteem in modified EXSEM. Overall, 1412 Lithuanian adolescents (40.2% were boys, mean age 17.0 (SD = 0.5) years) completed online questionnaires. The study was implemented in 2019 from October to December. Perceived physical fitness and body appreciation mediated the associations in the EXSEM. Physical fitness perception was directly associated with the self-esteem of girls, but not boys. Gender moderated EXSEM associations in body appreciation and perceived physical fitness showed stronger mediation effects for the adolescent girls compared to boys. Increasing physical activity, positive body image and perception of physical fitness might help to foster mental health, especially in girls.


Work ◽  
2021 ◽  
pp. 1-8
Author(s):  
Maria Piedade Brandão ◽  
Annettte Quinto Romani ◽  
Frantitsek Sudzina ◽  
Inger Glavind Bo ◽  
Bent Egberg Mikkelsen

BACKGROUND: Appropriate body image self-perceptions provide a good help to increase the feeling of personal well-being, thus having an important impact on health. Universities, having an important role in shaping of the future workers, represent an important setting to approach health issues. OBJECTIVE: This study determined to what extent different types of students in higher education (four categories of students were created: “self-secure”, “perfect”, “destructive” and “apologetic”) are likely to adopt different health risk behaviors. METHODS: A cross-sectional study in a sample of students from five European Universities in the 2016/2017 academic year was conducted. Based on the combination of body image perception and body mass index, four types of students were identified: “self-secure” (overweight students with a good self-esteem); “perfect” (underweight students with a good self-esteem); “destructive” (overweight students with a poor self-esteem); “apologetic” (underweight students with a poor self-esteem). RESULTS: The study reveals that the defined types of students differed in terms of risk behavior. When the control was included, the “self-secure” student type had a reduced likelihood of being on a diet (22.3%) and physically active (17.8%) than other students (p <  0.001). CONCLUSIONS: The results of this paper raise concerns about the future because the body dissatisfaction of the college student could be a big impact in long term whether at collective, personally or even professionally.


2021 ◽  
Vol 9 ◽  
pp. 205031212110519
Author(s):  
Sheyla D León-Paucar ◽  
Bella C Calderón-Olivos ◽  
Yaquelin E Calizaya-Milla ◽  
Jacksaint Saintila

Objective: The coronavirus disease 2019 affects the psychological well-being of populations. In the same way, it can be a potential threat to body image. The aim of the study was to explore associations between depressive symptoms, dietary intake, and body image during coronavirus disease 2019 quarantine. Methods: An online cross-sectional study was conducted in 589 Peruvian adults, 297 men (50.4%) and 292 women (49.6%). The mean age was 30.2 ± 9.4 years (range: 18–59 years). Participants completed three questionnaires, including a food frequency questionnaire, the Body Shape Questionnaire, and the Patient Health Questionnaire-9. Moreover, sociodemographic data were collected. The data were analyzed using the statistical software IBM SPSS version 24, and the chi-square test was used. A significance level of 5% was considered. Results: A total of 37.7% and 43.6% of the women reported depressive symptoms and dissatisfaction with body image, respectively. Depressive symptoms were associated with dietary intake and dissatisfaction with body image (p < 0.05). Dissatisfaction with body image was associated with dietary intake (p < 0.01). Conclusions: Depressive symptomatology plays an important role in the dietary intake and body image of the study population. It is suggested to address these factors through the implementation of health campaign programs and personalized therapeutic interventions.


2020 ◽  
Vol 2 (35) ◽  
pp. 119-124
Author(s):  
Ana Caroline de Sousa Almeida ◽  
Carolina Cunha de Oliveira ◽  
Andrea Costa Goes ◽  
Mylena Alves Santos ◽  
Rafaela de Siqueira Oliveira

Introduction: Currently, there is a greater concern of individuals with vision and imposition of perfect body. The change in the perception of the body image is motivated by social, environmental and, strongly, by the media, which imposes a beauty pattern associated with thinness or muscular bodies. A distorted view of the actual body image has repercussions on the levels of well-being and self-esteem, as well as in the decision-making related to nutrition and health in general. The objective of this study is to verify the anthropometric nutritional status and perception of the body image of users of primary care. Methods: A cross-sectional study conducted with users of primary care in the city of Fátima-Bahia. Socio-demographic information, anthropometric evaluation (weight, height and waist circumference) and perception of ideal and real body image were collected. Results: 89 users participating in the HiperDia program participated in the study, the most were women (87.6%) and adults (67.4%). Regarding nutritional status, 61.8% were overweight and 79.8% had abdominal fat accumulation. Most of the individuals showed dissatisfaction due to overweight (78.7%) and 6.7% of dissatisfaction for thinness. Of the individuals with adequate nutritional status, 73.5% also had some type of body dissatisfaction (both for thinness or excess). Conclusion: The majority of subjects presented with overweight and body image dissatisfaction. It is essential to evaluate the body image of the individuals on the part of the health professionals, assisting the clinical practice and guaranteeing an integral attention to the individual.


2020 ◽  
Vol 9 (9) ◽  
pp. 2919 ◽  
Author(s):  
Jose L. García-Soidán ◽  
Jesús García-Liñeira ◽  
Raquel Leirós-Rodríguez ◽  
Anxela Soto-Rodríguez

Background: This study aims to analyze the effect of physical activity practice on the postural control state of school children. If such an effect was detected, the second aim of the study was to identify which specific capacities of postural control benefited the most from physical activity. Methods: A cross-sectional study was performed using a convenience sample of 118 healthy children (54 girls) with a mean age of 10.3 ± 1.2 years. Their weight and height were measured. The accelerometric assessment of balance included four different tests in static balance and walking. Results: Physical activity habit prevalence was 38.9% in girls and 60.9% in boys, and its frequency was 2.3 days per week in girls and 2.8 days in boys. The active children obtained lower accelerations, but the active and sedentary girls showed lower accelerometric values than the active boys. The logistic regression analysis demonstrated the influence of sex on the accelerations of the body (p < 0.001), regardless of the habit of physical activity. Conclusions: Active children have better postural control than sedentary children, although sedentary girls have better balance than active boys. Therefore, physical activity practice seems to favor a more efficient development of postural control, but it cannot level or reverse the effect of the neurophysiological factors that are conditioned by sex.


Author(s):  
Juan Gregorio Fernández-Bustos ◽  
Álvaro Infantes-Paniagua ◽  
Irene Gonzalez-Martí ◽  
Onofre Ricardo Contreras-Jordán

The aim of this study was to assess the differences in body dissatisfaction (BD) of male and female adolescents by body max index (BMI) and the quantity, type and organisation of physical activity (PA). To do so, 652 adolescents aged 12–17 years participated in a cross-sectional study. The cognitive-affective component of BD was assessed with the Body Shape Questionnaire (BSQ) and the perceptual component with Gardner’s scale for the assessment of, body image (BI). PA was measured with the International Physical Activity Questionnaire (IPAQ-SF) and the item 1 from the Physical Activity Questionnaire for Adolescents (PAQ-A). The results show that sex and BMI are key variables when determining BD. Moderate-to-vigorous PA (MVPA) was moderately associated with a greater body satisfaction in males but no association was found between BD and the participation and organisation of PA. Moreover, the results suggest that participants in aesthetic/lean PA are at a higher risk of suffering from BD than participants in other PA types. These findings provide useful information for the design of programmes promoting healthy lifestyles, weight control and BI concern during the school period.


Author(s):  
Danielle Lemes Dutra ◽  
André Abrantes Rosique ◽  
Asaphe Lemes Dutra ◽  
Sarah Da Silva Candido ◽  
Cynthia Kallás Bachur

Stress is a general wear and tear of the body, being responsible for changes in the state of health and well-being of the individual. The present study had as objective apply an Inventory of Stress Symptoms among both medical and physiotherapy students, compare and identify the stage of stress they encounter. This is a descriptive and cross-sectional study. The sample consisted of students of the 4th year of both Medicine and Physiotherapy courses from Universidade de Franca- São Paulo, volunteers, regardless of sex or ethnicity. An inventory of Stress Symptoms I.S.S. Lipp to characterize the stress phase of students. A total of 70 students participated in the study, 25 of which were physiotherapists, 22 male and 48 female, 21.92 ± 1.57 years old, and 45 medical students, with a mean age of 24, 87 + 4.26 years. In both courses, the sample analyzed showed a predominance in the Resistance phase, corresponding to a score of 4.26 in relation to medical students and 1.57 in physiotherapy. Based on the data from the present study, it was possible to identify that the students of the health area are in a predominantly Exhaustion phase, according to the Lipp inventory. Avaliação da Fase de Estresse em Estudantes da Área da Saúde O estresse é causado pelas alterações psicofisiológicas que ocorrem quando o indivíduo é forçado a enfrentar situações que o irritem. O presente estudo teve como objetivo aplicar um Inventário de Sintomas de estresse entre estudantes de medicina e fisioterapia, comparar e identificar a fase de estresse que eles se encontram. Trata-se de um estudo de caráter descritivo e transversal. A amostra foi composta por estudantes do 4º ano do curso de Medicina e de Fisioterapia da Universidade de Franca- São Paulo, voluntários,sem distinção de sexo ou etnia. Foi aplicado um Inventário de Sintomas de estresse I.S.S. Lipp para caracterizar a fase do estresse dos estudantes. Participaram deste estudo70 estudantes, 25 do curso de Fisioterapia, com idade 21,92 + 1,57 anos e 45 estudantes do curso de medicina, com idade média de 24,87 + 4,26 anos. A amostra analisada apresenta, em ambos os cursos, uma predominância na fase de Resistência, correspondendo um escore de 4,26 em relação aos estudantes de Medicina e 1,57 aos de Fisioterapia. Com base nos resultados dos dados do presente estudo, foi possível identificar que os estudantes da área de saúde encontram-se em uma fase predominantemente de Exaustão segundo o inventário de Lipp.


2021 ◽  
Vol 10 (2) ◽  
pp. 41-46
Author(s):  
Miguel Peralta ◽  
◽  
João Santos ◽  
Joana Bordado ◽  
Duarte Henriques-Neto ◽  
...  

This study’s objective was to analyse the associations between physical activity (PA) and well-being in a rep- resentative sample of European university students. This cross-sectional study was based on data from the European Social Survey round 6, 2012, comprising 3,143 European university students (1456 men and 1687 women) from 27 countries, with a mean age of 21.3±2.9 years. Socio-demographic data, PA, health perception, and the six dimensions of well-being were self-reported. Men reported practising PA more often than women did (4.4±2.2 versus 4.1 ± 2.2, p<0.001) and had better health perception (4.2±0.7 versus 4.1 ± 0.8, p<0.001) and total well-being score (5.5±1.2 versus 5.2 ± 1.3, p<0.001). PA frequency was linearly associated with health perception (p<0.001) as well as the overall well-being score (p<0.001). There is a positive association between PA and the well-being of European university students. This emphasizes the importance of PA in the university students’ lifestyle and the need to develop programmes that reduce physical inactivity.


Author(s):  
T Prathiba ◽  
G Rajkumar ◽  
M Anbarasi

Introduction: Obesity and sedentary life style are becoming more prevalent among the student generation. Every human being has a very good insight about the outlook. But many are not able to maintain what they perceive. During this survey, the students get a vivid picture of their real body weight and their perception of their body structure. Aim: To compare the self-perceived body weight with actual body weight among medical students and to analyse the perceptions and practice of medical student’s related to physical activity. Materials and Methods: This analytical cross-sectional study included 400 medical students. Self-perceived body image was assessed using Silhouette matching technique. Students represented the figure how they currently look (Feel) and how they actually wanted to look (Ideal). The Feel minus Ideal Discrepancy (FID) score was noted. Actual body weight and height were measured. Body Mass Index (BMI) was calculated using the Quetelet formula- weight(Kg)/height(metres)2. Perceptions and practice of physical activity were assessed using Exercise Benefits/Barrier Scale (EBBS). Comparison of perceived and actual body weight was done by Student’s Independent t-test and Pearson correlation test using Statistical Package for the Social Sciences (SPSS) version 17.0. Results: The actual BMI and perceived BMI showed strong positive correlation (r= 0.726; p=0.0001). Males had high exercise benefit scores (92) when compared with females (86) (p=0.0002). The students had high total score (benefit score plus barrier score); males had 127 and females had 124 (p=0.003) and high benefit/barrier ratio. Conclusion: Actual BMI and self-perceived BMI were well correlated indicating participant’s awareness of their body image. Male participants were more actively involved in physical activity and more concerned about maintaining their body weight. All students had higher benefit scores which is a favourable sign towards a healthy and active physical life.


2019 ◽  
Vol 3 (1) ◽  
pp. 33
Author(s):  
Sonya Rosa ◽  
Lolita Riamawati

Background: Central obesity is a condition where there is a lot of fat accumulating in the body especially around the abdomen. Intake of micronutrients such as calcium and water that are lacking and low physical activity in office workers can cause central obesity.Objectives: This study aims to analyze the relationship between micronutrient intake (calcium and water) and physical activity with central obesity in office workers in PT X, Lamongan.Methods: This study was carried out using a analytic observational method using a cross sectional study design with a quantitative approach. The research sample was 44 office workers in PT X, Lamongan who were taken randomly. Data collected included measurements of waist circumference, measurements of body weight and height, 3x24 hour food recall and physical activity questionnaire. Analysis of the data in this study used a Chi-square test with 95% CI (α = 0.05).Results: This study showed that micronutrient intake consisting of calcium intake (p = 0.486) and water intake (p = 1.000) was not associated with central obesity. Meanwhile, there is a relationship between physical activity and central obesity in office workers (p = 0.028, OR = 5.40).Conclusions: Central obesity in office workers has a relationship with physical activity. However, micronutrient intake (calcium and water) is not associated with central obesity in office workers. Workers should routinely monitor their weight and abdominal circumference together with physical activities such as exercise to prevent central obesity.ABSTRAKLatar Belakang: Obesitas sentral adalah suatu keadaan dimana terdapat banyak lemak yang menumpuk di dalam tubuh khususnya di sekitar perut. Asupan zat gizi mikro seperti kalsium dan air yang kurang serta rendahnya aktivitas fisik pada pekerja bagian perkantoran dapat menyebabkan terjadinya obesitas sentral.Tujuan: Penelitian ini bertujuan untuk menganalisis hubungan antara asupan zat gizi mikro (kalsium da air) dan aktivitas fisik dengan kejadian obesitas sentral pada pekerja bagian perkantoran di PT X, Lamongan.Metode: Penelitian ini dilaksanakan dengan metode observasional analitik menggunakan desain studi cross sectional dengan pendekatan kuantitatif. Sampel penelitian sebesar 44 pekerja bagian perkantoran di PT X, Lamongan yang diambil secara acak. Data yang dikumpulkan meliputi pengukuran lingkar perut, pengukuran berat badan dan tinggi badan, food recall 3x24 jam dan kuesioner aktivitas fisik. Analisa data dalam penelitian ini menggunakan uji Chi-s     quare dengan CI sebesar 95% (α = 0.05).Hasil: Penelitian ini menunjukkan bahwa asupan zat gizi mikro yang terdiri dari asupan kalsium (p=0,486) dan asupan air (p=1,000) tidak berhubungan dengan kejadian obesitas sentral. Sementara  itu, terdapat hubungan antara aktivitas fisik dengan kejadian obesitas sentral pada pekerja bagian perkantoran (p=0,028, OR=5,40).Kesimpulan: Obesitas sentral pada pekerja bagian perkantoran memiliki hubungan dengan aktivitas fisik. Akan tetapi, asupan zat gizi mikro (kalsium dan air) tidak berhubungan dengan obesitas sentral pada pekerja bagian perkantoran. Pekerja sebaiknya melakukan pemantauan terhadap berat badan dan lingkar perut secara rutin bersamaan dengan melakukan aktivitas fisik seperti berolahraga untuk mencegah terjadinya obesitas sentral.


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