The Association Between Sports, Body Image, and Eating Disorders of Males Teens at Eastside Catholic

In the past 25 years, the number of males who are dissatisfied with their bodies increased threefold. This is prevalent especially in the athletic field, where different physique expectations are closely associated with performance. Heightened focus on dietary rules and fitness level cause males to struggle with body dissatisfaction and shame and increase the risk of them developing eating disorders (ED), some of which are the most fatal mental illnesses. Many disordered eating behaviors stem from negative self-perceptions, which start to develop as early as the beginning of grade school and intensifies during pubertal development. However, most studies that examine this issue either looks at female college athletes who have a heavy exercise load and pressure from society on their physiques or focuses on social factors of peer pressure, family influence, and beauty standard. Therefore, it is imperative to determine whether sports participation is positively correlated with the rapidly growing rate of body image issues and ED symptoms in adolescent boys to help address them promptly and prevent severe and lasting damages. This quantitative case study conducted on male teens at Eastside Catholic High School (ECHS) found positive correlations between aesthetic/strength sports, body image issues, and higher ED risks, suggesting that athletic involvement plays a greater role in a person’s physical perception and mental health than body weight does. The conclusions inform education institutions and guardians of the more effective way to detect male adolescents’ body image issues and eating disorder symptoms, helping to prevent or alleviate mental illnesses.

“Isn’t That a Girl Problem?”

Revisions to Health and Physical Education (HPE) curriculums across Canada have prompted a conservative response denouncing the explicit and robust language used to address sexualities and young bodies. In this paper, we question the (in)visibility of male bodies and a prevailing discourse of denial, while situating the discussion alongside an evolving Canadian curriculum. Drawing on a national study, we examine narratives of adolescent boys to demonstrate how they make sense of locker-room interactions and bodily negotiations among their male peers. We introduce a discourse of denial to illustrate the ways in which adolescent male bodies and body image issues specifically have been misunderstood as a “girl problem” in schools. We argue that a limiting narrative of male bodies ignores the marginalization of boys facing shaming and homophobia in schools. We conclude by calling for a (re)consideration of male bodily practices while proposing changes that would more fully acknowledge adolescent male bodies in schools.

Investigating how cancer-related symptoms influence work outcomes among cancer survivors: a systematic review

Purpose The purpose of this study is to investigate how different cancer-related symptoms influence work outcomes among cancer survivors. Methods A literature search was performed in PubMed, EMBASE, CINAHL, PsycINFO, and Scopus to identify studies published between 1st January 1999 and 30th October 2020 that investigated the impact of specific cancer-related symptoms on work outcomes among cancer survivors who have completed primary antineoplastic treatment. Study findings were extracted and grouped by symptoms and work outcomes, allowing comparison of associations between these outcomes. Results Seventy-three articles representing 68 studies were eligible for inclusion. From these studies, 27 cancer-related symptoms, 9 work outcomes, and 68 unique associations between specific symptoms and work outcomes were identified. Work status (return to work and employment rates) was most commonly studied, and symptom burden was mainly measured from the patient’s perspective. Higher symptom burden was generally associated with trends of poorer work outcomes. Significant associations were reported in most studies evaluating body image issues and work status, oral dysfunction and work status, fatigue and work ability, and depression and work ability. Conclusion Several cancer-related symptoms were consistently associated with inferior work outcomes among cancer survivors. Body image issues and oral dysfunction were shown to be associated with poorer employment rates, while fatigue and depression were linked to lower levels of work performance. Implications for Cancer Survivors Failure to return to work and decreased productivity post-cancer treatment can have negative consequences for cancer survivors and society at large. Findings from this review will guide the development of work rehabilitation programs for cancer survivors. Protocol registration PROSPERO identifier CRD42020187754

Psychological Resilience in Young Female Athletes

Psychological resilience is an important construct that can enhance athletic performance and foster valuable life skills. Through positive adaptation to adversity and stressors in the athletic arena, athletes are able to cultivate their ability to effectively respond to negative stimuli, ultimately evolving to personal growth. For young female athletes, development of resilience may be particularly important. Young female athletes face distinct challenges in sport including sport inequity, body image issues, eating disorders, increased mental distress, and internalization of emotions. The aim of this review is to define and describe the construct of resilience and discuss the implications and applications relevant to young female athletes. By understanding how to foster resilience strategies in this population, we can enhance sport performance and enjoyment, as well as bolster valuable life skills that facilitate personal growth.

834 Help Me Stop Eating Please…

Introduction Sleep related eating disorder (SRED) is an uncommon NREM parasomnia, predominantly seen in females in their 20s and 30s and is commonly associated with sleep walking, daytime eating disorders (anorexia and bulimia) and use of certain sedative-hypnotics. Here, we describe a case of unique therapeutic dilemma in a middle-aged female, in whom SRED affected the use of continuous positive airway pressure device (CPAP) for her obstructive sleep apnea (OSA) which lead to worsening sleep quality and daytime functionality. Report of case(s) 42-year-old female with history of migraines and OSA, came to the clinic with 6-month history of SRED which started after the demise of her husband and was associated with significant weight gain and injuries. During typical episode, she would take CPAP mask off, walk down the stairs and eat in the kitchen area and then fall asleep in the living area. She denied predilection for particular food, food allergies, consumption of inedible materials or use of offending drugs. Upon further inquiry, she reported recent unsuccessful attempts at smoking cessation, frequent nighttime smoking, significant body image issues and discontinuation of topiramate use for her migraines recently. Telemedicine visit limited the physical examination but included increase in BMI from 32 to 35 kg/m2. Compliance report, sleep diary and surveillance videos were consistent with the history with compliance report showing 17% of nights with optimal usage and 59% of nights with any usage. Beside locking the food, safety measures and napping, we recommended her to use clonazepam 1.5 mg. Unfortunately, she continued to have episodes. She was then started on Topiramate 50 mg which was gradually increased to 100 mg with reduction in her episodes and increase in her compliance to 60%. Conclusion In sleep medicine, treatment of OSA usually precede the treatment of comorbid conditions. However, SRED with comorbid OSA, requires a reverse strategy where improvement in compliance and coexisting daytime symptoms requires the treatment of SRED first. Moreover, detailed history to investigate the potential precipitating factors, co-existing medical and sleep conditions can help with choice of therapy e.g. patients with depression and SRED can benefit from Selective Serotonin Reuptake Inhibitors rather than other choices. Support (if any):

Psychological Effects of Instagram on Females: Increase in Body Dissatisfaction & Facial Augmentation

Body dissatisfaction and facial augmentation are two alarming concerns in today’s generation. Previously done studies disclosed a sustainable relation between body image issues and media exposure. Statistics shows that 68% of Instagram users are females from the age group of 18-29 years. This research objected to conduct an empirical analysis to find the relationship between Instagram use, body dissatisfaction and facial augmentation. Questionnaire comprising of four parts Instagram Use, Body Image, Body Dissatisfaction and Facial Augmentation was designed for females specifically where the sample size of population was (n=100). Analysis showed that frequent use of Instagram and content like idealized beauty images have a direct effect on females’ mind resulting in body dissatisfaction. Hence the results proved that body dissatisfaction significantly positive relationship with facial augmentation. As body dissatisfaction will rise trend of facial augmentation will grow.

Technology-Enabled Reform in a Nontraditional Mental Health Service for Eating Disorders: Participatory Design Study

Background The recent Australian National Agenda for Eating Disorders highlights the role technology can play in improving accessibility and service development through web-based prevention, early access pathways, self-help, and recovery assistance. However, engagement with the eating disorders community to co-design, build, and evaluate these much-needed technology solutions through participatory design processes has been lacking and, until recently, underresourced. Objective This study aims to customize and configure a technology solution for a nontraditional (web-based, phone, email) mental health service that provides support for eating disorders and body image issues through the use of participatory design processes. Methods Participants were recruited chiefly through the Butterfly National Helpline 1800 ED HOPE (Butterfly’s National Helpline), an Australian-wide helpline supporting anyone concerned by an eating disorder or body image issue. Participants included individuals with lived experience of eating disorders and body image issues, their supportive others (such as family, health professionals, support workers), and staff of the Butterfly Foundation. Participants took part in participatory design workshops, running up to four hours, which were held nationally in urban and regional locations. The workshop agenda followed an established process of discovery, evaluation, and prototyping. Workshop activities included open and prompted discussion, reviewing working prototypes, creating descriptive artifacts, and developing user journeys. Workshop artifacts were used in a knowledge translation process, which identified key learnings to inform user journeys, user personas, and the customization and configuration of the InnoWell Platform for Butterfly’s National Helpline. Further, key themes were identified using thematic techniques and coded in NVivo 12 software. Results Six participatory design workshops were held, of which 45 participants took part. Participants highlighted that there is a critical need to address some of the barriers to care, particularly in regional and rural areas. The workshops highlighted seven overarching qualitative themes: identified barriers to care within the current system; need for people to be able to access the right care anywhere, anytime; recommendations for the technological solution (ie, InnoWell Platform features and functionality); need for communication, coordination, and integration of a technological solution embedded in Butterfly’s National Helpline; need to consider engagement and tone within the technological solution; identified challenges and areas to consider when implementing a technological solution in the Helpline; and potential outcomes of the technological solution embedded in the Helpline relating to system and service reform. Ultimately, this technology solution should ensure that the right care is provided to individuals the first time. Conclusions Our findings highlight the value of actively engaging stakeholders in participatory design processes for the customization and configuration of new technologies. End users can highlight the critical areas of need, which can be used as a catalyst for reform through the implementation of these technologies in nontraditional services.

Impact of ‘Self-Portrait’ Creation and Discussion Workshop on Body Image of Indian Female Teenagers

It is widely believed that body image issues affect the emotional and psychological well-being of adolescents to a great extent. In the face of deeply entrenched normative beauty standards, teenagers’ struggles with body image issues can be extremely damaging. This study assessed the impact of an interactive online workshop involving the creation and sharing of ‘self-portraits’ on the body image of urban Indian female teenagers, aged 13 to 16. Data were gathered in the form of photographs of the participants’ artworks, their comments about each other’s artworks, as well as responses to a short open-ended questionnaire. This study revealed that the workshop was helpful in encouraging the participants to acknowledge their sense of isolation in dealing with body image issues. Furthermore, they greatly benefitted from a platform that gave them the opportunity to express their feelings and understand that they were not alone in their struggles. This empowered them to move towards self-acceptance and a desire to redefine unrealistic beauty standards. Ultimately, this study validated the value of the workshop in helping teenagers deal with their body image issues through creative means. In the future, regular sessions should be held to address teenagers’ body image issues through creative means and provide them with support in facing the pressures of prevalent beauty standards. As parents could inadvertently be contributing to their children’s body image issues, this study also proposed efforts to educate parents on the promotion of body positivity in their children.