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Assessment of Child Anthropometry in a Large Epidemiologic Study
Published on: February 2, 2017
Body image in middle school children
H A Hausenblas1, D Symons Downs, D S Fleming
1University of Florida, Gainesville, Florida 32611-8205, USA. heatherh@hhp.ufl.edu
Eating and Weight Disorders : EWD
|November 28, 2002
Summary
Body dissatisfaction is common in middle schoolers, particularly girls, and linked to BMI and lower fitness. Early interventions are suggested to address these body image concerns in youth.
Area of Science:
- Child Psychology
- Adolescent Health
- Body Image Research
Background:
- Body image concerns are prevalent among adolescents.
- Understanding factors influencing youth body image is crucial for developing effective interventions.
- Previous research indicates potential links between physical characteristics and body image perception.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the relationship between sex, age, body mass index (BMI), and fitness level on body image in middle school children.
- To assess affective (social physique anxiety) and subjective (body dissatisfaction) body image measures.
- To examine the predictive role of fitness level on body dissatisfaction, controlling for BMI and age.
Main Methods:
- A cohort of 388 middle school children participated in the study.
- Participants completed validated measures of social physique anxiety and body dissatisfaction.
- Objective fitness was assessed using a 1-mile run/walk test.
Main Results:
- Females reported higher social physique anxiety and body dissatisfaction than males.
- Body dissatisfaction was prevalent, especially among females, and positively correlated with BMI.
- While body dissatisfaction was negatively related to fitness, this association diminished after controlling for BMI and age.
Conclusions:
- Body dissatisfaction is a significant issue among middle schoolers, with notable sex differences.
- BMI is a key correlate of body image concerns in this age group.
- Early intervention strategies are recommended to mitigate prevalent body dissatisfaction in youth.
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