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Updated: Jun 14, 2026

Validation of a Psychosocial Intervention on Body Image in Older People: An Experimental Design
Published on: May 31, 2021
[Body image as a process or object and body satisfaction]
1Samodzielna Pracownia Psychologii i Socjologii Lekarskiej Pomorskiej Akademii Medycznej w Szczecinie ul. Rybacka 1, 70-204 Szczecin.
Introduction:
This work focused on categorization of elements of body image viewed as an object or process, as well as on the relationship between body satisfaction and manner of perceiving the body.
Material And Methods:
The study was carried out in 177 subjects aged 19 to 53 years (148 females and 29 males). Body image was measured with the Body Image Questionnaire based on the Body Cathexis Scale of P.F. Secord and S.J. Jourard. Participation was anonymous. The procedure of attributing an element of the body to the function scale or body parts scale was based on the method described by S. Franzoi.
Conclusions:
Elements of body image recognized as body parts were characterized in the context of appearance (static object), while elements of body image recognized as body functions were considered in the context of operation (dynamic process). This relationship, however, was not symmetrical as elements of the body not characterized as body functions could also be evaluated in the context of operation. The level of body satisfaction was associated with perception of an element of the body in the aspect of appearance or operation, whereas its perception as body part or body function was of lesser importance.
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