Related Experiment Video
Updated: Sep 1, 2025
07:40
Validation of a Psychosocial Intervention on Body Image in Older People: An Experimental Design
Published on: May 31, 2021
3.4K
Is Childhood Maltreatment Associated with Body Image Disturbances in Adulthood? A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis
Christine Bödicker1, Jonas Reinckens1, Michael Höfler1
1Institute for Clinical Psychology and Psychotherapy, Technical University of Dresden, Dresden, Germany.
Journal of Child & Adolescent Trauma
|August 12, 2022
Summary
Childhood maltreatment is linked to adult body image issues, particularly in those with Posttraumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD). Further research is needed to understand these complex pathways.
Area of Science:
- Psychology
- Psychiatry
- Public Health
Background:
- Childhood maltreatment is a significant adverse experience.
- Body image disturbances are prevalent and impact mental health.
- Understanding the link between maltreatment and body image is crucial for intervention.
Purpose of the Study:
- To synthesize evidence on the association between childhood maltreatment and adult body image disturbances.
- To explore mediator variables and maltreatment subtypes.
- To examine the role of body image in mental health outcomes post-maltreatment.
Main Methods:
- Comprehensive literature search across PubMed, Scopus, and Web of Science.
- Meta-analysis of 12 studies (15,481 participants) focusing on non-clinical samples.
- Meta-regression to assess the influence of maltreatment subtype.
Main Results:
- A robust association exists between childhood maltreatment and cognitive-affective body image.
- Body image disturbances are more pronounced in individuals with Posttraumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD) following maltreatment.
- Overall effect size was small (r=0.21), with no significant impact of maltreatment subtype in non-clinical samples.
Conclusions:
- Childhood maltreatment is a distal risk factor for negative body image.
- Longitudinal studies are recommended to elucidate pathways between maltreatment, body image, and psychopathology.
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