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Updated: Aug 5, 2025
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Validation of a Psychosocial Intervention on Body Image in Older People: An Experimental Design
Published on: May 31, 2021
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Normative body image development: A longitudinal meta-analysis of mean-level change
Emilie Lacroix1, Alyssa J Smith2, Incé A Husain1
1Department of Psychology, University of New Brunswick, 38 Dineen Dr., Fredericton, NB E3B 5A3, Canada.
Body Image
|March 25, 2023
Summary
This study reveals that body image development has sensitive periods that may occur earlier than previously thought. Body image generally improves for males from ages 10-24 and for females from ages 16-24.
Area of Science:
- Psychology
- Developmental Psychology
- Sociology
Background:
- Body image is a critical aspect of psychological well-being across the lifespan.
- Understanding normative changes in body image is essential for identifying potential developmental vulnerabilities.
- Previous research has not comprehensively synthesized longitudinal data on mean-level body image change.
Approach:
- A meta-analysis of longitudinal studies was conducted, synthesizing data from 142 samples (128,254 participants).
- Data included various body image constructs (satisfaction, dissatisfaction, esteem, attractiveness, valuation, self-objectification, shame) assessed over at least six months.
- Multilevel metaregression models analyzed standardized yearly mean change, examining moderators like gender, age, and birth cohort.
Key Points:
- Boys and men exhibit net improvements in body image between ages 10 and 24.
- Girls and women experience worsening body image from ages 10–16, followed by improvements from ages 16–24.
- The most significant body image changes occur between ages 10–14, stabilizing around age 24.
Conclusions:
- Normative body image development may involve sensitive periods occurring earlier than previously understood.
- Mean-level improvements in body image can be observed during specific age ranges, particularly in adolescence and young adulthood.
- Findings necessitate a revision of developmental models of body image to incorporate these nuanced age-related trajectories.
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