Related Experiment Video
Updated: Sep 12, 2025
07:40
Validation of a Psychosocial Intervention on Body Image in Older People: An Experimental Design
Published on: May 31, 2021
3.4K
Pubertal timing, body dissatisfaction and self-image: a prospective cohort study.
Dana Tarif1, Jon Heron2, Abigail Fraser2
1Department of Population Health Sciences, University of Bristol, Bristol, UK dana.tarif@bristol.ac.uk.
BMJ Open
|August 4, 2025
Summary
Later puberty is linked to greater body dissatisfaction in boys, while earlier puberty is associated with lower body dissatisfaction in girls. These findings suggest a need for interventions addressing adolescent body image concerns.
Area of Science:
- Adolescent health
- Developmental psychology
- Public health
Background:
- Early puberty is associated with body dissatisfaction, but research is limited.
- Previous studies lacked objective measures and focused on girls.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the association between pubertal timing and body dissatisfaction in mid-adolescence.
- To examine objective measures of pubertal timing: age at peak height velocity (aPHV) and age at menarche (AAM).
Main Methods:
- Prospective cohort study of 6644 UK adolescents (41% male).
- Measured body dissatisfaction and self-image at age 14 using validated scales.
- Used multivariable regression, adjusting for socioeconomic status and prepubertal BMI.
Main Results:
- Later aPHV in boys correlated with higher body dissatisfaction.
- Earlier age at menarche (AAM) in girls correlated with lower body dissatisfaction.
- Later aPHV in girls was linked to better self-image, but this effect was moderated by BMI.
Conclusions:
- Pubertal timing significantly influences adolescent body image.
- Findings underscore the need for tailored interventions for body dissatisfaction.
- Further research should explore BMI's role in mediating these associations.
Related Concept Videos
02:45Self-Discrepancy Theory
18.4K
One influential perspective on what motivates people's behavior is detailed in Tory Higgin's self-discrepancy theory (Higgins, 1987). He proposed that people hold disagreeing internal representations of themselves that lead to different emotional states.
18.4K
01:27Signs of Puberty
610
Puberty is a critical phase, typically beginning between the ages of 8 and 13 in girls and 9 and 14 in boys, though timing can vary based on genetics, environmental factors, and overall health. This period is characterized by the development of secondary sexual characteristics and the attainment of reproductive potential. Endocrine changes underpin puberty, with hormonal surges of Luteinizing Hormone (LH) and Follicle-Stimulating Hormone (FSH) instigated by Gonadotropin-Releasing Hormone (GnRH)...
610
03:00Self-Evaluation: Self-Enhancement and Self-Verification
5.3K
Social psychologists have documented that feeling good about ourselves and maintaining positive self-esteem is a powerful motivator of human behavior (Tavris & Aronson, 2008). In the United States, members of the predominant culture typically think very highly of themselves and view themselves as good people who are above average on many desirable traits (Ehrlinger, Gilovich, & Ross, 2005). Often, our behavior, attitudes, and beliefs are affected when we experience a threat to our...
5.3K
01:17Erikson's Theory on Socioemotional Development during Adolescence
361
Erik Erikson's fifth stage of psychosocial development, "identity versus role confusion," is crucial during adolescence (ages 12 to 18). In this stage, adolescents face the developmental task of forging a distinct personal identity, a process influenced by social, psychological, and biological changes typical of this period. Adolescents naturally explore different roles, behaviors, and ideologies as they navigate complex questions of self-concept, asking, "Who am I?" and "What is my place in...
361
01:30Socioemotional Experience and Gender Development
79
Social-emotional experiences and cultural influences play significant roles in shaping gender development. During middle childhood, from ages 6 to 11, peer groups become dominant in reinforcing gender norms. Children in this age group often align with same-gender peer groups, which actively encourage behaviors that conform to traditional gender roles. For instance, boys may be discouraged from engaging in activities perceived as feminine, reinforcing culturally dictated norms about masculinity...
79
01:19Self-Concept
429
Self-concept is the cognitive and emotional understanding individuals hold about their identity. It evolves through various developmental stages, beginning in infancy and maturing as children grow. This concept influences how individuals perceive their abilities, interact with others, and manage challenges throughout life.
Infancy and Emerging Recognition
During infancy, self-concept is virtually nonexistent. Babies do not distinguish themselves as separate entities and often mistake their...
Infancy and Emerging Recognition
During infancy, self-concept is virtually nonexistent. Babies do not distinguish themselves as separate entities and often mistake their...
429