Related Experiment Video
Updated: Aug 6, 2026
07:40
Validation of a Psychosocial Intervention on Body Image in Older People: An Experimental Design
Published on: May 31, 2021
EXPRESS: Investigating Body Image Disturbance among Syrian Refugees in Northern Jordan
Sara Yaser Yaser Barham1, Hani Omar2, Ahmad Al Athamneh3
1Strathclyde Institute of Pharmacy and Biomedical Sciences, University of Strathclyde, Glasgow, UK.
Summary
Syrian refugees in Jordan exhibit body image disturbance and underestimation of weight status, alongside prevalent physical inactivity and poor dietary habits. Culturally sensitive health education is crucial for this vulnerable population.
Area of Science:
- Public Health
- Psychology
- Sociology
Background:
- Body image disturbance (BID) significantly impacts physical and mental well-being, especially in vulnerable groups like refugees.
- Syrian refugees in Jordan face unique stressors, including displacement and limited healthcare, potentially worsening BID.
- This study focuses on BID, weight perception, and health behaviors within the Syrian refugee community in Zaatari camp.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the prevalence of body image disturbance among Syrian refugees.
- To assess weight perception accuracy and associated health behaviors.
- To identify potential areas for targeted health interventions in the Zaatari camp.
Main Methods:
- A cross-sectional study involving 487 Syrian refugees (61.4% males) in Zaatari camp (September-December 2022).
- Data collected using Stunkard's silhouettes and a health and lifestyle questionnaire.
- Statistical analysis performed using IBM SPSS version 27.
Main Results:
- Higher overweight (23.8%) and obesity (8.6%) rates observed in males compared to females (15.4%, 3.1%).
- Significant underestimation of weight status reported by overweight participants (71 females, 109 males).
- Prevalent physical inactivity (females: 26.1%, males: 44.15%) and poor dietary adherence (females: 37.4%, males: 59.3%); 22.1% reported smoking.
Conclusions:
- Targeted, culturally sensitive health education is essential to address BID and promote healthy behaviors among Syrian refugees.
- Integrating psychiatric and nutritional counseling can help mitigate BID's impact.
- Future research should focus on sustainable, community-led health solutions for this population.
Related Concept Videos
01:18Sources of Self-Esteem I: Family Experience
Self-esteem, a crucial component of psychological development, is significantly shaped by familial experiences. The early parent-child relationship serves as a foundational influence on a child's self-concept, with long-lasting effects extending into adolescence and adulthood.Parental Behaviors and Early Self-Esteem FormationEmpirical studies have identified four principal parental behaviors that foster healthy self-esteem in children. These include expressions of acceptance, affection, and...
02:16Surveys
Often, psychologists develop surveys as a means of gathering data. Surveys are lists of questions to be answered by research participants, and can be delivered as paper-and-pencil questionnaires, administered electronically, or conducted verbally. Generally, the survey itself can be completed in a short time, and the ease of administering a survey makes it easy to collect data from a large number of people.
01:27Ethnic Identity within a Larger Culture
Adolescents from ethnic minority backgrounds face a multifaceted journey in forming their identities, shaped by the intersections of cultural expectations and personal exploration. For these adolescents, identity formation involves not only typical developmental challenges but also navigating the perceptions and attitudes of the majority culture. As they grow, adolescents in ethnic minority groups often become increasingly aware of stereotypes, social biases, and discrimination, all of which...
01:29Self-Discrepancy and Its Effects
Self-discrepancy theory explains how people compare their actual self to their ideal and ought selves and how mismatches between these self-guides can lead to emotional distress. Developed by E. Tory Higgins, the theory distinguishes among three components of self-concept: the actual self, the ideal self, and the ought self. These refer respectively to how individuals perceive themselves, how they aspire to be, and how they believe they are obligated to be. Emotional well-being, self-esteem,...
01:30Dissociative Identity Disorder
Dissociative Identity Disorder (DID), previously termed multiple personality disorder, is a complex psychological condition characterized by the presence of two or more distinct identities or personality states. Each identity exhibits unique patterns of behavior, voice, and mannerisms and may possess separate memories and emotional responses. The alternating control between identities can result in memory gaps and challenges in recalling daily activities, often exacerbating the individual's...