Body Image and Eating Disorders

Question 1

Define body image

Answer 1

A multidimensional construct that reflects how we see our own body and how we think, feel and act towards it

Question 2

Briefly describe the 4 dimensions of body image

Answer 2

Perceptual - picture of our body formed in our mind
Cognitive - how we think/feel/evaluate our body in terms of appearance and function
Affective - emotions/feelings we have about our appearace/function
Behavioural - things we do that reflect our perceptions of our body

Question 3

What is body reality and what is body ideal?

Answer 3

Body reality - Our actual physical characteristics - height, weight, body fat, lean body mass, bone structure, fitness, strength, disease, etc.

Body ideal - How we think our body should look and function

Question 4

What can discrepancy between body ideal and body reality lead to?

Answer 4

Body dissatisfaction and social physique anxiety

Question 5

Give some consequences of having a negative body image?

Answer 5

Dieting, laxative/steroid/diuretics use, low self-esteem, social phobia, excessive exercise, body dysmorphia

Question 6

What personality traits are linked with having a negative body image?

Answer 6

Narcissism, neuroticism and perfectionism

Question 7

What is body dysmorphia?

Answer 7

An extreme case of body dissatisfaction characterised by extreme occupation with some aspect of one’s physical appearance. Leads to obsessive-compulsive activities.

Question 8

What is muscle dysmorphia?

Answer 8

Preoccupation with muscularity, anxiety and dissatisfaction with muscles, steroid use and excessive workout routines

Question 9

What are the 6 broad factors that influence body image?

Answer 9

Physical characteristics (height, weight, masculinity)
Physical changes (injury, aging, puberty, disease)
Psychological factors (self-esteem, perfectionism)
Interpersonal experiences (teasing, praise from others)
Sociocultural influences (MEDIA, cultural ideals, TV)
Behaviours (physical activity, dieting)

Question 10

How can issues around body image be measured?

Answer 10

Perceptual measures - participant identifying computer generated images of self
Self-report questionnaires assessing the affective (feelings), behavioural (exercise/dieting) and cognitive (attitudes/thoughts/beliefs) aspects of body image.

Question 11

How does physical activity affect body image?

Answer 11

Physical activity positively affects body image. Campbell and Hausenblas (2009)’s meta-analysis had effect size of 0.29 when comparing exercisers V non-exercisers. Additionally, Bassett-Gunter et al. (2017) found a medium effect size for the positive association of PA on body image among men.
Mechanism of change: increased fitness, increased awareness of physical fitness, increased self-efficacy

Question 12

How can body image affect exercise preference?

Answer 12

Those who are more body dissatisfied may choose to exercise alone, away from the group or in the corner, may wear baggy clothes

Question 13

What 2 ways is body image related to a healthier psychological well-being?

Answer 13

Better self-esteem

Lower risk of anxiety and depression

Question 14

What is anorexia nervosa?

Answer 14

An emotional disorder characterised by an obsessive desire to lose weight by refusing to eat

Question 15

What are the diagnostic criteria for anorexia nervosa?

Answer 15

Refusal to maintain a normal body weight* (primary criterion)
Intense fear of gaining weight or becoming fat
Body image disturbance
In females, absence of at least 3 consecutive menstrual cycles

Question 16

What is bulimia nervosa?

Answer 16

An emotional disorder characterized by a distorted body image and an obsessive desire to lose weight, in which bouts of extreme overeating are followed by fasting or self-induced vomiting or purging

Question 17

What are the diagnostic criteria for bulimia nervosa?

Answer 17

Recurrent episodes of binge eating*
Self-induced compensatory methods to prevent weight gain*
A feeling of lack of control over eating behaviour
A minimum average of two binge-eating episodes a week for at least 3 months
Persistent over-concern with body weight and shape

Question 18

What sociocultural factors contribute to the development of eating disorders?

Answer 18

Media (study: within 38 months following introduction of satellite TV in Fiji, proportion of teens at risk of an ED doubled)
Cultural norms
Weight restrictions and standards
Pressure from peers, coaches, partners
Performance demands (jockey/boxer/gymnasts)
Judging criteria
Critical comments about body