Changes in body image satisfaction during pregnancy : a comparison of high exercising and low exercising women

Objective: This study aimed to compare ratings of body image satisfaction (BIS) from 6 months prepregnancy to 23–30 weeks’ gestation for high exercising and low exercising pregnant women. The authors also aimed to assess and compare expectations of BIS for the post-partum period in high and low exercising women.

Design: A partial prospective approach was Implemented.

Sample: A total of 71 healthy pregnant women (40 high exercisers and 31 low exercisers) participated.

Methods: Participants completed a series of questionnaires at 15–22 weeks’ gestation and 23–30 weeks’ gestation.

Main outcome measures: There were two main outcome measures. At 15–22 weeks’ gestation there was an exercise inventory and two versions of the Body Cathexis Scale (BCS) (retrospective prepregnancy BIS and current BIS). At 23–30 weeks’ gestation there was an exercise inventory and two versions of the BCS (current BIS and projected post-partum BIS).

Results: At 15–22 weeks’ gestation, high exercisers demonstrated significantly higher levels of BIS compared to low exercisers. There were no other significant differences between groups. Within groups, high exercisers were significantly more satisfied with their bodies at 15–22 weeks’ gestation compared to 6 months prepregnancy, and expected to be less satisfied with their bodies at 6 weeks’ post-partum than they were during pregnancy. Low exercisers demonstrated no significant changes over time.

Conclusions: The findings suggest that women are able to assimilate the bodily changes of pregnancy without a negative shift in BIS. However, women who exercise during pregnancy may respond more favourably to changes in their bodies at early pregnancy compared to women who remain sedentary.

Sociocultural influences on body image

Despite an emphasis on large body sizes in Fiji, Fijian and Australian adolescents' personal body ideals were very similar. Both groups were inaccurate in their body size estimations. Perceived body image ideals of sociocultural agents, rather than their specific messages, were more strongly associated with adolescents' body size estimations and ideals. The professional portfolio specifically explores the role of parents in the development, maintenance, and treatment of children and adolescents' separation anxiety. The four case studies illustrated that the incremental benefits of including parents in CBT treatment were not entirely clear.

Body image and psychological, social, and sexual functioning

This thesis examined the nature of the body image construct, as well as the relationships between body image and self-esteem, depression, anxiety, and social functioning. Body image was demonstrated to play an important role in the everyday lives of adolescent boys and girls, and men and women throughout adulthood.

Sociocultural influences of body image among Australian and Fijian girls

Despite a traditional emphasis on a large body size in Fiji, both Australian and Fijian girls' had relatively similar body image attitudes and weight change behaviours. However, in comparison to Australian girls, Fijian girls experienced conflicting messages about losing and gaining weight.

Socio-cultural messages, body image, and body change strategies in men

The thesis found that men received information about the ideal male body from perceived media messages and peers through encouragement, teasing, or modelled behaviours. Body mass index (BMI) also influenced participant's perceptions of their body-image and the strategies they used to change their shape. Sexual partners generally held positive views of men's body shape and weight. The portfolio examines the barriers experienced by individuals with co-occuring disorders within the current treatment system, by analysing four case studies.

Parental influences upon their children's body image concerns and behaviours

An examination of the influence of parents revealed that sons' and daughters' perceptions of the direct and indirect pressures exerted by both mothers and fathers were more predictive of their body image concerns and body change strategies than the messages reported by parents. The professional portfolio presents four case studies of children referred to a Child and Adolescent Mental Health Service with depressive symptomatology in relation to attachment theory.

Biopsychosocial factors related to Australian and Fijian adolescent body image distortion

The thesis study was a cross-cultural comparison of the biopsychosocial predictors of body image perception and ideals among 294 Australian and 101 Fijian adolescents. The results demonstrated similarities across cultural groups, but parents, peers and the media were stronger influences for Fijians. These findings have implications for body image intervention programs.The portfolio presented a thorough review of the evidence for the cognitive behavioural therapy (CBT) treatment option for adolescents with major depressive disorder (MDD). Four case studies are presented.

Body image, media influences, sexual risk, and sexuality in men

This thesis examined the relationships between men's body image, different media influences, sexual orientation, and sexual risk taking. In comparison to heterosexuals, gay men were significantly less satisfied with their bodies. Media influences predicted men's body image, and gay men demonstrated greater internalisation of media messages compared to heterosexual men. Based on four case studies the portfolio demonstrates that motivational interviewing might be a useful approach to manage ambivalence and resistance to clients presenting with an anxiety disorder or a parent-child relational issue.

Body image among Chinese-Australian and European-Australian men

Little is known about the body image concerns of non-European men living in Australia. In this research, Chinese-Australians demonstrated an "holistic" body image that included body shape, height, clothing and hairstyling concerns. Contrastingly, European-Australians separated muscularity concerns from general appearance considerations. Chinese-Australians utilised both Asian and Western internalisation/appearance comparison targets. The portfolio aims to critically evaluate the clinical utility of Evidence Based Practice (EBP). Four case studies analyse the practical advantages and disadvantages of EBP.

The role of partners in shaping the body image and body change strategies of adult men : partners and male body image

The current study examined the relationship between perceived messages about the bodies of adult men from their sexual partners and the actual body image of these men. Interviews were conducted among 38 middle-aged men. Feedback from partners was generally complimentary, and the men were generally positive about their body image. Partners were seen to be more focused on a healthy body rather than a physically attractive body. The implications of these findings for better understanding the social influence on adult men to obtain a healthy body weight are discussed.

Body image and body change strategies among Tongan adolescents in Tonga and New Zealand

Aim : The aim of this study was to evaluate the body image and body change strategies of adolescents from Tonga, and Tongans who are resident New Zealand.

Method : In total, 598 Tongans from Tonga and 388 Tongans from New Zealand completed measures of body image, body change strategies and messages about their body.

Results : Tongans in Tonga were more likely to receive positive messages about a larger body from adults at school, church and the media, and losing weight from the media. They were also more likely to adopt strategies to lose weight, increase weight and increase muscles.

Conclusion : The large body ideal appears to be still valued in Tonga, whereas Tongans also want to lose weight because of media messages to achieve a healthy body weight.