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Kummer KK, Mangweth-Matzek B. Male eating disorders in midlife-possible links between excessive sports and hormones. Aging Male 2023; 26:2154571. [PMID: 36790384 DOI: 10.1080/13685538.2022.2154571] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/16/2023] Open
Abstract
Although eating disorders were long considered a typical female disorder, it is now clear that men are also affected. However, the literature on eating disorders in men is still very limited, and the actual extent is not known. Even less is known about the epidemiology of eating disorders in older individuals. In this focused review, we will present an update of the available data on disordered eating and eating disorders in middle-aged and older males. In addition, we will highlight the relationship of eating disorders with excessive sports as a purging method of choice for this age group and discuss the impact of age-related hormonal imbalances in aging men.
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Affiliation(s)
- Kai K Kummer
- Institute of Physiology, Medical University of Innsbruck, Innsbruck, Austria
- Department of Psychiatry, Psychotherapy, Psychosomatics and Psychological Medicine, University Hospital of Psychiatry II, Medical University of Innsbruck, Innsbruck, Austria
| | - Barbara Mangweth-Matzek
- Department of Psychiatry, Psychotherapy, Psychosomatics and Psychological Medicine, University Hospital of Psychiatry II, Medical University of Innsbruck, Innsbruck, Austria
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Mangweth-Matzek B, Kummer KK, Hoek HW. Update on the epidemiology and treatment of eating disorders among older people. Curr Opin Psychiatry 2023; 36:405-411. [PMID: 37471308 PMCID: PMC10552830 DOI: 10.1097/yco.0000000000000893] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 07/22/2023]
Abstract
PURPOSE OF REVIEW We reviewed the recent literature on the epidemiology and treatment of eating disorders among middle-aged and older women and men. RECENT FINDINGS Recent studies show that among older female persons, the prevalence rates with full diagnoses of eating disorders based on DSM-IV or DSM-5 criteria are between 2.1 and 7.7%, and among older men less than 1%. These studies show that the prevalence of eating disorders decreases by age in women, but it does not get towards zero even in very high age. Middle age, with a peak around 50, is also a critical time for the occurrence of eating disorders in men. Women who reported severe menopausal symptoms showed more eating disorder pathology compared with those with low symptoms during menopausal transition. SUMMARY Eating disorders do occur in middle and older age of both sexes. Shame and stigmatization have decreased, and medical awareness and explicit assessment of eating behavior in all age groups have developed. What puberty is for eating disorders in adolescence and young age is menopausal transition for midlife women. Also in men, associations with hormonal disturbances are possible. Treatment approaches should consider treatment strategies tailored to older women and men, addressing the context of midlife and aging.
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Affiliation(s)
- Barbara Mangweth-Matzek
- University Hospital of Psychiatry II, Department of Psychiatry, Psychotherapy, Psychosomatics and Medical Psychology
| | - Kai K. Kummer
- University Hospital of Psychiatry II, Department of Psychiatry, Psychotherapy, Psychosomatics and Medical Psychology
- Institute of Physiology, Medical University of Innsbruck, Innsbruck, Austria
| | - Hans W. Hoek
- Parnassia Psychiatric Institute, The Hague
- Department of Psychiatry, University Medical Center Groningen, University of Groningen, Groningen, The Netherlands
- Department of Epidemiology, Columbia University, Mailman School of Public Health, New York, USA
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3
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Thompson KA, Miller AJ, Walsh EC, Bardone-Cone AM. Social media and disordered eating among middle-aged women: Not just an adolescent concern. Eat Behav 2023; 50:101748. [PMID: 37253297 DOI: 10.1016/j.eatbeh.2023.101748] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/07/2022] [Revised: 05/08/2023] [Accepted: 05/15/2023] [Indexed: 06/01/2023]
Abstract
Evidence suggests social media use is strongly linked to disordered eating (e.g., binge eating and dietary restraint) among adolescent and young adult women, in part because it promotes engagement in social comparison (the tendency to evaluate one's own standing or ability by comparing it to another's). Yet no study has examined the impact of social media use and comparison on disordered eating among middle-aged women. Participants (N = 347), ages 40-63, completed an online survey about their social media use, social comparison, and disordered eating (bulimic symptoms, dietary restraint, and broad eating pathology). Results indicated that 89 % (n = 310) of middle-aged women used social media in the past year. Most participants (n = 260; 75 %) used Facebook, and at least a quarter used Instagram or Pinterest. Approximately 65 % (n = 225) used social media at least daily. Controlling for age and body mass index, social media-specific social comparison was positively associated with bulimic symptoms, dietary restriction, and broad eating pathology (all ps < 0.001). Multiple regression models evaluating frequency of social media use and social media-specific social comparison together revealed that social comparison explained a significant amount of unique variance in bulimic symptoms, dietary restriction, and broad eating pathology (all ps < 0.001) above and beyond frequency of social media use. Instagram explained a significant proportion of variance of dietary restraint compared to other social media platforms (p = .001). Findings suggest a large percentage of middle-aged women frequently engage with some type of social media. Further, social media-specific social comparison, rather than frequency of social media use, may be driving disordered eating in this age group of women.
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Affiliation(s)
- Katherine A Thompson
- Department of Psychology and Neuroscience, University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, USA
| | - Alexandra J Miller
- Department of Psychology and Neuroscience, University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, USA
| | - Emily C Walsh
- Department of Psychology and Neuroscience, University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, USA
| | - Anna M Bardone-Cone
- Department of Psychology and Neuroscience, University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, USA.
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Anaya C, Culbert KM, Klump KL. Binge Eating Risk During Midlife and the Menopausal Transition: Sensitivity to Ovarian Hormones as Potential Mechanisms of Risk. Curr Psychiatry Rep 2023; 25:45-52. [PMID: 36565385 PMCID: PMC9974637 DOI: 10.1007/s11920-022-01405-5] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 11/26/2022] [Indexed: 12/25/2022]
Abstract
PURPOSE OF REVIEW Recent research suggests that binge eating may be more prevalent among women in midlife than previously believed. The menopausal transition, an important developmental stage during midlife, is characterized by substantial fluctuations and eventual decreases in ovarian hormones that may contribute to increased risk. This narrative review summarizes findings from studies of binge eating during midlife and menopause and discusses the potential role of ovarian hormones in binge eating risk. RECENT FINDINGS Studies are few in number and findings are mixed, with only some studies showing increased binge eating during midlife and the menopausal transition. Sensitivity to ovarian hormones, potentially through gene x hormone interactions, may influence who experiences increased binge eating risk and could help explain mixed findings in the field. Future studies of hormone sensitivity and gene x hormone interactions are needed to further elucidate midlife and menopausal risk for binge eating in women.
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Affiliation(s)
- Carolina Anaya
- Department of Psychology, Michigan State University, MI, 48824-1116, East Lansing, USA
| | - Kristen M Culbert
- Department of Psychology, Michigan State University, MI, 48824-1116, East Lansing, USA
| | - Kelly L Klump
- Department of Psychology, Michigan State University, MI, 48824-1116, East Lansing, USA.
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Vincent C, Bodnaruc AM, Prud’homme D, Olson V, Giroux I. Associations between menopause and body image: A systematic review. WOMEN'S HEALTH (LONDON, ENGLAND) 2023; 19:17455057231209536. [PMID: 37994043 PMCID: PMC10666711 DOI: 10.1177/17455057231209536] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/12/2023] [Revised: 08/28/2023] [Accepted: 09/28/2023] [Indexed: 11/24/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND The menopausal transition involves multiple biological and psychosocial challenges that may render middle-aged women vulnerable to body image concerns. OBJECTIVE The aim of this study was to summarize evidence on the associations between menopause and body image perception in healthy middle-aged women. DESIGN This study is a systematic review of observational studies. DATA SOURCES AND METHODS Menopause-related exposure measures included menopausal stages, menopausal symptoms, and reproductive hormone levels during the menopausal transition. Studies investigating body image as an outcome, including through a positive (e.g. body self-esteem) or negative (e.g. body dissatisfaction) lens, were considered eligible. Articles published before March 2023 were identified through MEDLINE, PsycINFO, and Embase and underwent double screening, extraction, and quality assessment by two independent investigators. Characteristics and results were summarized using narrative synthesis. RESULTS A total of 820 non-duplicate records were identified, with 18 observational studies deemed eligible for inclusion after full-text screening. All studies investigating menopausal symptoms and body image (n = 6) found some significant association between them, with a higher frequency, intensity, or number of symptoms being associated with greater body image concern. Differences in body image perception between menopausal stages were inconsistent across studies (n = 12), while evidence of potential associations between reproductive hormones and body image was minimal (n = 2). Findings should be interpreted with caution as 17 of the included studies used a cross-sectional design, and not all studies adjusted their analyses for relevant confounders. CONCLUSION Overall, menopausal symptoms showed relatively consistent associations with a more negative body image perception. Additional research is required to understand the potential role of menopausal stages and reproductive hormone levels in the body image perception of middle-aged women and to confirm the direction of reported associations. REGISTRATION PROSPERO-CRD42021241637.
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Affiliation(s)
- Coralie Vincent
- Interdisciplinary School of Health Sciences, Faculty of Health Sciences, University of Ottawa, Ottawa, ON, Canada
- School of Nutrition Sciences, Faculty of Health Sciences, University of Ottawa, Ottawa, ON, Canada
- Institut du Savoir Montfort, Ottawa, ON, Canada
| | - Alexandra M Bodnaruc
- School of Nutrition Sciences, Faculty of Health Sciences, University of Ottawa, Ottawa, ON, Canada
- Institut du Savoir Montfort, Ottawa, ON, Canada
- School of Human Kinetics, Faculty of Health Sciences, University of Ottawa, Ottawa, ON, Canada
| | - Denis Prud’homme
- Institut du Savoir Montfort, Ottawa, ON, Canada
- School of Human Kinetics, Faculty of Health Sciences, University of Ottawa, Ottawa, ON, Canada
- Université de Moncton, Moncton, NB, Canada
| | - Viviane Olson
- School of Nutrition Sciences, Faculty of Health Sciences, University of Ottawa, Ottawa, ON, Canada
| | - Isabelle Giroux
- School of Nutrition Sciences, Faculty of Health Sciences, University of Ottawa, Ottawa, ON, Canada
- Institut du Savoir Montfort, Ottawa, ON, Canada
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Thompson KA, Bardone-Cone AM. Social comparison, disordered eating, and body dissatisfaction among postpartum women. Body Image 2022; 42:401-412. [PMID: 35930875 DOI: 10.1016/j.bodyim.2022.07.011] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/30/2021] [Revised: 07/12/2022] [Accepted: 07/17/2022] [Indexed: 11/16/2022]
Abstract
The postpartum period is a window of vulnerability for disordered eating. Postpartum women experience pressures to "bounce back" to their pre-pregnancy weight which may lead to social comparisons, however it is unknown what postpartum women compare (e.g., body, eating), and to whom they compare themselves (e.g., celebrities, peers). This study evaluated links between different types (what is compared) and sources (to whom do they compare) of social comparison that postpartum women engage in. Included was self-oriented comparison, a novel construct conceptualized as comparisons of one's current postpartum appearance to one's pre-pregnancy appearance. A total of 306 postpartum women who gave birth in the past year and 153 control women who had never been pregnant completed an online survey. Results demonstrated postpartum women engaged in more frequent self-oriented comparison than controls. Postpartum women compared their bodies more frequently to their pre-pregnant selves, than to other sources. Although all types and sources of comparison were positively correlated with each disordered eating construct, eating comparison and self-oriented body comparison emerged as the dominant types and sources of comparison explaining unique variance in a range of disordered eating. Results suggest social comparison factors may be critical in understanding postpartum disordered eating risk.
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Affiliation(s)
- Katherine A Thompson
- Department of Psychology and Neuroscience, University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, USA.
| | - Anna M Bardone-Cone
- Department of Psychology and Neuroscience, University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, USA
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Thompson KA, Bardone-Cone AM. Self-Oriented Body Comparison and Self-Compassion: Interactive Models of Disordered Eating Behaviors Among Postpartum Women. Behav Ther 2022; 53:751-761. [PMID: 35697436 DOI: 10.1016/j.beth.2022.02.008] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/13/2021] [Revised: 01/27/2022] [Accepted: 02/25/2022] [Indexed: 11/02/2022]
Abstract
Evidence suggests self-oriented body comparison (comparison of one's postpartum body shape and weight to one's prepregnant body shape and weight) is a critical factor associated with increased levels of disordered eating during the postpartum period. However, some postpartum women adopt a self-compassionate and acceptance-based perspective toward their body shape and weight changes. It is unclear whether self-compassion may buffer the associations between self-comparisons and disordered eating behaviors among postpartum women, which is the aim of the current study. A total of 306 postpartum women who gave birth in the past year completed an online survey asking about self-compassion, social comparison, broad eating pathology, dietary restraint, and binge eating. Results indicated that self-compassion appeared to buffer the associations between self-comparison and broad eating pathology and binge eating among postpartum women, such that for women with above-average levels of self-compassion, the associations between self-comparison and disordered eating was weaker than for women with average or below-average levels of self-compassion. Findings suggest self-compassion could be a potential target for intervention programs.
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Disorders of eating and body image during the menopausal transition: associations with menopausal stage and with menopausal symptomatology. Eat Weight Disord 2021; 26:2763-2769. [PMID: 33595812 DOI: 10.1007/s40519-021-01141-4] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/22/2020] [Accepted: 01/29/2021] [Indexed: 10/22/2022] Open
Abstract
OBJECTIVE Recent reports from our laboratory and others suggest that the menopausal transition may represent a window of vulnerability for eating disorders in women. Here, we present new findings regarding this issue. METHODS We surveyed 230 women aged 40-60 years using an anonymous questionnaire focused on eating-disorder and body-image symptomatology. We then compared groups of respondents based on (a) menopausal stage as assessed by World Health Organization (WHO) criteria and (b) menopausal symptomatology as assessed by the Menopause Rating Scale (MRS). RESULTS WHO-defined menopausal stage (premenopausal, perimenopausal, and postmenopausal) showed no significant associations with eating and body-image measures. However, MRS scores showed strong associations with most measures of the Eating Disorder Examination Questionnaire, as well as with questions regarding satisfaction with body image. These associations remained little changed even when removing the four psychological items from the MRS score and examining only the association of the MRS somato-vegetative and urogenital items with these outcome variables. DISCUSSION Our data augment existing evidence that the menopausal transition may be associated with eating and body-image disturbances. However, reported menopausal stage, which is difficult to define reliably, may be less informative than menopausal symptoms as a predictor of disordered eating and associated symptoms. LEVEL OF EVIDENCE V-descriptive survey study.
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Mikhail ME, Anaya C, Culbert KM, Sisk CL, Johnson A, Klump KL. Gonadal Hormone Influences on Sex Differences in Binge Eating Across Development. Curr Psychiatry Rep 2021; 23:74. [PMID: 34613500 PMCID: PMC8576863 DOI: 10.1007/s11920-021-01287-z] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 08/11/2021] [Indexed: 12/12/2022]
Abstract
PURPOSE OF REVIEW Binge eating is a transdiagnostic symptom that disproportionately affects females. Sexually dimorphic gonadal hormones (e.g., estradiol, testosterone) substantially impact eating behavior and may contribute to sex differences in binge eating. We examine recent evidence for the role of gonadal hormones in binge eating risk across development. RECENT FINDINGS Both organizational (long-lasting impact on the central nervous system (CNS)) and activational (transient influences on the CNS) hormone effects may contribute to sex differences in binge eating. Gonadal hormones also impact within-sex variability in binge eating, with higher estradiol levels in females and higher testosterone levels in males protective across development. Emerging evidence suggests that the impact of gonadal hormones may be greatest for people with other risk factors, including genetic, temperamental (e.g., high negative affect), and psychosocial (e.g., exposure to weight-based teasing) risk. Gonadal hormones contribute to sex differences and within-sex variability in binge eating across development.
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Affiliation(s)
- Megan E. Mikhail
- Department of Psychology, Michigan State University, 316 Physics Rd., Room 107B, East Lansing, MI, 48824-1116, USA
| | - Carolina Anaya
- Department of Psychology, Michigan State University, 316 Physics Rd., Room 107B, East Lansing, MI, 48824-1116, USA
| | - Kristen M. Culbert
- Department of Family Medicine and Public Health Sciences, Wayne State University School of Medicine, Detroit, MI, USA
| | - Cheryl L. Sisk
- Neuroscience Program, Michigan State University, East Lansing, MI, USA
| | - Alexander Johnson
- Neuroscience Program, Michigan State University, East Lansing, MI, USA
| | - Kelly L. Klump
- Department of Psychology, Michigan State University, 316 Physics Rd., Room 107B, East Lansing, MI, 48824-1116, USA,Corresponding author:
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Nazarpour S, Simbar M, Majd HA, Torkamani ZJ, Andarvar KD, Rahnemaei F. The relationship between postmenopausal women's body image and the severity of menopausal symptoms. BMC Public Health 2021; 21:1599. [PMID: 34461857 PMCID: PMC8404323 DOI: 10.1186/s12889-021-11643-6] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/29/2020] [Accepted: 08/20/2021] [Indexed: 02/08/2023] Open
Abstract
Background Body image is the main element of an individual’s personality that may be influenced by many factors during menopause. We aimed to assess the relationship between postmenopausal women’s body image with the severity of menopausal symptoms. Methods This was a cross-sectional study on 300 postmenopausal women, aged 45 to 65 years old, in Tehran, Iran. We recruited the samples using the multi-stage sampling method. Tools for data collection were: 1) the Menopausal Rating Scale (MRS), 2) the Fisher’s Body Image questionnaire and 3) a socio-demographic questionnaire. We analyzed data using the independent samples t-test, Pearson correlation coefficient, Spearman’s correlation coefficient, and multiple linear regression tests. Results Three hundred women aged 55.11 ± 3.99 years old, participated in the study. Mean scores for body image and MRS were 163.07 ± 21.17 (Range: 46–230) and 16.45 ± 8.38 (Range: 0–44), respectively. About 50% of women had severe symptoms of menopause (MRS score ≥ 17). There was a negative correlation between the total score and the score of all dimensions of body image with the total score and all dimensions of MRS (P < 0.001). There were also significant relationships between women’s body image with: their education (P < 0.001, r = 0.20) the spouse’s education (P < 0.001, r = 0.26), adequacy of monthly household income (P < 0.001, r = 0.32), marital status (P = 0.36), their occupation (P = 0.007) and housing status (P = 0.012). There was also a significant negative correlation between women’s lower body organs image with the number of children (P = 0.017, r = − 0.14). According to the multiple linear regressions model, severity of menopausal symptoms (Beta = − 0.45, P < 0.001) and adequacy of monthly household income (Beta = 0.15, P = 0.005) are the significant related factors with postmenopausal women’s body image. Conclusions Body image is correlated with menopausal symptoms of women during menopause. Therefore, it seems that interventions aimed at relieving the annoying symptoms of menopause can help to improve their body image. Also, body image could be influenced by some socio-demographic factors which should be considered in menopause health promotion programs. Supplementary Information The online version contains supplementary material available at 10.1186/s12889-021-11643-6.
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Affiliation(s)
- Soheila Nazarpour
- Department of Midwifery, Chalous Branch, Islamic Azad University, Chalous, Iran
| | - Masoumeh Simbar
- Midwifery and Reproductive Health Research Center, Shahid Beheshti University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran. .,Department of Midwifery and Reproductive Health, School of Nursing and Midwifery, Shahid Beheshti University of Medical Sciences, Vali-Asr Avenue, Cross of Vali-Asr and Neiaiesh Highway, Opposite to Rajaee Heart Hospital, Tehran, 1996835119, Iran.
| | - Hamid Alavi Majd
- Department of Biostatistics, School of Paramedicine, Shahid Beheshti University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran
| | - Zahra Jafari Torkamani
- Department of Midwifery and Reproductive Health, School of Nursing and Midwifery, Shahid Beheshti University of Medical Sciences, Vali-Asr Avenue, Cross of Vali-Asr and Neiaiesh Highway, Opposite to Rajaee Heart Hospital, Tehran, 1996835119, Iran
| | - Khadijeh Dodel Andarvar
- Department of Midwifery and Reproductive Health, School of Nursing and Midwifery, Shahid Beheshti University of Medical Sciences, Vali-Asr Avenue, Cross of Vali-Asr and Neiaiesh Highway, Opposite to Rajaee Heart Hospital, Tehran, 1996835119, Iran
| | - Fatemeh Rahnemaei
- Department of Midwifery and Reproductive Health, School of Nursing and Midwifery, Shahid Beheshti University of Medical Sciences, Vali-Asr Avenue, Cross of Vali-Asr and Neiaiesh Highway, Opposite to Rajaee Heart Hospital, Tehran, 1996835119, Iran
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Everett BG, Jenkins V, Hughes TL. Reproductive Aging Among Sexual Minority Women. CURRENT OBSTETRICS AND GYNECOLOGY REPORTS 2021. [DOI: 10.1007/s13669-021-00306-3] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/30/2022]
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12
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Arigo D, Mogle JA, Smyth JM. Relations between social comparisons and physical activity among women in midlife with elevated risk for cardiovascular disease: an ecological momentary assessment study. J Behav Med 2021; 44:579-590. [PMID: 33982214 PMCID: PMC8115872 DOI: 10.1007/s10865-021-00229-7] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/17/2021] [Accepted: 04/23/2021] [Indexed: 01/05/2023]
Abstract
Women in midlife (ages 40–60) show decreases in physical activity (PA) that exacerbate risk for cardiovascular disease. Social comparisons (i.e., self-evaluations relative to others) are known to influence PA in other groups, but their association in this population is unknown. The present study used ecological momentary assessment to examine this relation among women in midlife with hypertension or another CVD risk condition (N = 75, MBMI = 34.0 kg/m2). Participants completed 5 surveys per day and wore tri-axial accelerometers for 10 days. PA engagement was lower after women reported more comparisons than were typical for them (7–14% reductions in PA for each additional comparison). These relations varied across days of observation and relations were positive on 34–58% of days. Findings call for careful consideration of how best to harness any potential benefits of social comparison for promoting PA in this and other groups.
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Affiliation(s)
- Danielle Arigo
- Department of Psychology, Rowan University, 201 Mullica Hill Road, Robinson Hall 116G, Glassboro, NJ, 08028, USA. .,Department of Family Medicine, Rowan School of Osteopathic Medicine, Stratford, NJ, USA.
| | - Jacqueline A Mogle
- Prevention Research Center, Pennsylvania State University, University Park, PA, USA
| | - Joshua M Smyth
- Departments of Biobehavioral Health and Medicine, Pennsylvania State University, University Park, PA, USA
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Thompson KA, Bardone-Cone AM. Sources of body comparison and their relation to body image concerns among middle-aged women. Eat Behav 2021; 40:101468. [PMID: 33310489 DOI: 10.1016/j.eatbeh.2020.101468] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/03/2020] [Revised: 11/30/2020] [Accepted: 12/01/2020] [Indexed: 11/19/2022]
Abstract
The aim of the current study is to evaluate different sources of body comparison (e.g., same-sex peers, models, young adult celebrities, middle-aged celebrities, older celebrities, and self-oriented body comparison to one's younger self) and their relation to body image concerns among middle-aged women. Participants were 347 middle-aged women, ages 40-63, who completed questionnaires. After controlling for multiple comparisons, results indicated that participants engaged in body comparison to same-sex peers most frequently, followed by self-oriented body comparison, compared to other sources, and in body comparison to young adult celebrities significantly less frequently than any other source. Additionally, same-sex peers body comparisons and self-oriented body comparisons were significantly associated with body image concerns above and beyond all other sources of comparison. Results highlight limitations of past research into social comparison due to the lack of consideration of the novel construct of self-oriented body comparison, which demonstrates unique linkages to body image concerns above and beyond previously established external sources.
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Affiliation(s)
- Katherine A Thompson
- Department of Psychology and Neuroscience, University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, USA
| | - Anna M Bardone-Cone
- Department of Psychology and Neuroscience, University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, USA.
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Body image flexibility moderates the association between photo-related activities on WeChat moments and the body dissatisfaction of female adolescents in China. CURRENT PSYCHOLOGY 2019. [DOI: 10.1007/s12144-019-00553-x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/27/2023]
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