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Matera C, Casati C, Paradisi M, Di Gesto C, Nerini A. Positive Body Image and Psychological Wellbeing among Women and Men: The Mediating Role of Body Image Coping Strategies. Behav Sci (Basel) 2024; 14:378. [PMID: 38785869 PMCID: PMC11118086 DOI: 10.3390/bs14050378] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/30/2024] [Revised: 04/26/2024] [Accepted: 04/29/2024] [Indexed: 05/25/2024] Open
Abstract
This study aimed to examine the mediating role of body image coping strategies in the relationship between positive body image and wellbeing. Three hundred and seventy-two women and three hundred and seventy-seven men completed a questionnaire assessing body appreciation, body appreciation functionality, body compassion, body image coping strategies (appearance fixing, avoidance, positive rational acceptance), self-acceptance and overall psychological wellbeing. Path analysis showed that avoidance significantly mediated the relationship between body appreciation and overall psychological wellbeing among both women and men; its mediating role was confirmed for men's but not for women's self-acceptance. Positive rational acceptance was a significant mediator of the relationship between body compassion and both psychological wellbeing and self-acceptance among men but not among women. These findings show that higher body appreciation is associated with a lower tendency to avoid appearance-related cognitions or thoughts that are interpreted as threatening, with an indirect effect on women's and men's psychological wellbeing. Analogously, but only for men, body compassion is associated with mental activities and self-care behaviors that foster rational self-talk and the acceptance of one's experiences, which, in turn, are linked to higher wellbeing. These findings can help to plan programs aimed at fostering individuals' wellbeing by focusing on their positive body image considering gender differences.
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Affiliation(s)
- Camilla Matera
- Department of Education, Languages, Intercultures, Literatures and Psychology, University of Florence, 50135 Florence, Italy; (M.P.); (C.D.G.); (A.N.)
| | - Chiara Casati
- School of Psychology, University of Florence, 50135 Florence, Italy;
| | - Monica Paradisi
- Department of Education, Languages, Intercultures, Literatures and Psychology, University of Florence, 50135 Florence, Italy; (M.P.); (C.D.G.); (A.N.)
| | - Cristian Di Gesto
- Department of Education, Languages, Intercultures, Literatures and Psychology, University of Florence, 50135 Florence, Italy; (M.P.); (C.D.G.); (A.N.)
| | - Amanda Nerini
- Department of Education, Languages, Intercultures, Literatures and Psychology, University of Florence, 50135 Florence, Italy; (M.P.); (C.D.G.); (A.N.)
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Li C, Lyu S, Yan J, Meng X. The effect of gender in binge eating behavior in Chinese culture: the serial mediation model of body dissatisfaction and self-acceptance. Front Psychol 2023; 14:1285272. [PMID: 38144993 PMCID: PMC10739541 DOI: 10.3389/fpsyg.2023.1285272] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/29/2023] [Accepted: 11/24/2023] [Indexed: 12/26/2023] Open
Abstract
Introduction The gender difference of binge eating behavior been highlighted by previous studies. However, psychological mechanisms underlying the gender difference of binge eating behavior remain unclear. This study addressed this issue from a sociocultural perspective. Methods Firstly, we investigated the mediation effect of body dissatisfaction on the gender difference of binge eating behavior. Secondly, we examine the serial mediating role of body dissatisfaction and self-acceptance in gender differences of binge eating behavior. Here, we analyzed data from 703 Chinese university students using SPSS 26.0 and SPSS PROCESS. Results In Chinese culture, body dissatisfaction and self-acceptance independently or through a serial way mediate the gender differences in binge eating behaviors. Discussion We discussed the implications and limitations of the present study.
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Affiliation(s)
- Chunlu Li
- Department of Histology and Embryology, School of Basic Medical Sciences, Guizhou Medical University, Guiyang, Guizhou, China
- Key Laboratory for Research on Autoimmune Diseases of Higher Education Schools in Guizhou Province, Guiyang, China
- Guizhou Health Development Research Center, Guiyang, China
| | - Shuhui Lyu
- Department of Psychology, School of Medical Humanitarians, Guizhou Medical University, Guiyang, China
| | - Jimin Yan
- Department of Psychology, School of Medical Humanitarians, Guizhou Medical University, Guiyang, China
| | - Xiaolu Meng
- Guizhou Health Development Research Center, Guiyang, China
- Department of Psychology, School of Medical Humanitarians, Guizhou Medical University, Guiyang, China
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Yu K, Wu AMS, Feng C, Zhao W, Zuo G. Understanding Perceived Problematic Pornography Use with the Differential Susceptibility to Media Effects Model. JOURNAL OF SEX & MARITAL THERAPY 2023; 50:326-341. [PMID: 38018139 DOI: 10.1080/0092623x.2023.2287217] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/30/2023]
Abstract
Problematic pornography use and its adverse consequences are prevalent, but little is known about its psychosocial contributors. Drawing on the Differential Susceptibility to Media Effects Model (DSMM), this study explores whether and how perceived problematic Internet pornography use is associated with psychological factors from three domains: social (i.e., family adaptability), dispositional (i.e., self-acceptance), and development factors (i.e., impulse control difficulties). Analysis of an anonymous survey of 1,483 Chinese emerging adults showed that family adaptability and self-acceptance were negatively correlated with perceived problematic pornography use, whereas impulse control difficulties were positively correlated with perceived problematic pornography use. Self-acceptance mediated the association between family adaptability and perceived problematic pornography use. Impulse control difficulties moderated such mediation effect, in which the protective effect of family adaptability on self-acceptance and that of self-acceptance on perceived problematic pornography use were attenuated by impulse control difficulties. These findings advance understanding of the complex underlying psychosocial mechanisms of perceived problematic pornography use by providing evidence to the applicability of DSMM on such problematic use and clarifying the direct, indirect, and/or moderating role(s) of family adaptability, self-acceptance, and impulse control difficulties in those mechanisms. They also provide insights for targeted approaches in future intervention programs among emerging adults.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ke Yu
- Law School, Southwest University of Science and Technology, Mianyang, Sichuan, China
| | - Anise M S Wu
- Department of Psychology, Faculty of Social Sciences, University of Macau, Taipa, Macao, China
- Centre for Cognitive and Brain Sciences, Institute of Collaborative Innovation, University of Macau, Taipa, Macao, China
| | - Chun Feng
- Law School, Southwest University of Science and Technology, Mianyang, Sichuan, China
| | - Wen Zhao
- Law School, Southwest University of Science and Technology, Mianyang, Sichuan, China
| | - Guoguo Zuo
- Law School, Southwest University of Science and Technology, Mianyang, Sichuan, China
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Chen Y, Leng X, Yao J, Chen T, Liao Y, Jiang Y, Feng C, Feng W. Attentional biases toward auditory weight-related information among females with weight dissatisfaction. Psychophysiology 2023; 60:e14318. [PMID: 37118969 DOI: 10.1111/psyp.14318] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/18/2022] [Revised: 11/21/2022] [Accepted: 04/11/2023] [Indexed: 04/30/2023]
Abstract
Although there is substantial evidence of visual attentional biases in processing weight-related information among individuals with weight dissatisfaction, few studies have examined auditory attentional biases in these individuals. The identification of attentional biases may provide an impetus for interventions to reduce distress, negative body image, and pathological eating patterns among weight-dissatisfied individuals. Therefore, the present study aimed to investigate the attentional biases, as well as the neural consequences, toward auditory weight-related information among weight-dissatisfied young females. In this experiment, young female participants were assigned to an experimental group with high weight dissatisfaction (HWD) and a control group with low weight dissatisfaction (LWD) according to the levels of weight dissatisfaction. Using a spatial cueing paradigm, auditory fatness-related, thinness-related, and neutral household words were presented laterally as cue stimuli, followed by visual stimuli presented at either the cued or uncued location. The results revealed that auditory fatness-related words elicited significantly larger N2ac amplitudes than auditory thinness-related and neutral words in the HWD group. However, for the LWD group, thinness-related words elicited a significantly larger N2ac than fatness-related and neutral words. These results suggest an orienting attentional bias toward auditory fatness-related body words among females with HWD and an orienting attentional bias toward auditory thinness-related words among females with LWD.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yixuan Chen
- Department of Psychology, School of Education, Soochow University, Suzhou, China
- College of Teacher Education, Lishui University, Lishui, China
| | - Xuechen Leng
- Department of Psychology, School of Education, Soochow University, Suzhou, China
| | - Jiayi Yao
- Department of Psychology, School of Education, Soochow University, Suzhou, China
| | - Tingji Chen
- Department of Psychology, School of Education, Soochow University, Suzhou, China
| | - Yu Liao
- Department of Psychology, School of Education, Soochow University, Suzhou, China
| | - Yiyao Jiang
- Research College of Arts and Sciences, Syracuse University, Syracuse, New York, USA
| | - Chengzhi Feng
- Department of Psychology, School of Education, Soochow University, Suzhou, China
| | - Wenfeng Feng
- Department of Psychology, School of Education, Soochow University, Suzhou, China
- Research Center for Psychology and Behavioral Sciences, Soochow University, Suzhou, China
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Martini M, Longo P, Tamarin T, Toppino F, Brustolin A, Abbate-Daga G, Panero M. Exploring Caloric Restriction in Inpatients with Eating Disorders: Cross-Sectional and Longitudinal Associations with Body Dissatisfaction, Body Avoidance, Clinical Factors, and Psychopathology. Nutrients 2023; 15:3409. [PMID: 37571346 PMCID: PMC10420884 DOI: 10.3390/nu15153409] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/30/2023] [Revised: 07/27/2023] [Accepted: 07/29/2023] [Indexed: 08/13/2023] Open
Abstract
Reduction in food intake is an important feature of eating disorders (EDs). However, whereas self-reported cognitive control over food (i.e., dietary restraint) is commonly assessed, we are not aware of any study evaluating the actual reduction in caloric intake (i.e., caloric restriction, CR) and its relationships with psychopathological, clinical, and anamnestic factors in individuals with EDs. In this study, we quantified caloric intake, CR, and weight suppression in 225 ED inpatients and explored significant relationships with self-reported eating symptoms, body dissatisfaction, body avoidance, personality, and affective symptoms. For underweight inpatients (n = 192), baseline predictors of caloric intake and restriction at discharge were assessed through a data-driven approach. CR at admission was significantly related to eating symptomatology, state anxiety, and body image. In regression models, CR, higher BMI, binge-purging symptoms, and the interaction between weight suppression and CR were significantly related to body dissatisfaction. The best psychopathological predictors of caloric intake and restriction at discharge for underweight inpatients were perfectionistic concern over mistakes and state anxiety. These results suggest that caloric restriction is associated to relevant ED features and warrant for a multidimensional assessment of ED psychopathology.
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Affiliation(s)
| | | | | | | | | | - Giovanni Abbate-Daga
- Eating Disorders Center, Department of Neuroscience “Rita Levi Montalcini”, University of Turin, Via Cherasco 11, 10126 Turin, Italy; (M.M.); (P.L.); (T.T.); (F.T.); (A.B.); (M.P.)
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Fang S, Ding D, Ji P, Huang M, Hu K. Cognitive Defusion and Psychological Flexibility Predict Negative Body Image in the Chinese College Students: Evidence from Acceptance and Commitment Therapy. INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF ENVIRONMENTAL RESEARCH AND PUBLIC HEALTH 2022; 19:16519. [PMID: 36554399 PMCID: PMC9778665 DOI: 10.3390/ijerph192416519] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/30/2022] [Revised: 12/05/2022] [Accepted: 12/05/2022] [Indexed: 06/17/2023]
Abstract
Body dissatisfaction is a global phenomenon. Despite the significant cultural difference, most research on negative body image was conducted in Western countries. How do cognitive fusion and psychological flexibility relate to negative body image in the Chinese population? In the present study, this question was investigated through the intervention technique, Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT). Here, 86 young Chinese university students with high negative physical self were invited, in which 42 students received 10 sessions of group-based ACT intervention in a clinical setting while the remained acted as the control group with no intervention. Pretests showed no statistical differences in negative body image between these two groups, while both cognitive fusion and psychological flexibility predicted negative body image. Post-pre tests showed no change in the control group, while enhanced cognitive defusion and psychological flexibility in the ACT group. Individual differences in psychological flexibility and cognitive defusion enhancement predicted improved body image. A strong association of implicit body image with Fatness and Shortness changes suggested that although with individual differences, those components could be internalized during the intervention in the College students.
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Affiliation(s)
- Shuanghu Fang
- School of Educational Science, Anhui Normal University, Wuhu 241000, China
| | - Dongyan Ding
- School of Educational Science, Anhui Normal University, Wuhu 241000, China
| | - Pingping Ji
- School of Educational Science, Anhui Normal University, Wuhu 241000, China
| | - Mingjie Huang
- School of Educational Science, Anhui Normal University, Wuhu 241000, China
| | - Kesong Hu
- Department of Psychology, Lake Superior State University, Sault Ste. Marie, MI 49783, USA
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