Relationships between body satisfaction and psychological functioning and weight-related cognitions and behaviors in overweight adolescents.

Journal Article (Journal Article)

PURPOSE: To examine how differences in body satisfaction may influence weight control behaviors, eating, weight and shape concerns, and psychological well-being among overweight adolescents. METHODS: A group of 103 overweight adolescents completed a survey assessing body satisfaction, weight control behaviors, eating-related thoughts and behaviors, importance placed on thinness, self-esteem, anger, and symptoms of depression and anxiety between 2004 and 2006. Logistic regression analyses compared overweight adolescents with high and low body satisfaction. RESULTS: Higher body satisfaction was associated with a lower likelihood of engaging in unhealthy weight control behaviors, less frequent fears of losing control over eating, and less importance placed on thinness. Overweight adolescents with higher body satisfaction reported higher levels of self-esteem and were less likely to endorse symptoms of depression, anxiety, and anger than overweight adolescents with lower body satisfaction. CONCLUSIONS: Adolescents with higher body satisfaction may be protected against the negative behavioral and psychological factors associated with overweight.

Full Text

Duke Authors

Cited Authors

  • Cromley, T; Knatz, S; Rockwell, R; Neumark-Sztainer, D; Story, M; Boutelle, K

Published Date

  • June 2012

Published In

Volume / Issue

  • 50 / 6

Start / End Page

  • 651 - 653

PubMed ID

  • 22626496

Pubmed Central ID

  • PMC3688453

Electronic International Standard Serial Number (EISSN)

  • 1879-1972

Digital Object Identifier (DOI)

  • 10.1016/j.jadohealth.2011.10.252

Language

  • eng

Conference Location

  • United States