CONNECTIONS BETWEEN BODY IMAGE AND ADOLESCENTS’ HEALTH, PSYCHOLOGICAL AND SOCIAL VARIABLES

Abstract

The aim was to expand the existing knowledge on adolescents’ body image and its connections with health (Body Mass Index, sleep activity), psychological (well-being, physical self-concept), and social (socio-economic status, diet) variables.  246 students (130 boys, 116 girls), age range 13-15 years, enrolled in 10 schools participated. Seven days/24 hours, they wore accelerometers to monitor their activity, including sleep. Participants’ Body Mass Index was obtained and they completed several questionnaires. The results indicated that most participants had an adequate BMI, optimal Mediterranean diet and medium socioeconomic status. Sleep efficiency was above 92%. One quarter showed signs of psychological disorders. The majority (52,1%) chose an ideal body image thinner than the perceived one, 32,1% a similar one, and 15% a larger one. Most participants wanted a different figure, especially among females, but it did not vary depending on socioeconomic status or Mediterranean diet. Perceived body image and body image discrepancy were positively correlated with BMI. Negative relationships were observed between sleep efficiency and perceived body image and body image discrepancy. Sleep efficiency predicted both perceived body image and body image discrepancy, while sex predicted ideal body image. Participants with greater body image discrepancy showed lower levels of physical self-concept and psychological well-being. In conclusion, body image dissatisfaction had high prevalence among adolescents with negative implications on their psychological well-being and physical self-concept. BMI is a factor closely linked to adolescents’ body dissatisfaction. No connection was found between body image discrepancy and SES or Mediterranean diet. Finally, sleep efficiency predicted both perceived body image and body image discrepancy.