TY - JOUR
T1 - Negative body image mental health literacy in women
T2 - Exploring aesthetic and functional concerns and the role of self-objectification
AU - Hewitt, Jessica
AU - Murray, Kristen
N1 - Publisher Copyright:
© 2023 The Authors
PY - 2024/3
Y1 - 2024/3
N2 - Despite its high prevalence in women, few studies have examined lay knowledge and beliefs about negative body image. Yet, studies applying mental health literacy to body image problems suggest recognition of appearance concerns is poor, which could impede help-seeking. The present study extended previous work by investigating problem recognition, beliefs and help-seeking for aesthetic and functional (physical ability focused) body image concerns in women, and the role of self-objectification in help-seeking. A within-subjects online survey design employing the mental health literacy paradigm was undertaken in a sample of 210 female-identifying adults residing in Australia (Mage = 31.25, SD = 12.76). Overall, results indicated that recognition of body image problems depicted via fictional text vignettes was limited. Moreover, recognition, as well as ratings of perceived prevalence, distress, sympathy, affective reactions, and help-seeking recommendations and intentions, were significantly greater for aesthetic compared to functional body image concerns. Self-objectification displayed significant negative associations with help-seeking recommendations for aesthetic (but not functional) concerns, and was not associated with help-seeking intentions. Findings suggest that negative body image mental health literacy is poor in women, particularly in relation to body functionality. More research is needed to facilitate help-seeking and reduce the impact of body image concerns in women.
AB - Despite its high prevalence in women, few studies have examined lay knowledge and beliefs about negative body image. Yet, studies applying mental health literacy to body image problems suggest recognition of appearance concerns is poor, which could impede help-seeking. The present study extended previous work by investigating problem recognition, beliefs and help-seeking for aesthetic and functional (physical ability focused) body image concerns in women, and the role of self-objectification in help-seeking. A within-subjects online survey design employing the mental health literacy paradigm was undertaken in a sample of 210 female-identifying adults residing in Australia (Mage = 31.25, SD = 12.76). Overall, results indicated that recognition of body image problems depicted via fictional text vignettes was limited. Moreover, recognition, as well as ratings of perceived prevalence, distress, sympathy, affective reactions, and help-seeking recommendations and intentions, were significantly greater for aesthetic compared to functional body image concerns. Self-objectification displayed significant negative associations with help-seeking recommendations for aesthetic (but not functional) concerns, and was not associated with help-seeking intentions. Findings suggest that negative body image mental health literacy is poor in women, particularly in relation to body functionality. More research is needed to facilitate help-seeking and reduce the impact of body image concerns in women.
KW - Appearance
KW - Body functionality
KW - Mental health literacy
KW - Negative body image
KW - Self-objectification
KW - Women
UR - http://www.scopus.com/inward/record.url?scp=85179104735&partnerID=8YFLogxK
U2 - 10.1016/j.bodyim.2023.101657
DO - 10.1016/j.bodyim.2023.101657
M3 - Article
SN - 1740-1445
VL - 48
JO - Body Image
JF - Body Image
M1 - 101657
ER -