Body dissatisfaction in adolescents: a longitudinal study

Authors

  • Leonardo de Sousa Fortes Universidade Federal de Juiz de Fora; Faculdade de Educação Física e Desportos
  • Maria Aparecida Conti Universidade de São Paulo; Faculdade de Medicina; Hospital das Clínicas; Instituto de Psiquiatria
  • Sebastião Sousa Almeida USP; Faculdade de Filosofia, Ciências e Letras de Ribeirão Preto
  • Maria Elisa Caputo Ferreira Universidade Federal de Juiz de Fora; Faculdade de Educação Física e Desportos

DOI:

https://doi.org/10.1590/S0101-60832013000500001

Abstract

BACKGROUND: Evidence has shown that the prevalence of body dissatisfaction in youth has been increasing in recent years and it seems that adolescence is the main culprit. OBJECTIVE: This study assessed body dissatisfaction in adolescents over one year. METHODS: A total of 358 adolescents of both genders aged 11 to 14 years were investigated on three occasions (T1, T2, and T3). The investigation included collecting their height and weight for calculating body mass index (BMI) and administrating the Body Shape Questionnaire (BSQ). RESULTS: The prevalences of body dissatisfaction in males and females differed significantly. Over time, dissatisfaction increased gradually in females and decreased in males (p < 0.05): females were more dissatisfied on T3 than on T1 and T2 (F = 9.71; p = 0.001) while males were more dissatisfied on T1 than in T2 and T3 (F = 12.55; p = 0.001). The scores between occasions T1, T2, and T3 also differed. DISCUSSION: Over a period of one year, body dissatisfaction increased in females and decreased in males. Health-promoting programs for school children should be implemented during the school year.

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Published

2013-01-01

Issue

Vol. 40 No. 5 (2013)

Section

Original Articles

License

Once accepted for publication, the manuscript becomes permanent property of the Archives of Clinical Psychiatry. This copyright transfer subsumes exclusive and unlimited entitlement of the Archives of Clinical Psychiatry to publish and distribute the full contents of articles in whichever publishing medium, including press and electronic media, in Brazil and abroad.

Manuscripts are accepted with the understanding that the Editor and the editorial staff have the right to make revisions aimed at greater conciseness, clarity, and conformity with Journal style, of course without changing its content.

How to Cite

Body dissatisfaction in adolescents: a longitudinal study . (2013). Archives of Clinical Psychiatry, 40(5), 167-171. https://doi.org/10.1590/S0101-60832013000500001