The influence of factors that define the body image model on the well-being of young women who suffer from anorexia and bulimia and healthy people

Abstract

OBJECTIVES: The body image model is determined by different personal and sociocultural factors, a deeper study is necessary about the influence of these factors on the well being and the study about the identification of dimensions which can bring together those factors. METHODOLOGY: According to this, a sample of 95 women's (healthy and patients: anorexia and bulimia) opinion is evaluated about the influence of personal and sociocultural factors related to the body image model on well being. Secondly, a Principal Component Analysis is made to determine dimensions which bring together personal and sociocultural factors. RESULTS AND CONCLUSIONS: To conclude, there are three dimensions related to the body image model: "the social dimension and self-esteem", "the sociocultural dimension related to media", "the dimension related to the partner and acceptance". Although the biggest influence is caused by personal factors, family, friends and partner, however, the "sociocultural dimension related to media" determines the biggest difference between groups.