Body image partially mediates the relationship between obesity and psychological distress.
OBJECTIVE
Body image is considered as a potential mediator of the relationship between obesity and psychological distress.


METHODS
One hundred ten men and women in a residential weight control facility completed the Multidimensional Body Self-Relations Questionnaire, the Beck Depression Inventory, the Rosenberg Self-Esteem Scale, and the Binge Eating Scale.


RESULTS
For both men and women, body-image satisfaction partially mediated the relationship between degree of overweight and depression/self-esteem.


CONCLUSIONS
Sociodemographic factors that may influence the relationships among weight, body image, and depression/self-esteem are discussed.
Friedman
Kelli E
KE
Department of Psychology, Social and Health Sciences, Duke University, and Structure House, Center for Weight Control and Lifestyle Change, Durham, North Carolina 27705, USA. kef3@duke.edu
Reichmann
Simona K
SK
Costanzo
Philip R
PR
Musante
Gerard J
GJ
D000328:Adult; D000368:Aged; D001828:Body Image; D015992:Body Mass Index; D003863:Depression / Q000503:physiopathology / Q000523:psychology*; D004038:Diet, Reducing; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged; D009765:Obesity / Q000503:physiopathology / Q000523:psychology*; D012649:Self Concept; D012959:Socioeconomic Factors; D011795:Surveys and Questionnaires; D015431:Weight Loss