[Body image among obese women: consequences and degree of body dissatisfaction, relationship with low self-esteem and coping strategies].
OBJECTIVE
Definition of factors influencing negative body image among obese women and analysis of the relationship between body dissatisfaction and personality variables.


METHODS
63 patients participated in this study. The mean age of the obese subjects was 41.90 years (SD +/- 12.23) and the mean body mass index (BMI) was 37.09 kg/m2 (SD +/- 8.09). The control group consisted of 60 women with normal body weight. The Body Dissatisfaction Scale of EDI (Garner et al., 1984), the Self-Esteem Inventory (Coopersmith, 1983) and the Brief COPE (Carver, 1997) were used in the study.


RESULTS
In the clinical sample of women suffering from obesity, we have found a correlation between body dissatisfaction and behavioural disengagement, four dimensions of self-esteem (general, social, family and professional) and coping strategies focused on planning and positive reinterpretation. The regression analysis revealed that use of emotional support, planning and general self-esteem were predictive factors for the body dissatisfaction in obesity.


CONCLUSIONS
Body dissatisfaction seriously influences the social, professional and emotional obese women's self.
Brytek-Matera
Anna
A
Zakład Psychologii Ogó1nej Uniwersytetu Slaskiego w Katowicach.
D000223:Adaptation, Psychological; D000328:Adult; D001828:Body Image; D015992:Body Mass Index; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D007389:Internal-External Control; D007398:Interpersonal Relations; D008875:Middle Aged; D009765:Obesity / Q000453:epidemiology* / Q000523:psychology*; D026684:Personal Autonomy; D011044:Poland / Q000453:epidemiology; D012649:Self Concept; D012938:Social Perception; D011795:Surveys and Questionnaires; D016387:Women's Health; D055815:Young Adult