title: Associations between positive body image and indicators of men's and women's mental and physical health.
abstract: Positive body image has been found to be associated with various beneficial health-related indicators among women. Yet, less is known about its health-related correlates among men. The goal of the current study was to examine associations between positive body image and various mental and physical health-related indicators in both men and women. Undergraduate students (N=284) from a non-residential college in the northeastern United States participated. Individuals with greater positive body image reported less depression, higher self-esteem, fewer unhealthy dieting behaviors, lower drive for muscularity, and greater intentions to protect their skin from UV exposure and damage. Gender did not moderate these associations; thus, connections between positive body image and health-related indicators were similar for women and men. Results suggest that positive body image has significant implications for health and well-being beyond objective body size. Health care providers should encourage positive body image because of its potential health benefits.
authors: Division of Social Sciences, The Pennsylvania State University, 1600 Woodland Road, Abington, PA 19001, United States. Electronic address: mmg204@psu.edu.
authors: Meghan M
authors: MM
authors: Gillen
mesh_terms: D000293:Adolescent; D000328:Adult; D001828:Body Image / Q000523:psychology*; D005260:Female; D015438:Health Behavior; D006304:Health Status; D006801:Humans; D008297:Male; D008603:Mental Health / Q000706:statistics & numerical data*; D008875:Middle Aged; D012649:Self Concept; D013334:Students / Q000523:psychology* / Q000706:statistics & numerical data; D055815:Young Adult
keywords: Depression; Drive for muscularity; Eating behavior; Positive body image; Self-esteem; UV exposure