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Longitudinal Investigation of the Development of Weight and Muscle Concerns Among Preadolescent Boys

NCJ Number
214825
Journal
Journal of Youth and Adolescence Volume: 35 Issue: 2 Dated: April 2006 Pages: 177-187
Author(s)
Lina A. Ricciardelli; Marita P. McCabe; Jessica Lillis; Kristina Thomas
Date Published
April 2006
Length
11 pages
Annotation
This study examined the impact on weight and muscle concerns of preadolescent boys' body weight (body mass index), negative feelings about self, self-esteem, and sociocultural influences.
Abstract
The main predictor of a boy's body-change strategies was perceived pressure from parents, peers, and the media to meet a higher standard of weight and musculature. The other major predictor of a boy's body-change strategies and the only predictor of body dissatisfactions was a boy's body mass index (score on weight/height measurement). Self-esteem and negative feelings were weak and generally insignificant predictors of a boy's body-image concerns and body-change strategies. Additional research that measures the risk and protective factors linked to boys' weight and musculature concerns are required in order to assist in the development of programs that prevent harmful body-change strategies by preadolescent boys. Participants were 237 boys between the ages of 8 and 11 at the beginning of the study. They were recruited from 10 metropolitan schools in Melbourne, Australia, with attention to representation of diverse socioeconomic and cultural backgrounds. The boys were tested at three time points 8 months apart. Perceived current size and ideal size were measured by using children figure drawing. Two scales were used to determine the boys' body-change strategies. These involved measures of children's attitudes toward and behaviors for losing weight and/or increasing muscles. Other instruments measured negative feelings, level of self-esteem, and the nature of sociocultural influences on body image and commitment to body change. 3 tables and 50 references