Young Plasma Rejuvenates Blood DNA Methylation Profile, Extends Mean Lifespan, and Improves Physical Appearance in Old Rats.

There is converging evidence that young blood conveys cells, vesicles, and molecules able to revitalize function and restore organ integrity in old individuals. We assessed the effects of young plasma on the lifespan, epigenetic age, and healthspan of old female rats. Beginning at 25.6 months of age, a group of 9 rats (group T) was intraperitoneally injected with plasma from young rats until their natural death. A group of 8 control rats of the same age received no treatment (group C). Blood samples were collected every other week. Survival curves showed that from age 26 to 30 months, none of the group T animals died, whereas the survival curve of group C rats began to decline at age 26 months. Blood DNAm age versus chronological age showed that DNAm age in young animals increased faster than chronological age, then slowed down, entering a plateau after 27 months. The DNAm age of the treated rats fell below the DNAm age of controls and, in numerical terms, remained consistently lower until natural death. When rats were grouped according to the similarities in their differential blood DNA methylation profile, samples from the treated and control rats clustered in separate groups. Analysis of promoter differential methylation in genes involved in systemic regulatory activities revealed specific GO term enrichment related to the insulin-like factors pathways as well as to cytokines and chemokines associated with immune and homeostatic functions. We conclude that young plasma therapy may constitute a natural, noninvasive intervention for epigenetic rejuvenation and health enhancement.

Flex Friday: A content analysis of men's fitspiration on Instagram.

Fitspiration is a social media trend that utilizes images and quotes to promote and inspire physical health and fitness. However, research has shown Fitspiration reinforces the rigidly defined appearance ideal, particularly in women, which can lead to negative body image. There remains limited understanding of the characteristics and impact of men's Fitspiration. The purpose of this content analysis was to investigate the nature, presentation, and text-based messages of male-focused Fitspiration on Instagram. Hashtags (#) were used to collect 1,000 random images from Instagram. Content codes for images included body type, objectification, activities, and messages conveyed. Results showed most images consisted of men accentuating their highly muscular upper bodies with low body fat, consistent with the male appearance ideal. Also, men were often shown engaging in activities irrelevant to health or fitness (i.e., passive modeling) that emphasized their physical appearance. Consistent with research examining female-focused Fitspiration, male-focused Fitspiration reinforces a glamorized appearance ideal with low focus on health and fitness.

'I wish my body looked like theirs!': How positive appearance comments on social media impact adolescents' body dissatisfaction.

Despite robust research evidence for the role of attractive-body portrayals in body image, the effect of positive appearance comments that endorse them on social media remains unclear. Therefore, using a between-subject experimental design and the data from 613 Czech adolescents (52% girls) aged 13-18 (M = 15.5, SD = 1.7), the present study examined exposure to positive appearance comments on body dissatisfaction, and the moderating roles of media-ideal internalization, appearance schematicity, body appreciation, and gender. Our data supported the presumed intensifying effect of the positive appearance comments on post-exposure body dissatisfaction, but only for adolescent girls. The impact of positive comments was not moderated by the media-ideal internalization, appearance schematicity, or body appreciation. However, the exploratory results showed that the displayed bodies' perceived attractiveness intensified the positive comments' effect on body dissatisfaction, which makes it a potentially important factor to target for the prevention of negative social media effects on body image. Furthermore, the individual characteristics that moderated the exposure to attractive images in the prior research may not determine the effects of the positive comments. Future research may need to capture factors that specifically influence the processing of such comments, such as susceptibility to peer feedback on physical appearance.

Exploring the Relationship Between Social Anxiety Concerning Appearance and the Economic Implications of TikTok's Beauty Filters among Female Athletes in China / Explorando la relación entre la ansiedad social por la apariencia y las implicaciones económicas de los filtros de belleza de TikTok entre las atletas femeninas en China

This research delves into the intricate nexus between social anxiety related to physical appearance and the economic advantages derived from the utilization of TikTok's Beauty filter among female athletes in the realm of sports. The burgeoning presence of social media platforms, including TikTok, has not only transformed the way individuals engage online but has also redefined how female athletes perceive and present themselves within the digital sphere. Social anxiety pertaining to physical appearance is a pervasive concern that can exert a substantial influence on the online interactions of female athletes. The Beauty filter, a prominent feature on TikTok, permits users to digitally enhance their facial attributes and overall appearance. Through an extensive review of existing literature and the application of both qualitative and quantitative research methods, this study aims to illuminate the intricate interconnections between these phenomena. It seeks to comprehend how social anxiety may drive the adoption of beauty filters as a coping mechanism among female athletes, potentially affecting their self-esteem and reliance on these digital enhancements. Furthermore, this research explores the extent to which the use of the Beauty filter can translate into economic benefits for female athletes in sports. It examines factors such as heightened engagement rates, amplified follower growth, and opportunities for monetization through brand collaborations and sponsored content. The study also acknowledges the influence of cultural nuances, recognizing that beauty standards can diverge markedly across regions and cultures. Chinese female athletes, for instance, may be influenced by distinctive beauty ideals that differ from Western standards, thereby shaping their perceptions of attractiveness and the economic rewards attainable through the use of such filters. This study underscores the imperative for additional research to deepen our comprehension of the multifaceted connection between social anxiety concerning appearance, the adoption of digital beauty filters, and the economic consequences for female athletes in sports leveraging TikTok. The insights gleaned from this inquiry can offer valuable contributions to the fields of sports psychology, social media studies, and sports marketing, offering a nuanced perspective on the intricate interplay between self-perception, digital technology, and economic success in the context of female athletes in sports amidst the era of social media."(AU)

Global and appearance-contingent self-esteem: Associations with health and attractiveness exercise reasons.

Whilst some individuals exercise for health-related reasons, others appear to exercise to bolster physical attractiveness. For the latter, this is often attributed to dissatisfaction with appearance. Few studies, however, have explored if differences in self-esteem may relate to diverse exercise reasons. The present study investigated whether global self-esteem, appearance-contingent self-worth, and appearance satisfaction may be differentially associated with health and attractiveness exercise reasons. It was further sought to explore whether these relations coincided with different motivational regulations. Adults from the east midlands of the United Kingdom (N = 209; 75% female, 25% male; mean age = 29.77 years) completed measures relating to their global and appearance-contingent self-esteem, appearance satisfaction, exercise intentions, and motivations. Structural equation modelling revealed that global self-esteem was positively associated with appearance satisfaction and health reasons for exercise, whereas appearance-contingent self-esteem related to lower appearance satisfaction and attractiveness reasons. Appearance satisfaction had no association with either exercise reason but was associated with intrinsic motivation and lower controlled exercise motivations. Health exercise reasons were positively associated with intrinsic, identified, and introjected motivation, whereas attractiveness reasons were exclusively related to external motivation. The findings highlight the conceptual importance of differentiating the level and contingency of exercisers' self-esteem. The findings may also have substantive value for exercise practitioners in understanding different reasons for exercise.

Factors affecting body image perception, social media addiction, and social media consciousness regarding physical appearance in adolescents.

PURPOSE: This study was conducted cross-sectionally with the aim of determining the factors affecting adolescents' Appearance Related Social Media Consciousness Scale, Social Media Addiction Scale for Adolescents and Body Image Scale scores and the extent to which social media addiction and body image perception predict social media consciousness scores. DESIGN AND METHODS: The population of this study consisted of adolescents between the ages of 12-18 years studying in the academic year 2022-2023. The study was completed with 1667 volunteer students. The Body Image Scale, Social Media Addiction Scale for Adolescents and Appearance Related Social Media Consciousness Scale were used to collect the data. RESULTS: When the models were evaluated, it was determined that being female, increasing the time spent on the internet, sharing pictures frequently, using filters on pictures and being uncomfortable with the sharing of unfiltered pictures, and spending the most time on social media sites were strong predictors of Appearance Related Social Media Consciousness Scale, Social Media Addiction Scale for Adolescents and Body Image Scale scores. CONCLUSIONS: As a result, in our study, as adolescents' negative body image perception and social media addiction increased, social media consciousness about appearance increased. PRACTICE IMPLICATIONS: Nurses can determine risky groups according to the results of the study and organize trainings on body image perception, the effects of social media use and media literacy.

Propiedades psicométricas del Cuestionario de Actitudes Socioculturales hacia la Apariencia (SATAQ-4) en adolescentes y jóvenes chilenos de ambos sexos / Psychometric properties of the Sociocultural Attitudes towards Appearance Questionnaire (SATAQ-4) in Chilean adolescents and youth of both sexes

Introducción: El Cuestionario de Actitudes Socioculturales hacia la Apariencia (versión 4) mide 5 factores, que son la presión social hacia la apariencia a partir de la familia, los medios de comunicación y los pares; así como también la internalización del ideal de delgadez y del ideal atlético/muscular. No se dispone actualmente de una versión chilena del instrumento. Objetivos: evaluar las propiedades psicométricas del instrumento en una muestra de adolescentes y adultos chilenos de ambos sexos, analizando su consistencia interna, así como también la validez de constructo y de criterio. Material y Métodos: por medio de un muestreo no probabilístico y empleando un diseño no experimental, transversal, se accedió a una muestre de 602 participantes de entre 15 y 29 años, a quienes se les administró el Cuestionario de Actitudes Socioculturales hacia la Apariencia-4 y un cuestionario sociodemográfico. Se realizó un análisis factorial confirmatorio, se analizó la validez de criterio, a partir de la comparación de medias de internalización del ideal de delgadez e internalización del ideal atlético/muscular según sexo utilizando t de Student; y se evaluó la consistencia interna de los factores con Alfa de Cronbach. Resultados: se confirmó el modelo de 5 factores. Además, las mujeres presentaron mayor internalización de delgadez, presión social familiar y presión de medios; en tanto que los hombres puntuaron más en internalización del ideal atlético/muscular. El instrumento arrojó adecuados valores de Alfa de Cronbach.Conclusiones: el Cuestionario de Actitudes Socioculturales hacia la Apariencia (versión 4) presenta adecuadas propiedades psicométricas para su utilización en Chile.(AU)

Introduction: The Sociocultural Attitudes towards Appearance Questionnaire (version 4) measures 5 factors,which are the social pressure towards appearance from thefamily, the media and peers; as well as the internalization ofthe thin ideal and the athletic/muscular ideal. There is currently no Chilean version of the instrument available.Objectives: to evaluate the psychometric properties of theinstrument in a sample of Chilean adolescents and adults ofboth sexes, analyzing its internal consistency, as well as itsconstruct and criterion validity.Material and Methods: by means of a non-probabilisticmethod and using a non-experimental and cross-sectional design, a sample of 602 participants between the ages of 15 and 29 was accessed, who were administered the SocioculturalAttitudes towards Appearance Questionnaire-4 and a sociodemographic questionnaire. A confirmatory factorial analysis was carried out, the validity of criteria was analyzed, fromthe comparison of means of internalization of the ideal ofthinness and internalization of the athletic/muscular ideal according to sex using Student’s t test; and the internal consistency of the factors was evaluated with Cronbach’s Alpha.Results: the 5 factor model proposed in the original version of the instrument was confirmed. In addition, womenpresented greater internalization of thinness, family socialpressure and pressure from the media; while men scoredhigher in internalization of the athletic/muscular ideal. The instrument yielded adequate values of Cronbach’s Alpha.Conclusions: the Sociocultural Attitudes towards AppearanceQuestionnaire (version 4) presents adequate psychometric properties for its use in Chile.(AU)

Uma leitura psicanalítica sobre o consumo de manipulações corporais na contemporaneidade / Une lecture psychanalytique sur la consommation des manipulations corporelles à l'époque contemporaine / A psychoanalytical reading on the consumption of body manipulations in contemporary times

O presente artigo visa abordar o fenômeno contemporâneo do consumo de manipulações corporais do tipo estético a partir da teoria e da clínica psicanalíticas. Nossa hipótese de pesquisa é que a menor potência do ideal do eu em sua vertente de interdito afeta a consistência da imagem corporal, culminando em um sofrimento psíquico provocado pelo desregramento pulsional. Indagamos se a intervenção no corpo poderia apaziguar a relação imaginária através de uma idealização do corpo vendida como mercadoria

Cet article vise à aborder le phénomène contemporain de consommation de manipulations corporelles de type esthétique en s'appuyant sur la théorie et la clinique psychanalytiques. Notre hypothèse de recherche est que la puissance inférieure de l'Idéal du Moi dans son aspect d'interdit affecte la cohérence de l'imagecorporelle, culminant dans la souffrance psychique causée par le trouble instinctif. Nous nous sommes demandé si l'intervention sur le corps pouvait apaiser la relation imaginaire par une idéalisation du corps vendu comme une marchandise

This article aims to address the contemporary phenomenon of consumption of body manipulations of the aesthetic type based on psychoanalytic theory and clinics. Our research hypothesis is that the lower power of the ego ideal in its interdict aspect affects the consistency of the body image, culminating in psychic suffering caused by instinctual disorder. We asked whether intervention in the body could appease the imaginary relationship through an idealization of the body sold as a merchandise.

Overcoming social appearance anxiety among children affected by congenital physical differences.

PURPOSE OF REVIEW: How can we effectively help children with congenital physical differences and their parents in adapting to their situation and overcome social appearance anxiety? How can we improve their self-efficacy in social situations and relationships, as well as increase their self-esteem and self-confidence, which are foundations of assertiveness? RECENT FINDINGS: Several studies have examined the coping skills variability between children. Researchers have attempted to identify the discriminating factors of these differences. Standardized programmes combining Cognitive Behavioural Therapy (CBT) and Social Skills Training (SST) have been developed, but recent studies question their effectiveness. Research is now focusing on third-wave CBT that is promoted actively despite insufficient evidence. SUMMARY: Close examination of the mechanisms by which children develop social appearance anxiety shows that exposure and assertiveness training are key therapeutic tools. As with any other type of social anxiety, exposure allows these children to experience and learn positive, value-enhancing social relationships, in spite of their differences. SST creates a well tolerated exposure environment for whichever kind of curiosity the child may encounter. Therapeutic support requires continued individualized readjustment and a complete understanding of the child's personal history, the complex system in which they are developing, and the mechanisms involved. We suggest to formulate for each child a personalized 'Global Theory', which integrates history and detailed functional analyses.

Physical appearance perfectionism in blepharoplasty patients: A prospective observational study.

BACKGROUND: Evaluation of physical appearance perfectionism (PAP) in individuals seeking blepharoplasty would be meaningful. This study aimed to explore the relationship of demographic and psychological variables with PAP in blepharoplasty patients and further investigate the impact of blepharoplasty on PAP in these patients. METHODS: This prospective observational study included 153 patients undergoing blepharoplasty between October 2017 and June 2019. Demographic and psychological variables, and PAP, were collected preoperatively. Postoperative satisfaction with eye appearance and PAP was collected with a 6-month follow-up. RESULTS: Partial correlations analyses revealed that hope for perfection was positively associated with self-esteem (r = 0.246; P < 0.01) in 153 blepharoplasty patients. Worry about imperfection was positively related to facial appearance concern (r = 0.703; P < 0.001) and negatively related to satisfaction with eye appearance (r = -0.242; P < 0.01) and self-esteem (r = -0.533; P < 0.001). After blepharoplasty, the mean± standard deviation of satisfaction with eye appearance increased (preoperatively vs. postoperatively: 5.1 ± 2.2 vs. 7.4 ± 2.2; P < 0.001), and worry about imperfection decreased (17.0 ± 4.2 vs. 15.9 ± 4.6; P < 0.001). Whereas hope for perfection remained unchanged (23.9 ± 3.9 vs. 23.6 ± 3.9; P > 0.05). CONCLUSIONS: Appearance perfectionism was related to psychological variables rather than demographic variables in blepharoplasty patients. Preoperative evaluation of appearance perfectionism could be helpful for oculoplastic surgeons to screen for perfectionistic patients. Although some improvement in perfectionism has been observed after blepharoplasty, long-term follow-up is needed in the future.

How photo editing in social media shapes self-perceived attractiveness and self-esteem via self-objectification and physical appearance comparisons.

BACKGROUND: As photo editing behavior to enhance one?s appearance in photos becomes more and more prevalent on social network sites (SNSs), potential risks are increasingly discussed as well. The purpose of this study is to examine the relationship between photo editing behavior, self-objectification, physical appearance comparisons, self-perceived attractiveness, and self-esteem. METHODS: 403 participants completed self-report questionnaires measuring the aformentioned constructs. A parallel-sequential multiple mediation model was conducted to examine the relationship between photo editing behavior and self-esteem considering multiple mediators. RESULTS: The results indicate that photo editing behavior is negatively related to self-perceived attractiveness and self-esteem mediated via self-objectification and physical appearance comparisons. CONCLUSIONS: The postulated mediation model was justified by our data. Thus, SNS users should be aware of potential negative consequences when using photo editing applications or filters.

Association of Social Networking Sites Use with Actual and Ideal Body Shapes, and Eating Behaviors in Healthy Young Japanese Women.

Recent reports have associated the use of social networking sites (SNS) with the drive for thinness in young women; however, its influence on their actual body shape and eating behaviors (EB) remains unclear. We aimed to examine the effect of SNS use on body mass index (BMI), body image (BI), and EB in young women. Participants included 196 healthy women (20-29 years) who answered questions about their SNS use, height, weight, BI and EB via a web-based survey. First, the correlation between time spent on SNS and each variable was determined. Participants were then divided into quartiles according to the duration of daily SNS use as long (≥3 h, n = 52) and short (<1 h, n = 54), and the data were then compared between the groups. Correlation analysis showed that the longer the duration of daily SNS use, the significantly lower the BMI, the use of nutrition labels, and the frequency of consumption of milk and dairy products. The long group had significantly lower BMI and ideal BI than the short group. The results suggest that spending more time on SNS in young women may be associated with thinner actual and ideal body shapes and poorer access to health information and healthy foods.

Social appearance anxiety and self-esteem in women: could body mass index have a mediating role? / Ansiedad por la apariencia social y autoestima en mujeres: ¿podría tener el índice de masa corporal un papel mediador?

La ansiedad por la apariencia social se ha asociado con muchos conceptos, especialmente con la imagen corporal y la autoestima, y tienen un nivel de comorbilidad muy alto. Nuestro objetivo fue evaluar la relación entre el índice de masa corporal (IMC), la percepción corporal, la ansiedad por la apariencia social y la autoestima entre las mujeres, con especial interés en el posible efecto mediador del IMC entre la ansiedad por la apariencia social y la autoestima. Participaron voluntariamente 1344 mujeres. Las puntuaciones de la escala de autoestima diferían significativamente según la imagen corporal, el IMC y la frecuencia de pesaje. Se encontró que la ansiedad por la apariencia social estaba inversamente relacionada con la autoestima y esta relación siguió siendo significativa cuando se ajustó por el IMC como parámetro mediador. En consecuencia, pensamos que mejorar la percepción corporal de las mujeres y reducir la ansiedad por la apariencia social son las principales intervenciones que pueden aumentar la autoestima de estas mujeres. (AU)

Social appearance anxiety has been associated with many concepts, especially body image and self-esteem, and has a very high level of comorbidity. We aimed to examine the relationship between body mass index (BMI), body perception, social appearance anxiety and self-esteem among women, with a particular focus on the possible mediating effect of BMI regarding the relationship between social appearance anxiety and self-esteem. We included 1344 volunteer women in this study. The self-esteem scale scores of women differed significantly according to body image, BMI, and weighing frequency. Social appearance anxiety was found to be inversely associated with self-esteem, and this relationship remained significant when adjusted for BMI as a mediating parameter. As a result, it is expected that improving women's body perception and reducing social appearance anxiety are the foremost interventions to increase the self-esteem of these women. (AU)

Factor structure and reliability of the Lasher and Faulkender’s Anxiety about Aging Scale in Mexican adults / Estructura factorial y confiabilidad de la Escala de Ansiedad por el Envejecimiento de Lasher y Faulkender en adultos mexicanos

The worry and anticipation of physical, psychological and personal losses centered on the aging process generate anxiety. This study analyzes the factorial structure, internal consistency and factorial invariance according to gender of the Lasher and Faulkender Anxiety about Aging Scale. The sample consisted of 706 Mexican adults. The factor structure of the questionnaire was analyzed with confirmatory factor analysis. The analyses show a four-factor structure (fear of the elderly, psychological concerns, physical appearance and fear of loss) is viable and adequate for both the total sample (GFI .979; RMSEA .037; CFI .987) as for women (GFI .970; RMSEA .045; CFI .980) and men (GFI .919 and RMSEA .080; CFI .947). The four-factor structure, based on statistical and substantive criteria, has shown adequate reliability and validity fit indicators and can be considered a short and computerized version of the original version by Lasher and Faulkender. On the other hand, the factor structure, the factor loadings and the intercepts are considered invariant in the two populations studied (men and women); however, there are differences between the populations on the means of the physical appearance and fear of loss factors.(AU)

La preocupación y anticipación de pérdidas físicas, psíquicas y personales centradas en el proceso de envejecimiento generan ansiedad. El presente estudio analiza la estructura factorial, consistencia interna e invarianza factorial de acuerdo al sexo de la Escala de Ansiedad ante el Envejecimiento de Lasher y Faulkender. La muestra fue de 706 adultos mexicanos. La estructura factorial del cuestionario se analizó a través de análisis factoriales confirmatorios. Los análisis, muestran que una estructura de cuatro factores (miedo a las personas mayores, preocupaciones psicológicas, apariencia física y miedo a las pérdidas), es viable y adecuada tanto para la muestra total (GFI .979; RMSEA .037; CFI .987) como para las mujeres (GFI .970; RMSEA .045; CFI .980) y hombres (GFI .919 y RMSEA .080; CFI .947). La estructura de cuatro factores, atendiendo a criterios estadísticos y sustantivos, ha mostrado adecuados indicadores de ajuste de fiabilidad y validez y se puede considerar una versión corta e informatizada de la versión original de Lasher y Faulkender. Por otro lado, la estructura factorial, las cargas factoriales y los interceptos se consideran invariantes en las dos poblaciones estudiadas (hombres y mujeres); sin embargo, existen diferencias entre las poblaciones para las medias de los factores apariencia física y miedo a las pérdidas.(AU)

Judging a book by its cover: Cultural differences in inference of the inner state based on the outward appearance.

The world can be represented by two layers of information: How it appears on the outside (outward appearance) and what it is on the inside (inner state). To what extent an outward appearance is assumed to reflect the inner state is fundamental to social inference and judgments. Conceptualizing inference in terms of the relationship between the outward appearance and the inner state generates an integrative interpretation for a wide range of phenomena. We showed that Chinese were more likely than Euro-Canadians to make inference of inner state that deviated from outward appearance, whereas Euro-Canadians were more likely than Chinese to infer a convergence between outward appearance and inner state (Studies 1-5). We observed these cross-cultural patterns in various contexts involving people or physical structures. Individual differences in correspondence bias or response bias did not explain these patterns. The lay belief that outward appearance can be misleading mediated the cultural effects (Study 4). To probe the underlying process, two additional experiments showed that highlighting the misleading nature of appearance, but not highlighting the power of the situation, reduced Americans' beliefs (Study 6) and inference (Study 7) that the outward appearance reflects the inner state. By focusing on the assumed relationship between the outward appearance and inner state, these findings provide a unique angle for understanding cross-cultural phenomena and have practical implications in daily life. (PsycInfo Database Record (c) 2023 APA, all rights reserved).

Physical appearance and well-being in adults with incurable cancer: a thematic analysis.

OBJECTIVES: Existing research has established the importance of appearance concerns for individuals with cancer and identified appearance as an important factor in dying with dignity. No research, however, has explored in depth the role of appearance in the experiences of individuals who have incurable cancer. This research aims to explore patients' experiences and perspectives in relation to the role of appearance issues in adults with incurable cancer. METHODS: Semi-structured interviews were conducted with 24 adults with incurable cancer (20 women, 4 men; mean age 54.5, SD 11.32). RESULTS: Thematic analysis generated three themes: 'Identity: Embodying Cancer', 'Communication: Wearing your illness' and 'Support: Holistic Care'. Appearance was felt to be an important element of identity, which was often dominated by cancer, leading to feelings of separation from the participant's previous self. Appearance changes also influenced the way in which individuals communicated with their external world, forcing discussion of their diagnosis, and increasing focus on their cancer, with participants having to manage the emotional impact of this on loved ones, as well as the impact on their legacy. Finally, participants highlighted the positive impact of appearance-related support in their well-being and identified peer connections and refocusing on the self as key elements of such support. CONCLUSIONS: Appearance changes play an important role in the experiences of individuals with incurable cancer with regards to both identity and communication and challenged participants' ability to maintain normalcy. Further psychosocial support relating to appearance concerns was considered necessary to promote dignity and provide truly holistic patient care.

Relationship Between Stigma Experience and Self-Perception Related to Facial Appearance in Young Japanese Patients with Cleft lip and/or Palate.

OBJECTIVE: To examine the relationship between stigma experience related to facial appearance in Japanese youths with cleft lip and/or palate (CL/P) and their self-perception. DESIGN: A cross-sectional study. PARTICIPANTS: Sixty-nine Japanese youths with CL/P (11-18 years old). OUTCOME MEASURES: The participants' stigma experience in relation to facial appearance (measured with 7 single contextual scale items) and their self-perception (measured with 5 domain scores based on 30 perceptual items) were assessed using the Japanese version of the Youth Quality of Life Instrument-Facial Differences Module. Participants were categorized into high and low self-perception subgroups with a threshold of 1 standard deviation for each domain. The frequency of stigma experiences was compared between the following 2 subgroups: age, sex, cleft palate only versus other cleft, and high versus low self-perception. Correlations between the responses regarding stigma and all domain scores were examined. RESULTS: Sixteen percent of the participants reported experiencing stigma. Hearing others say something about their face occurred significantly more frequently in youths 15 to 18 years of age than in youths 11 to 14 years of age. Stigma frequency was not found to differ by sex or cleft type. Stigma experiences were significantly more frequent for youth with higher scores across negative self-perception domains as well as higher coping skills. Significant correlations were identified between responses regarding stigma items and all domain scores (r = 0.27-0.63, p < .05). CONCLUSIONS: It was found that stigma experiences related to facial appearance may influence negative self-perceptions of facial differences as well as higher coping skills among Japanese youths with CL/P.

Women's body dissatisfaction, physical appearance comparisons, and Instagram use throughout the COVID-19 pandemic: A longitudinal study.

OBJECTIVE: This study aimed to determine the evolution of Instagram use, body dissatisfaction and physical appearance comparisons throughout the coronavirus disease-2019 (COVID-19) pandemic, and to explore whether there was a relationship between the changes in Instagram use throughout the pandemic and body dissatisfaction and physical appearance comparisons. METHOD: A total of 272 Spanish women (16-70 years old) were followed-up across four waves of assessment between November 2019 (before the pandemic started) and July 2021. Body dissatisfaction, social appearance comparisons, and Instagram use were assessed using the Eating Disorders Inventory-3, the Physical Appearance Comparison Scale-Revised, and an ad hoc questionnaire for Instagram use, respectively. RESULTS: No statistically significant changes were found in the frequency of Instagram use, nor on the proportion of women following appearance-focused accounts on Instagram, among the data collection periods. Body dissatisfaction significantly increased from T1 to T4, and physical appearance comparisons significantly increased from T1 to T2, T3, and T4. These increases were not found to be significant for those with eating disorder risk. No significant differences were found in body dissatisfaction and physical appearance comparisons depending on whether participants' frequency of Instagram use had changed or remained the same, or whether they had started/stopped/continued following appearance-focused accounts on Instagram during the pandemic. DISCUSSION: Women's body dissatisfaction and physical appearance comparisons seem to have increased throughout the pandemic. The experiences of individuals with eating disorder risk throughout the pandemic, and the relationship between the pandemic and Instagram use, might be complex and need further research. PUBLIC SIGNIFICANCE: This study suggests that women's body dissatisfaction and physical appearance comparisons have increased throughout the COVID-19 pandemic. However, this increase might not be as clear for those who had eating disorder risk before the pandemic. Instagram frequency of use, and the percentage of women following appearance-focused accounts on Instagram, do not seem to have significantly increased. More research is needed to explore the impact of the pandemic.

Body satisfaction of lesbian and bisexual Brazilian women: Indicators of self-esteem, physical appearance perfectionism, and identity processes.

This article examined the association between body satisfaction and sexual identification among lesbian and bisexual women, since these factors help to understand the cultural background of the objectification of female bodies in Latin cultures. Women who identify as lesbian (N = 239) and bisexual (N = 60) completed demographic data and measures of self-esteem, physical appearance perfectionism, lesbian and bisexual identity difficulties, and body satisfaction. We performed a three-stage hierarchical multiple regression to explore how variables relate to body satisfaction. The results suggest that self-esteem plays a key role, explaining 20.4% of the variance in body satisfaction. We discussed the psychosocial and cultural aspects involved in the relationship between the variables, and social and aesthetic pressures on women's bodies. This study contributes to discussions on psychosocial aspects associated with body satisfaction among Brazilian lesbian and bisexual women.