Body image in adult women: Associations with health behaviors, quality of life, and functional impairment

J Health Psychol. 2019 Sep;24(11):1536-1547. doi: 10.1177/1359105317710815. Epub 2017 Jun 1.

Abstract

This study examined body image in adult women along with probable correlates including health behaviors, negative affect, quality of life, and functional impairment. Adult women (N = 738, age = 25-86 years) completed an online survey assessing these domains. Women across all ages reported similar body image concerns. Negative body image significantly correlated with poorer wellness behaviors, negative affect, quality of life, and functional impairment. The inverse held for positive body image. The majority of correlations remained even when controlling for negative affect. Further research is warranted to investigate nature of the correlational relationships identified in this study.

Keywords: age; body image; health behavior; quality of life; women’s health.

Publication types

  • Research Support, N.I.H., Extramural

MeSH terms

  • Activities of Daily Living*
  • Adult
  • Body Image*
  • Female
  • Health Behavior*
  • Humans
  • Middle Aged
  • Quality of Life*