Imagem corporal de adolescentes: descrição e intervenção preventiva em âmbito escolar

Abstract

Body Image can be understood as a multidimensional construct composed of perceptual and attitudinal dimensions, the latter being the focus of numerous studies at the present time. This study aims at evaluating the efficacy of a proposal for preventive intervention of negative Body Image and Eating Disorders in the school environment, based on the investigation of the attitudinal component of body image and its association with other psychological variables such as self-esteem, depression and symptoms of eating disorders. For this purpose, this study was divided into two stages: first, a prospective investigation was carried out on the key factors related to body dissatisfaction, seeking to determine which of them most influence dissatisfaction with appearance; in the second stage, adaptation and evaluation of the efficacy of a preventive intervention of negative Body Image and Eating Disorders through a pilot study. Questionnaires and self-administered scales were selected as validated research instruments for use in teenagers, thus assessing the various aspects of Body Image, symptoms of Eating Disorders and Depression as well as participants’ self-esteem. Four hundred ninety-eight adolescents (236 girls and 262 boys) participated in the longitudinal stage of the study. It was found that most of the evaluated outcomes remained stable over a year, with the exception of body dissatisfaction, occurrence of eating disorder symptoms and depression among boys. Overall, the results from the first stage of the study pointed to the sociocultural influence of the media as the main factor of influence on Body Dissatisfaction, both among boys and girls. Low self-esteem and depressive mood have also influenced this variable. In addition, the influence of parents and friends was also noted, especially among boys. That being said, these results were the basis for the confirmation of the fact that the media is a powerful vehicle of information and pressure when it comes to appearance, reinforcing the adequacy of the adapted preventive proposal. In order to assess the effectiveness of the "The Body in Question" Program, 33 adolescents participated, who were allocated to intervention and control groups. A reduction was observed with regard to body dissatisfaction, sociocultural influence of the media and thin ideal internalization, as well as increased self-esteem and body appreciation among the girls who participated in the intervention. No changes were observed in the control group. Results pointed to significant differences between the intervention and control groups in the post-test for body dissatisfaction, social and cultural influence of the media, thin ideal internalization, adoption of diets, and body appreciation. Among the boys, the only variable presenting significant effects from the intervention was the drive for muscularity. Moreover, there were no differences between the test group and the control group for any of the variables evaluated. The results of this pilot study indicate the efficacy of the adapted program among girls, with increased effects (r > 0.31) for almost all outcomes assessed. However, among boys, more attention should be given to the program in order to produce satisfactory results. We conclude, therefore, that the media’s influence should be considered as one of the main risk factors for the development of dissatisfaction with appearance and should be addressed in preventive strategies, as was the case in the "The Body in Question" Program, which presented evidence of efficacy among Brazilian teenage girls.