NCJ Number
216708
Journal
Journal of Adolescent Research Volume: 22 Issue: 1 Dated: January 2007 Pages: 78-101
Date Published
January 2007
Length
24 pages
Annotation
This study examined the experience of body image anxiety (termed social physique anxiety or SPA) and related coping strategies among a sample of 31 adolescent females.
Abstract
The results suggest that adolescent females view their bodies as being frequently evaluated by others, which elicits negative emotions and triggers specific types of coping mechanisms. The findings highlighted the way in which SPA reflected a transaction between the self and physical appearance appraisals in a social context. Participants reported using a variety of coping strategies to deal with SPA, which fell into the categories of behavioral and cognitive avoidance, appearance management, social support, dietary behavior, physical activity, cognitive reappraisal, seeking sexual attention, cognitive deflection and comparison to others, and substance use. These coping strategies were used by the girls to regulate SPA, avoid anxiety-provoking situations, and to create more positive body-related social images. The most prevalent predictor of negative emotions was social situations in which the body was on display. Participants also reported the media as a factor influencing their SPA experiences. Participants were 31 adolescent females between the ages of 13 and 18 years who were recruited through school-wide presentations about the study. Data on general body anxiety, negative emotions, situations that foster SPA and strategies to cope with SPA were gathered via personal interviews. Interviews were transcribed verbatim and coded for emerging themes. Future research should focus on cultural or ethnic differences in the experience of SPA among females. Figure, notes, references