A Comprehensive Study of Positive Body Image as a Predictor of Psychological Well-Being in Anorexia Nervosa.

Recent data suggest a close association between positive body image (PBI) and eating disorder recovery. Nevertheless, the specific mechanisms through which PBI may facilitate recovery from anorexia nervosa (AN) remain unknown. To advance understanding of these mechanisms, this study examined core indices of PBI within AN, exploring its association with emotion regulation and well-being outcomes. Data were collected from 159 female participants, 64 with AN diagnosis and 95 healthy controls (HCs), who completed measures of PBI (body appreciation, functionality appreciation, and body responsiveness), emotion regulation, and psychological well-being (depression, anxiety, stress, and psychological quality of life). The AN group reported lower levels of PBI and psychological well-being, along with greater difficulties in regulating emotions, relative to HCs. PBI variables significantly predicted emotion regulation and psychological well-being in AN, accounting for 36% to 72% of the variance, with body appreciation emerging as the strongest predictor. These findings lend credence to the view that PBI can serve as a catalyst for psychological health. We hypothesize that enhancing PBI can improve interoceptive awareness, which is crucial for emotion regulation and reducing maladaptive food-related coping. Emphasizing a mind-body connection in lifestyle could be a relevant element to consider for both treating and preventing AN.

Psychometric analysis of the body responsiveness questionnaire in the Portuguese population.

Body responsiveness refers to the tendency to be attuned to the body's needs and use interoceptive information to guide behavior. Despite its potential beneficial effect on the development of positive body image, this construct is currently understudied. To boost research in this area, we examined the factor structure, gender invariance, and psychometric properties of a Portuguese translation of the Body Responsiveness Questionnaire (BRQ). A total of 650 men and women (aged 18-80 years) completed the Portuguese BRQ. To assess its convergent validity, participants also completed measures of body appreciation, emotion regulation, depression symptoms, and psychological quality of life. Exploratory factor analysis indicated a two-factor structure of the BRQ, which was upheld using confirmatory factor analysis: "Importance of Interoceptive Awareness" (ω = .85-.87) and "Perceived Connection" between body and mind (ω = .71-.74). BRQ scores had partial scalar invariance across gender, and no significant gender differences. Convergent and known-groups validity was supported. Participants with overweight/obesity (vs. normal weight) and middle-aged adults (vs. young adults) assigned higher importance to body signals to guide behavior. The Portuguese version of the BRQ is a psychometrically sound measure of body responsiveness and it may contribute to a comprehensive assessment of positive body image to guide intervention.

Portuguese version of the Body Appreciation Scale-2 for Children (BAS-2C): Psychometric evaluation and measurement of invariance across sex.

Body appreciation, a central aspect of positive body image, recently started to capture the attention of the scientific community as a potential determinant of well-being. However, little is known about onset and early identification in both males and females, as studies on this subject in childhood are still scarce, due in part to a dearth of validated instruments. Therefore, the main purpose of this study is to examine the psychometric properties and sex invariance of a Portuguese version of the Body Appreciation Scale-2 for Children (BAS-2C; Halliwell et al., 2017). We also explored the relationship between the BAS-2C and body mass index z-scores (BMIz). Participants were 328 children, ages 9-to-11 years (50.9% girls). Confirmatory factor analysis indicated that the one-dimensional factor structure had adequate fit, but sex invariance was not supported. Differential item functioning analysis revealed that boys and girls respond differently to item #9, which assesses body comfort. BAS-2C scores evidenced internal consistency and convergent validity with quality of life, healthy eating habits, and body size dissatisfaction. BMIz showed a low ability to predict body appreciation. This study brings support for the use of the BAS-2C in Portuguese-speaking children, but caution is warranted in comparing BAS-2C scores across sexes.

Quality of life in patients with inflammatory bowel disease: the role of positive psychological factors.

OBJECTIVE: To identify differences in quality of life (QoL) of patients with inflammatory bowel disease (IBD) between diagnosis (Crohn's Disease and Ulcerative Colitis), gender (male and female), treatment condition (with and without surgery), and attachment styles (secure, preoccupied, and disconnected); to examine associations between QoL, sociodemographic, clinical, and positive psychological variables; to determine whether sociodemographic, clinical, and positive psychological variables predict QoL. METHOD: The sample included 70 participants diagnosed with IBD (Mage = 43.37 years, SD = 12.81), of whom 71.4% were females and 67.1% had Crohn's Disease. Positive psychological variables (meaning in life, positive body image, and attachment styles), sociodemographic (age, education, gender) and clinical variables (diagnosis, disease duration, surgery) were assessed as independent variables. QoL was the dependent variable, analyzed through four domains (physical, psychological, social, environment). RESULTS: Participants with a secure attachment style reported higher QoL (physical, psychological, and social) than participants with a preoccupied attachment style. Strong positive correlations were found between positive psychological variables and QoL. Body appreciation was a significant predictor of three QoL domains (physical, psychological, and environment). Meaning in life made a unique contribution to the social QoL regression model, and it was also a significant predictor of psychological QoL. Body acceptance by others was a significant predictor of physical QoL, whereas disease duration and education predicted environment QoL. Attachment styles did not predict any QoL domain. CONCLUSION: The most significant predictors of QoL in patients with IBD were body appreciation and meaning in life. Body acceptance by others and body appreciation were the main predictors of physical QoL. Psychological interventions for patients who suffer from IBD should address body appreciation and meaning in life.

Extending the use of the Body Appreciation Scale -2 in older adults: A Portuguese validation study.

Body appreciation is a key characteristic, and the most common operationalization, of positive body image. Positive body image is often measured using the Body Appreciation Scale-2 (BAS-2; Tylka & Wood-Barcalow, 2015a), which has demonstrated good psychometric properties in adult samples. The purpose of this study is to extend the validation of the BAS-2 to late adulthood facilitating future research with this population. A total of 202 male and female participants (aged 65-91 years) completed the Portuguese version of the BAS-2, along with other body image-related instruments and measures of self-esteem and intuitive eating. Confirmatory factor analysis supported the one-factor model and demonstrated sex invariance. There were no significant sex differences in BAS-2 scores. The BAS-2 had satisfactory convergent, discriminant, and incremental validity. Internal consistency and test-retest stability estimates were adequate. The BAS-2 will likely meet the needs of researchers interested in exploring body appreciation among elderly people.

A análise bioenergética como ferramenta de bem-estar num grupo de mulheres idosas / Bioenergetic analysis as a tool for well-being in an old women group / Análisis bioenergético como herramienta de bienestar en un grupo de mujeres mayores

Introdujo: Com o aumento do envelhecimento populacional a nivel mundial, ¡torneadamente em Portugal, tém-se desenvolvido programas de intervengo com idosos que visam a promo

Introduction: Due the growing aging population, namely in Portugal, there are few programs to enhance physical, emotional, and psychological well-being. Aim: To determine the perception of wellbeing, vitality and body awareness in a group of older women. Method: Descriptive qualitative study carried out during a psycho-corporal intervention in group of older women. The intervention consisted on the implementation of a program "Vivo no Corpo", throughout 12 weeks in weekly sessions of 90 minutes at a unit health in the city of Porto. Data for qualitative analysis were collected from the diaries of the participants in the program and were written during the sessions. The sample corresponds to women group, (n= 10) with a mean age of 68.4 years. Results: The participants perceived well-being throughout the program, as well as increased body awareness, which facilitated the cohesión of women throughout the sessions. Conclusions: Applying systematically bioenergetic analysis in group can be a tool and technique of intervention that promotes well-being in older women. Qualitative data were collected from session analysis of diaries. Results highlighted enhance of well-being perception throughout sessions, higher body perception and group cohesión.

Introducción: Con el creciente envejecimiento poblacional mundial, en Portugal, específicamente, se han diseñado programas de intervención en la población mayor, para aumentar su bienestar físico, emocional y psicológico. Objetivo: Determinar la percepción del bienestar, la vitalidad y la conciencia corporal en un grupo de mujeres mayores. Método: Estudio descriptivo-cualitativo en que se realizó una intervención psicocorporal, en un grupo de mujeres mayores. La intervención consistió en la implementación de un programa Vivo no Corpo, durante 12 semanas, en sesiones semanales de 90 minutos, en una unidad de salud de la ciudad de Oporto. Los datos para el análisis cualitativo se recolectaron a partir de los diarios de las participantes, en el programa y fueron escritos durante las sesiones. La muestra corresponde a mujeres (n = 10) con edad media de 68,4 años. Resultados: Las participantes percibieron aumento del bienestar a lo largo del programa, así como aumento de la comprensión de su cuerpo, lo que facilitó la cohesión de las mujeres a lo largo de las sesiones. Conclusiones: El análisis bioenergético aplicado en grupo, de forma sistemática, puede ser una herramienta y una técnica de intervención que promueve el bienestar en las mujeres mayores.

Tratamento de fobia específica por dessensibilização e reprocessamento por meio dos movimentos oculares / Treatment of specific phobia through eye movement desensitization and reprocessing / Tratamiento de la fobia específica por desensibilización y reprocesamiento a traves de los movimientos oculares

A fobia específica é caracterizada pela presença de um medo persistente e recorrente que é excessivo e irracional a um objeto ou situação específica que desencadeia uma forte reação de ansiedade. Diversos estudos têm sido realizados com intuito de avaliar a eficácia da dessensibilização e reprocessamento através dos movimentos oculares (EMDR), e tem sido comprovado que é um método bem-sucedido para tratamento de fobia específica, ansiedade, depressão, traumas e queixas somáticas. O caso do presente artigo descreve o trabalho terapêutico realizado com uma mulher de 42 anos com fobia a próteses dentárias através da intervenção EMDR. No final da intervenção, a paciente perdeu o medo às próteses, já não revelando respostas de ansiedade e de desconforto, mantendo-se estável durante o período de follow-up, um mês após a intervenção. Esses resultados repercutiram-se na melhoria da sua qualidade de vida, ao nível da sua vida pessoal, social e profissional.

The specific phobia is characterized by a persistent and recurring fear that is excessive and irrational to a specific object or situation, triggering a strong anxiety reaction. Several studies have been conducted in order to assess the effectiveness of eye movement desensitization and reprocessing (EMDR) and it has been proven to be a successful method for the treatment of specific phobias, anxiety, depression, trauma and somatic complaints. The case of this article describes the therapeutic work done with a forty-two years old’ woman that has phobia to dentures using the intervention of EMDR. At the end of the intervention, the patient lost the fear of prosthetics, no longer revealing responses of anxiety and discomfort and remained stable during the follow-up one month after the intervention. These results had an impact on improving their quality of life, in terms of her personal, social and professional life.

La fobia específica se caracteriza por la presencia de un miedo persistente y recurrente que es excesivo o irracional a un objeto o situación especifica que desencadena una fuerte reacción de ansiedad. Varios estudios han sido realizados con el fin de evaluar la eficacia de desensibilización y reprocesamiento mediante estudio de los movimientos oculares (EMDR) y ha sido comprobado que es un método exitoso para el tratamiento de la fobia específica, ansiedad, depresión, traumas y quejas somáticas. El presente artículo describe el trabajo terapéutico realizado con una mujer de cuarenta y dos años con fobia a prótesis dentarias a través de la intervención EMDR. En el final de la intervención, la paciente perdió el miedo a las prótesis, no evidenciando señales de ansiedad y de desconforto, manteniéndose estable durante el periodo de follow-up, un mes después de la intervención. Eses resultados repercutieran en una notable mejoría de su calidad de vida a nivel personal, social y profesional.

Meal plan in the treatment of anorexia nervosa: a way of feeding the disorder and starving the patient.

For the mainstream Psychology/Psychiatry, anorexia nervosa is considered an eating disorder characterized by the low body weight and by the restrictive eating pattern. The traditional psychiatric treatment consists in the establishment of a meal plan that must be scrupulously followed and, most frequently, in pharmacological treatment. We propose an alternative conceptualization of anorexia nervosa that envisages this disorder as pertaining to the control domain. In this sense, we formulate psychiatric intervention as a "pact with anorexia", once it follows the very same logic, prohibitions and self-impositions of the disorder. Specifically, we envisage the meal plan as a way of maintaining anorexia, instead of suppressing it. As we could observe in our four year research project, in which we've followed several anorectic female patients, those who were more committed to their psychiatric treatment were precisely those who had more difficulty in recovering from anorexia - i.e., from renouncing the control from which the disorder lives. Finally, we suggest some fundamental underpinnings to an effective therapeutic approach, based in our conceptualization and understanding of the disorder.

Variáveis psicossociais associadas à cirurgia ortognática: uma revisão sistemática da literatura / Psychosocial variables associated with orthognathic surgery: a systematic literature review

A cirurgia ortognática é um tipo de tratamento orto-cirúrgico indicado para pacientes com deformidade dentofacial. Este tema tem ganhado repercussão na comunidade científica e, mais recentemente, no ramo das ciências psicológicas, pois as pessoas recorrem cada vez mais a este tipo de tratamento e os psicólogos começam a ser contratados para responderem às necessidades emocionais destes pacientes. Este artigo dedica-se a uma revisão da literatura, dos últimos nove anos, visando explorar particularmente se determinadas características psicossociais do paciente contribuem para a eficácia do tratamento ortocirúrgico. A nossa pesquisa identificou catorze estudos e os resultados são apresentados por setores: (a) fase pré-operatória, (b) fase pós-operatória a curto e médio prazo, (c) fase pós-operatória a longo-prazo. Verificámos que algumas características dos pacientes e uma relação de proximidade estabelecida com os profissionais de saúde parecem contribuir para a satisfação, porém, é apoio psicológico de caráter preventivo dos fatores de risco que parece determinar o sucesso do tratamento orto-cirúrgico. A demasiada valorização das expectativas de benefícios psicológicos, a insegurança na tomada de decisão, o desconhecimento dos custos emocionais da cirurgia, o pobre suporte social (ou a pressão dos familiares) e as perturbações psicopatológicas justificam a utilidade do apoio psicológico. Finalmente são apontadas algumas características psicológicas, positivas e negativas, do paciente assim como sugestões para futuras investigações.

Orthognathic surgery is a type of orthodontic treatment recommended for patients with dentofacial deformities. This issue has grown in the scientific community and, more recently, in the field of psychological science since there is an increasing number of people resorting to this type of treatment and psychologists are being hired to meet emotional needs of such patients. This paper focuses on a review of the literature from the last nine years and seeks to determine if some of the psychosocial characteristics of the patient contribute to the effectiveness of orthodontic-surgical treatment. Our research identified 14 studies and the results are presented according to the following: (a) pre-surgical phase; (b) short-term and mid-term post-surgical phases; and (c) long-term post-surgical phase. We observed that some of the patient's characteristics and a closer patient-caregiver relationship seem to contribute to the satisfaction of the treatment. However, it is the quality of preventive psychological support towards risk factors that seems to determine the success of this orthodontic treatment. Overvaluation of expectations towards psychological benefits, insecurity in the decision making, lack of knowledge about the emotional costs of the surgery, lack of social support (or family pressure) as well as psychopathological disorders justify the need of psychological support. Finally, some positive and negative patient characteristics have been pointed out in this paper, and suggestions for future investigations have been made.

Variáveis psicossociais associadas à cirurgia ortognática: uma revisão sistemática da literatura / Psychosocial variables associated with orthognathic surgery: a systematic literature review

A cirurgia ortognática é um tipo de tratamento orto-cirúrgico indicado para pacientes com deformidade dentofacial. Este tema tem ganhado repercussão na comunidade científica e, mais recentemente, no ramo das ciências psicológicas, pois as pessoas recorrem cada vez mais a este tipo de tratamento e os psicólogos começam a ser contratados para responderem às necessidades emocionais destes pacientes. Este artigo dedica-se a uma revisão da literatura, dos últimos nove anos, visando explorar particularmente se determinadas características psicossociais do paciente contribuem para a eficácia do tratamento ortocirúrgico. A nossa pesquisa identificou catorze estudos e os resultados são apresentados por setores: (a) fase pré-operatória, (b) fase pós-operatória a curto e médio prazo, (c) fase pós-operatória a longo-prazo. Verificámos que algumas características dos pacientes e uma relação de proximidade estabelecida com os profissionais de saúde parecem contribuir para a satisfação, porém, é apoio psicológico de caráter preventivo dos fatores de risco que parece determinar o sucesso do tratamento orto-cirúrgico. A demasiada valorização das expectativas de benefícios psicológicos, a insegurança na tomada de decisão, o desconhecimento dos custos emocionais da cirurgia, o pobre suporte social (ou a pressão dos familiares) e as perturbações psicopatológicas justificam a utilidade do apoio psicológico. Finalmente são apontadas algumas características psicológicas, positivas e negativas, do paciente assim como sugestões para futuras investigações.(AU)

Orthognathic surgery is a type of orthodontic treatment recommended for patients with dentofacial deformities. This issue has grown in the scientific community and, more recently, in the field of psychological science since there is an increasing number of people resorting to this type of treatment and psychologists are being hired to meet emotional needs of such patients. This paper focuses on a review of the literature from the last nine years and seeks to determine if some of the psychosocial characteristics of the patient contribute to the effectiveness of orthodontic-surgical treatment. Our research identified 14 studies and the results are presented according to the following: (a) pre-surgical phase; (b) short-term and mid-term post-surgical phases; and (c) long-term post-surgical phase. We observed that some of the patient's characteristics and a closer patient-caregiver relationship seem to contribute to the satisfaction of the treatment. However, it is the quality of preventive psychological support towards risk factors that seems to determine the success of this orthodontic treatment. Overvaluation of expectations towards psychological benefits, insecurity in the decision making, lack of knowledge about the emotional costs of the surgery, lack of social support (or family pressure) as well as psychopathological disorders justify the need of psychological support. Finally, some positive and negative patient characteristics have been pointed out in this paper, and suggestions for future investigations have been made.(AU)

As relações de vinculação e a imagem corporal: exploração de um modelo / Attachments and body image: an exploratory model

Pretende-se analisar a contribuição diferencial dos principais contextos de desenvolvimento (relação parental e de pares) na forma como os adolescentes experienciam a relação com o seu corpo. A amostra é constituída por 690 adolescentes e jovens adultos (242 meninos e 448 meninas), com idades compreendidas entre os 15 e os 23 anos (M= 17,8 e DP=2,00). Os resultados do modelo de predição revelaram que o gênero e a vinculação romântica foram as variáveis que mais contribuíram para a variação da variável imagem corporal. Foi observado um efeito de mediação entre a vinculação aos pais e a imagem corporal através da relação romântica e de amizade. Os resultados sublinham a necessidade de se compreender a vivência corporal nos contextos interpessoais.

The present study explored the differential effects of the principal development contexts (attachment to parents and peers) on the way in which adolescents experience their bodies. Six hundred and ninety adolescents and young adults (242 male and 448 female) participated in this study, with ages varying between 15 and 23 years (M = 17,8 and SD= 2,00). The results of the prediction model revealed that gender and romantic attachment were the variables that showed the strongest effect on the variation in body image. A mediation effect was observed among attachment to parents and body image through romantic and friendship relationships. The results highlight the need of understanding body experience in an interpersonal context.

As relações de vinculação e a imagem corporal: exploração de um modelo / Attachments and body image: an exploratory model

Pretende-se analisar a contribuição diferencial dos principais contextos de desenvolvimento (relação parental e de pares) na forma como os adolescentes experienciam a relação com o seu corpo. A amostra é constituída por 690 adolescentes e jovens adultos (242 meninos e 448 meninas), com idades compreendidas entre os 15 e os 23 anos (M= 17,8 e DP=2,00). Os resultados do modelo de predição revelaram que o gênero e a vinculação romântica foram as variáveis que mais contribuíram para a variação da variável imagem corporal. Foi observado um efeito de mediação entre a vinculação aos pais e a imagem corporal através da relação romântica e de amizade. Os resultados sublinham a necessidade de se compreender a vivência corporal nos contextos interpessoais.(AU)

The present study explored the differential effects of the principal development contexts (attachment to parents and peers) on the way in which adolescents experience their bodies. Six hundred and ninety adolescents and young adults (242 male and 448 female) participated in this study, with ages varying between 15 and 23 years (M = 17,8 and SD= 2,00). The results of the prediction model revealed that gender and romantic attachment were the variables that showed the strongest effect on the variation in body image. A mediation effect was observed among attachment to parents and body image through romantic and friendship relationships. The results highlight the need of understanding body experience in an interpersonal context.(AU)

Um olhar sobre o corpo: o corpo ontem e hoje / A glance into the body: yesterday's and today's body

O entendimento dos sentidos construídos para o corpo na actualidade requer uma caminhada, ainda que breve, pela história, pela forma como o corpo foi pensado e sentido. Deste modo, neste ensaio em torno do tema do corpo, propomos pensar nalguns aspectos sociais e culturais, que contribuíram para a construção do corpo na nossa sociedade, a forma como ele tem sido e pode ser olhado e representado.

To understand the ways in which people make meaning out of the body nowadays, it is necessary to go back in time, even if briefly, through history, through the ways in which the body has been experienced. Thus, it is the aim of these structured reflections, having the body as its focus, to think about some of the social and cultural aspects influencing its construction in our society, how it has been and can be seen and perceived.

Um olhar sobre o corpo: o corpo ontem e hoje / A glance into the body: yesterday's and today's body

O entendimento dos sentidos construídos para o corpo na actualidade requer uma caminhada, ainda que breve, pela história, pela forma como o corpo foi pensado e sentido. Deste modo, neste ensaio em torno do tema do corpo, propomos pensar nalguns aspectos sociais e culturais, que contribuíram para a construção do corpo na nossa sociedade, a forma como ele tem sido e pode ser olhado e representado.(AU)

To understand the ways in which people make meaning out of the body nowadays, it is necessary to go back in time, even if briefly, through history, through the ways in which the body has been experienced. Thus, it is the aim of these structured reflections, having the body as its focus, to think about some of the social and cultural aspects influencing its construction in our society, how it has been and can be seen and perceived.(AU)