Body Image Among University Students

Study Overview
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Brief Summary
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A negative body image negatively affects the total health of students and the quality of life in University students. Body image and the experience of body appearance pressure have not been investigated previously among the Norwegian student population. It is reasonable to suggest that sport science students experience an increased pressure to have an athletic body to be able to identify as a sport science student and for future job opportunities. Such pressure would negatively influence students' attitudes and practice as future communicators of lifestyle knowledge after completing their studies. Objective: The study objective is to assess body image and body appearance pressure among Norwegian University students, and to investigate differences between different academic disciplines and gender. The study uses a cross-sectional design with a questionnaire to measure outcomes in male and female students in Norway.

Detailed Description
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Background: A negative body image negatively affects the total health of students and the quality of life in University students. Body image and the experience of body appearance pressure have not been investigated previously among the Norwegian student population. It is well known that students studying sport science are exposed to an enhanced focus on lifestyle and the body beyond what focus that already exist in the society. It is reasonable to suggest that sport science students experience an increased pressure to have an athletic body to be able to identify as a sport science student and for future job opportunities. Such pressure would negatively influence students' attitudes and practice as future communicators of lifestyle knowledge after completing their studies. Objective: The study objective is to assess body image and body appearance pressure among Norwegian University students, and to investigate differences between different academic disciplines and gender. Methods: The study uses a cross-sectional design with a web-based questionnaire to measure outcomes in 1764 male and female students in Norway. In addition to descriptive data on the sample, a Pearson's correlation, independent t-test og chi-square will be used to investigate associations and differences between groups. Statistical significance is defined at a p-value of <.05. Implications: Results from the study provides a description of the sample and will provide a foundation for targeted actions, interventions for optimization in terms of study environment to reduce negative body image and potential reported pressure to have a specific body, and promotion of positive body image and prevention of negative body experiences. This could contribute to a healthier student environment and enhances the chance to develop students who adapts and take knowledge with them into their future work life, and apply this knowledge in a safe and health promotive way.

Official Title
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Body Appearance Pressure and Body Image Among University Students

Conditions
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Body Image, Body Image Disturbance, Physical Activity, Dietary Habits, Quality of Life

Intervention / Treatment
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* Other: Body and health focused study environment


Participation Criteria
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Eligibility Criteria
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Inclusion Criteria: Students at Norwegian University Colleges or Universities Students who are able to read and write in Norwegian Fulltime students Exclusion Criteria: Students who are not able to read or write in Norwegian Part-time students
Sexes Eligible for Study
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All

Accepts Healthy Volunteers
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No

Study Plan
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How is the study designed?
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Arms and Interventions

| Participant Group/Arm | Intervention/Treatment |
| --- | --- |
| Sport sciences<br>Bachelor and master students who study sport science or physical activity and health science | Other: Body and health focused study environment<br>* Students are exposed to lectures, literature, co-students, contexts that provide body and lifestyle awareness beyond the existing exposure of the society in general<br>|
| Controls<br>Bachelor and master students who study other fields not related to sport or physical activity and health sciences. | |

What is the study measuring?
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Primary Outcome Measures

| Outcome Measure | Measure Description | Time Frame |
| --- | --- | --- |
| Self-developed | Body appearance pressure. Respond on a Likert-scale where higher scores indicate higher level of experienced pressure | March 2020-July 2020 | 
| Body Appreciation Scale-2 | Positive body image. Score ranges from 10-50, with higher score indicating higher body appreciation. | March 2020-July 2020 | 
| Eating Disorder Examination-Questionnaire (EDE-Q) | Body dissatisfaction in girls. Scores ranges from 12-60, with higher scores indicating higher levels of dissatisfaction | March 2020-July 2020 | 
| Male body dissatisfaction scale (MBDS) | Body dissatisfaction in males. Scores ranges from 0-42, with higher scores indicating higher levels of dissatisfaction | March 2020-July 2020 |