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Trends in the perceived body size of adolescent males and females in Scotland, 1990–2014: changing associations with mental well-being

Author

Listed:
  • Ross D. Whitehead

    (University of St Andrews)

  • Alina Cosma

    (University of St Andrews)

  • Jo Cecil

    (University of St Andrews)

  • Candace Currie

    (University of St Andrews)

  • Dorothy Currie

    (University of St Andrews)

  • Fergus Neville

    (University of St Andrews)

  • Jo Inchley

    (University of St Andrews)

Abstract

Objectives This paper explores trends in Scottish adolescents’ body size perceptions and associated mental well-being outcomes. Methods Data were collected on Scottish 11-, 13-, and 15-year-olds by the Health Behaviour in School-aged Children study between 1990 and 2014 (n = 42,312). Logistic regression was used to examine changes in the prevalence of over- and underweight perceptions. Ordinal and linear regressions were used to examine changes in the association between body perception and mental well-being. Results Little change was observed in over- or underweight perceptions. However, relative to those perceiving their body as ‘about right’, those perceiving themselves as overweight reported decreasing confidence (all groups), decreasing happiness (11- and 13-year-old girls), and increasing psychological health symptoms (all girls and 15-year-old boys). Perceived underweight is associated with poor well-being, especially in males, but we present little evidence that this is a recent phenomenon. Conclusions We present evidence suggesting that the association between body size perception and poor mental health in adolescence is changing over time. This may play a role in the recently observed worsening of mental well-being in Scottish adolescents.

Suggested Citation

  • Ross D. Whitehead & Alina Cosma & Jo Cecil & Candace Currie & Dorothy Currie & Fergus Neville & Jo Inchley, 2018. "Trends in the perceived body size of adolescent males and females in Scotland, 1990–2014: changing associations with mental well-being," International Journal of Public Health, Springer;Swiss School of Public Health (SSPH+), vol. 63(1), pages 69-80, January.
    • Handle: RePEc:spr:ijphth:v:63:y:2018:i:1:d:10.1007_s00038-017-0997-y
    DOI: 10.1007/s00038-017-0997-y
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    References listed on IDEAS

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    1. McLaughlin, K.A. & Costello, E.J. & Leblanc, W. & Sampson, N.A. & Kessler, R.C., 2012. "Socioeconomic status and adolescent mental disorders," American Journal of Public Health, American Public Health Association, vol. 102(9), pages 1742-1750.
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    1. Agnieszka Suder & Paweł Jagielski & Beata Piórecka & Małgorzata Płonka & Karol Makiel & Matylda Siwek & Iwona Wronka & Mariusz Janusz, 2020. "Prevalence and Factors Associated with Thinness in Rural Polish Children," IJERPH, MDPI, vol. 17(7), pages 1-10, March.
    2. Zhang, Yueyun & Liu, Baozhong, 2021. "Body weight perception and depressive symptoms in Chinese college students," Children and Youth Services Review, Elsevier, vol. 124(C).
    3. Anna Dzielska & Magdalena Woynarowska, 2022. "Psychosocial Predictors of Body Weight Congruence in Adolescents Aged 15 and 17 Years in Poland: Findings from the Health Behaviour in School-Aged Children (HBSC) Study," IJERPH, MDPI, vol. 19(4), pages 1-15, February.

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