ERIC Number: EJ1476950
Record Type: Journal
Publication Date: 2025
Pages: 8
Abstractor: As Provided
ISBN: N/A
ISSN: ISSN-0744-8481
EISSN: EISSN-1940-3208
Available Date: 0000-00-00
The Interactive Role of Gender, BMI, and Exercise Habits on Social Physique Anxiety
Burkhart J. Hahn1; DeMond M. Grant1; Kaitlyn M. Nagel1; Danielle E. Deros1; Ebony A. Walker1; Jacob D. Kraft2
Journal of American College Health, v73 n5 p2002-2009 2025
Objective: Social physique anxiety (SPA) is characterized by concerns of evaluation focused on one's physical appearance. Past work suggests factors such as gender, body mass index (BMI), and exercise habits uniquely contribute to SPA. However, no study has examined the interactions between these three variables. The current study sought to investigate the linked impact of gender, BMI, and exercise habits on SPA. Participants: Participants (N = 360) from a large Midwestern university completed questionnaires assessing relevant variables. Method: SPA was elevated for women, individuals with higher BMI, and those who do not exercise. Results: A significant interaction indicated that women who were classified as overweight and obese reported elevated SPA, but the same effect did not hold for men. A marginally significant interaction revealed that men who engage in exercise reported lower SPA scores than women who exercise. Conclusions: These data depict both protective and maintenance factors of SPA for college populations. Other clinical implications are discussed.
Descriptors: Anxiety, Social Influences, Human Body, Aesthetics, Gender Differences, Body Composition, Body Weight, Exercise, College Students, Obesity
Taylor & Francis. Available from: Taylor & Francis, Ltd. 530 Walnut Street Suite 850, Philadelphia, PA 19106. Tel: 800-354-1420; Tel: 215-625-8900; Fax: 215-207-0050; Web site: http://www.tandf.co.uk/journals
Publication Type: Journal Articles; Reports - Research
Education Level: Higher Education; Postsecondary Education
Audience: N/A
Language: English
Sponsor: N/A
Authoring Institution: N/A
Grant or Contract Numbers: N/A
Author Affiliations: 1Department of Psychology, Oklahoma State University, Stillwater, Oklahoma, USA; 2Department of Psychology, University of South Dakota, Vermillion, South Dakota, USA