Article

The Role of State Mindfulness during Yoga in Predicting Self-Objectification and Reasons for Exercise

October 2015
Psychology of Sport and Exercise 22

DOI:10.1016/j.psychsport.2015.10.001

Authors:

Anne E Cox

Washington State University

Sarah C. Ullrich-French

Washington State University

Amy Cole

Resource Development Associates

Objectives: Objectification theory is a useful framework for understanding how individuals internalize the sexual objectification of male and female bodies. This internalization, called self-objectification, can result in negative psychological and behavioral outcomes (e.g., body shame, disordered eating). Exercise that uses mindfulness to draw attention to the body's function and sensations rather than appearance may be one way to minimize self-objectification and improve associated outcomes. Therefore, the objective of this study was to explore how state mindfulness during exercise may associate with change in self-objectification, body image variables, and reasons for exercise. Design: This study prospectively followed participants (N = 148, 80% female) from six yoga classes that met 2-3 times a week across an 8-week period. Method: Repeated measures MANOVAs were used to examine change over time in state mindfulness, self-objectification, physical self-concept, and reasons for exercise. Regression analysis was used to examine how state mindfulness predicted change in outcome variables. Results: MANOVAs revealed significant decreases in self-objectification and increases in physical self-concept, health/fitness-related reasons for exercise, and state mindfulness. Further, results indicated that mindfulness during exercise was linked with decreases in self-objectification and increases in more internal reasons for exercise over time. Conclusions: State mindfulness plays a role in predicting change in self-objectification and reasons for exercise during yoga practice.

Women’s experiences with yoga after a cancer diagnosis: A qualitative meta-synthesis—Part I

Article

Full-text available

Sep 2023

Background Qualitative research on women’s experiences participating in yoga after a cancer diagnosis is growing; systematic synthesis and integration of results are necessary to facilitate the transfer and implementation of knowledge among researchers and end-users. Thus, the purpose of this meta-synthesis was to: (1) integrate findings from qualitative studies, (2) compare and contrast findings to elucidate patterns or contradictions in conclusions, and (3) develop an overarching interpretation of women’s experiences participating in yoga after a cancer diagnosis. Methods Using meta-study methodology, six electronic databases were searched using a sensitive search strategy in November 2020, a supplemental scan of reference lists was conducted in August 2021, and the database search was replicated in October 2021. Two reviewers independently screened titles/abstracts and full-texts to determine eligibility. Results The searches yielded 6804 citations after de-duplication. Data from 24 articles meeting the eligibility criteria were extracted, and the results, methods, and theoretical approach(es) were analyzed. The analysis revealed that there was a predominant focus on two focal points in the primary articles: (1) women’s well-being and quality of life (QoL; part I) and (2) intervention preferences (part II). Five overarching categories emerged related to well-being and QoL: (1) yoga can support improvements in multiple dimensions of QoL in women diagnosed with cancer, (2) women diagnosed with cancer experience an interaction between QoL dimensions, (3) elements of yoga that support improvements in QoL dimensions, (4) breathwork and meditation are integral elements of yoga, and (5) yoga practice may support lifestyle behavior change. The articles reviewed had notable limitations related to: (1) reporting about instructor(s), content of the intervention, and environmental characteristics of the setting, (2) identifying and incorporating optimal features in the intervention design, (3) incorporating theory and real-world considerations into the study procedures, and (4) including positive and negative conceptualizations of QoL as an interconnected and multidimensional concept. Conclusion Moving forward, it remains critical to identify the ideal structure and content of yoga programs for promoting well-being and QoL among women diagnosed with cancer, as well as to explore barriers and facilitators to sustainable program implementation. Systematic review registration PROSPERO CRD42021229253.

Yoga and eating disorder prevention and treatment: A comprehensive review and meta-analysis

Article

Jul 2020
Eat Disord

Yoga is frequently used in conjunction with standard treatment approaches for eating disorders. However, yoga's efficacy and effectiveness in preventing and treating eating disorders has remained unclear. The aim of this comprehensive review and meta-analysis is to review the extant literature and assess the effects of yoga in the prevention and intervention of eating disorder symptoms and correlates in both clinical and non-clinical populations. Studies assessing yoga and its effect on eating disorder symptoms and/or body image as related to disordered eating, were eligible for inclusion. The comprehensive review details correlational, non-controlled, non-randomized controlled, and yoga comparison studies. For the meta-analysis, only randomized controlled trials comparing a yoga-based intervention to a non-yoga control group were included. In total, 43 studies are included in this review, with 11 trials involving 754 participants included in the meta-analysis. Results of the comprehensive review and meta-analyses results indicated yoga interventions demonstrated a small, significant effect on global eating disorder psychopathology, a moderate-to-large effect on binge eating and bulimia, and a small effect on body image concerns, as compared to the control conditions. There was no statistically significant effect on dietary restraint in either direction. Additionally, results indicated a small-to-moderate effect on a composite measure of eating disorder-related constructs. These findings suggest that yoga-based interventions may be an effective approach supporting the prevention and treatment of eating disorders.

Yoga Practice in a College Sample: Associated Changes in Eating Disorder, Body Image, and Related Factors Over Time

Article

Full-text available

Dec 2019

Yoga practice is associated with improvements in eating disorder (ED) symptoms and body dissatisfaction. This study continued to evaluate this relationship while also assessing changes in variables negatively associated with ED symptoms (self-compassion, mindfulness, body appreciation, self-efficacy) that are emphasized throughout yoga. Men were also included in this study given studies have predominantly focused on women. Participants (N = 99, 77.8% women) were recruited from a university-implemented yoga course and completed assessments at the beginning (Time 1 (T1)) and end (Time 2 (T2)) of an eight-week yoga course meeting three times a week for fifty minutes. Body dissatisfaction (ps <.05) and ED pathology (p = .02) were lower at T2. Body appreciation (p < .001), self-compassion (p = .01), yoga self-efficacy (p = .004) were higher at T2. Some gender differences emerged. Men reported greater reductions in concern with being overweight, (Overweight Preoccupation) from T1 (M = 2.46, SD = 0.61) to T2 (M = 2.13, SD = 0.61) compared to women, T1 (M = 2.75, SD = 0.98) to T2 (M = 2.69, SD = 0.97) associated with yoga practice. Men also reported greater improvements in body satisfaction (Appearance Evaluation) from T1 (M = 3.60, SD = 0.49) to T2 (M = 3.90, SD = 0.34) compared with women, T1 (M = 3.48, SD = 0.58) to T2 (M = 3.39, SD = 0.52) associated with yoga practice. Results suggest yoga may be associated with concurrent changes in protective and risk factors for ED in a college population.

Adaptation and Validation the State Mindfulness Scale (SMS) to Physical Education in a Spanish Context

Article

Full-text available

Oct 2019

The aim of this study is to validate and adapt to the Spanish context of Physical Education (PE) the State Mindfulness Scale (SMS). The study included 1428 students aged 13-19. In order to analyse the psychometric properties of the SMS, an exploratory factorial analysis was carried out to confirm the presence of two factors, a confirmatory factorial analysis that has offered support for both the structure of two factors. We also included an analysis of temporal stability, an analysis of invariance across gender, an analysis of internal consistency and an analysis of predictive validity through a t-test in which mental health (β = −0.28, p < 0.001) and physical or bodily experience (β = −0.16, p < 0.001) negatively predicted anxiety, respectively. The structure of the questionnaire was valid and reliable, gender-neutral and with adequate levels of temporal stability.

What helps older people persevere with yoga classes? A realist process evaluation of a COVID-19-affected yoga program for fall prevention

Article

Full-text available

Mar 2022
BMC PUBLIC HEALTH

Background Falls among older people are a major global health concern. This process evaluation investigates the experience of participants aged 60+ in a yoga program aimed at preventing falls which transitioned from studio-based classes to online classes in response to COVID-19 restrictions. We sought to understand how the Successful AGEing (SAGE) yoga program functioned in both settings and as a hybrid program, and to explain why it worked well for most participants. Methods Realist process evaluation was used to explore the factors that facilitated a successful transition for most participants, and to consider why it did not work for a minority. This approach develops program theories that describe which mechanisms an intervention is (or is not) activating, and how this is mediated by context to generate process outcomes. Data included interviews with participants ( n = 21) and yoga instructors ( n = 3), self-report feedback forms ( n = 46), observation of classes and routine process measures. Results Factors that facilitated a successful transition for most participants included the quality of yoga instruction, the program format and inherent characteristics of yoga. Gains in transitioning online included continuity and greater convenience. Losses included perceived reduction in the effectiveness of yoga instruction. There were greater challenges for people struggling with pain and in disadvantageous home environments. We identified six program theories configured around 16 mechanisms: 1. It’s worth the effort and 2. In expert hands (these had the same mechanisms: value expectancy, therapeutic alliance and achievement/mastery), 3. A communal experience (these mechanisms were shared experience, social connection, social comparison and peer checking), 4. Putting yoga within reach (accessibility, convenience, gratitude), 5. Building yoga habits (purposeful structure, momentum, accountability and continuity), and 6. Yoga’s special properties (embodiment and mindfulness). Conclusions This study showed that online delivery of a yoga program for people aged 60+ retained much of the value of a face-to-face program for the majority of participants, and increased the value for some. The structured, communal nature of an organised group program delivered by a skilled instructor, together with yoga’s intrinsic focus on mindfulness, facilitated continued engagement and perceived health benefits, despite the change in delivery mode.

Análisis exploratorio de la actividad física en la auto-objetificación e insatisfacción corporal de jóvenes adolescentes

Article

Full-text available

Apr 2021

El objetivo del presente estudio ha sido analizar las relaciones y diferencias producidas entre la actividad física, la autoestima, apariencia e insatisfacción corporal respecto al género. Un total de 303 adolescentes, masculinos (150) y femeninos (152), con edades comprendidas entre los 10-13 años (M = 11.74) pertenecientes a diferentes centros de Educación Primaria participaron en el estudio. Se empleó el cuestionario PSPP para la valoración de la autoestima y la apariencia, las figuras de Stunkard para la satisfacción corporal y el cuestionario PAQ-A para la valoración de la actividad física. Se realizaron correlaciones de bivariadas, análisis multivariante y análisis de regresión lineal considerando el género. Los resultados mostraron un valor predictivo significativo mayor de la actividad física femenina en la autoestima y la apariencia que en la masculina. A modo de conclusión, destaca la importancia que tiene el rol de la actividad física como precursor de la autoestima, apariencia e insatisfacción corporal. Del mismo modo, la práctica de la actividad física por parte del género femenino tiende a predecir la apariencia y autoestima.

Body surveillance and affective judgments of physical activity in daily life

Article

Mar 2021
BODY IMAGE

Affective judgments are one of the strongest predictors of physical activity. Engaging in body surveillance during physical activity is theorized to reduce access to pleasant affective experiences thereby compromising the influence of affective judgments. However, empirical tests of this relationship are lacking. This study examined associations between body surveillance during physical activity and affective judgments (i.e., enjoyment and pleasure) of physical activity. Participants (N = 89; 53 % women, Mage = 20.32 years; SDage = 1.59) completed an experience sampling protocol for 7 days and provided 7 self-reports/day. Participants reported their body surveillance when engaged in physical activity followed by their affective judgments of physical activity. At the within-person level, participants reported more negative affective judgments during instances when body surveillance was higher than usual. At the between-person level, participants higher in body surveillance reported more negative affective judgments on average. These findings extend correlates of body surveillance to include less favorable affective judgments. Although there is support for targeting affective judgments to promote physical activity, the utility of such efforts may be limited if body surveillance is present. These findings point to a new target for potentially enhancing affective judgements and the promotion of physical activity.

Body functionality: A review of the literature

Article

Full-text available

Mar 2021
BODY IMAGE

Body functionality describes everything that the body is able to do, across diverse domains (e.g., bodily senses, creative endeavours). Nearly a decade ago, leading scholars identified research on body functionality as a priority for the body image field. The field has responded, as shown by the recent rise of body functionality research. We considered this an opportune time to (a) define body functionality (what it is and is not); (b) present theoretical frameworks of body functionality; (c) articulate first-generation and current measures relating to body functionality; (d) offer functionality-focused body image interventions that can improve appreciation for one's body functionality (and body image more broadly); (e) summarise additional areas of research related to body functionality and positive body image; and (f) provide considerations and directions for future research and interventions incorporating body functionality. Research has underscored body functionality as a valuable construct with respect to positive body image and well-being, particularly when individuals appreciate what their bodies can do and conceptualise their body functionality holistically. Yet, the experience of body functionality is nuanced across social identities. Overall, the field has greatly advanced knowledge about body functionality, and we are excited to see the next generation of research that emerges.

How Self-Compassion Moderates the Effect of Body Surveillance on Subjective Happiness and Depression among Women

Preprint

May 2019

According to objectification theory (Fredrickson & Roberts, 1997), being treated as an object leads women to engage in self‐objectification, which in turn increases body surveillance and body shame as well as impairs mental health. However, very little is known about what factors could act as buffers against the detrimental consequences of self‐objectification. This paper seeks to understand the role of self‐compassion (the ability to kindly accept oneself or show self‐directed kindness while suffering) in the perception that women have of their own bodies. Results indicate that self‐compassion moderated the effect of body surveillance on depression and happiness separately among women. More specifically, for women low in self‐compassion, body surveillance was negatively associated with happiness, which was explained by increased depression. In sum, our results indicate that self‐compassion protects against the detrimental consequences of body surveillance.

The role of self-compassion in loneliness during the COVID-19 pandemic: a group-based trajectory modelling approach

Article

Full-text available

Oct 2023

Research has suggested an increase in loneliness during the COVID-19 pandemic, but much of this work has been cross-sectional, making causal inferences difficult. In the present research, we employed a longitudinal design to identify loneliness trajectories within a period of twelve months during the COVID-19 pandemic in Belgium (N = 2106). We were particularly interested in the potential protective role of self-compassion in these temporal dynamics. Using a group-based trajectory modelling approach, we identified trajectory groups of individuals following low (11.0%), moderate-low (22.4%), moderate (25.7%), moderate-high (31.3%), and high (9.6%) levels of loneliness. Findings indicated that younger people, women, and individuals with poor quality relationships, high levels of health anxiety, and stress related to COVID-19, all had a higher probability of belonging to the highest loneliness trajectory groups. Importantly, we also found that people high in two of the three facets of self-compassion (self-kindness and common humanity) had a lower probability of belonging to the highest loneliness trajectory groups. Ultimately, we demonstrated that trajectory groups reflecting higher levels of loneliness were associated with lower life satisfaction and greater depressive symptoms. We discuss the possibility that increasing self-compassion may be used to promote better mental health in similarly challenging situations.

‘My words become my hands’: Yoga instructors’ experiences of adapting teleyoga in the SAGE fall prevention trial—A qualitative analysis

Article

Full-text available

Jul 2023

Objective This research identifies practical lessons regarding the delivery of teleyoga. Our objectives are to (1) describe challenges and opportunities experienced by yoga instructors when moving the Successful AGEing (SAGE) yoga programme online, and (2) describe how yoga instructors adapted to manage the challenges and leverage opportunities presented by teleyoga. Methods This study is a secondary analysis of the data from a previous realist process evaluation of the SAGE yoga trial. The SAGE yoga trial is testing the effect of a yoga-based exercise programme on falls among 700 community-dwelling people aged 60+ years. We draw on focus groups and interviews with four SAGE yoga instructors which we analysed using previously developed programme theories combined with inductive coding and an analytical workshop. Results The concerns of the yoga instructors about teleyoga can be characterised into four broad issues: threats to safety, altered interpersonal dynamics, facilitating mind–body connection and difficulties with technology. The SAGE instructors identified eight modifications they used to manage these challenges: a 1:1 participant interview prior to programme commencement, more descriptive verbal instructions, increased focus on interoception, increased attention and support, slower more structured class flow, simplifying poses, adapting the studio environment and IT support. Conclusions We have created a typology of strategies for addressing challenges in the delivery of teleyoga for older people. As well as maximising engagement with teleyoga, these manageable strategies could be applied by other instructors to a wide range of telehealth classes, improving the uptake and adherence of beneficial online programmes and services.

Program Evaluation of a School-Based Mental Health and Wellness Curriculum Featuring Yoga and Mindfulness

Preprint

Full-text available

May 2023

Background: Interest in the effectiveness of mindfulness-based interventions such as yoga in primary schools has grown. Evidence shows promise, as youth who engage in yoga to promote mindfulness show improved coping skills, increased socio-emotional competence and prosocial skills, academic performance, attention span, and ability to deal with stress. Objective: This study reports the results of a program evaluation of a universal health and wellness curriculum, Pure Power, designed to teach youth yoga techniques, mindfulness, and emotion regulation. Methods: A non-randomized comparison design examined outcomes among participants from schools that completed the intervention with highest fidelity of implementation (n= 461) and from students in matched comparison schools (n= 420). Standard measures of coping, emotion regulation and emotion dysregulation, spelling and math achievement were collected. Results: Analyses suggest the youth in the intervention schools demonstrated relative improvement on measures of emotion regulation, spelling, and math. Conclusions: Challenges in implementation in real life settings are vital to identify. The data provide some real-world evidence for the effectiveness of a universal health and wellness curriculum on emotion regulation and positive academic outcomes. Training school staff to deliver the intervention may foster implementation. Future research should test the effectiveness of who delivers the intervention; for example, teacher delivered groups vs. other wellness personnel.

Women's experiences with yoga after a cancer diagnosis: A qualitative meta-synthesis – Part II

Article

Mar 2023
Compl Ther Clin Pract

A review of qualitative research exploring women’s experiences with yoga after a cancer diagnosis can provide important insights into their motives, barriers, and preferences for yoga participation, which can be used to enhance engagement. In this meta-study meta-synthesis, 6 electronic databases were systematically searched to identify qualitative studies focused on women diagnosed with cancer who engage in yoga. The search yielded 6878 results after de-duplication; of these, 24 articles were eligible and included. Extracted data pertaining to the results, methods, and theoretical approach(es) were analyzed. This paper synthesizes and integrates results from 16 of the 24 articles focused on women’s motives, barriers, and preferences for participating in yoga programs and interventions; it is Part II of a 2-part meta-study meta-synthesis. Motives to participate in yoga included: rehabilitation, physical activity, social support, and novel experience. Barriers centred around time constraints, lack of intentionality, online adaptation difficulties, health condition, and cost. Main approaches to delivering yoga comprised: in-person, in-person with an at-home component, asynchronous online, and synchronous online. Each mode of delivery presented its own benefits and challenges, with suggestions for improvement; participants highlighted the value of supportive and knowledgeable instructors, the ability to connect with others, and the importance of comprehensive classes focused on more than just movement. Participants’ challenges also highlighted a need to actively seek solutions to anticipated challenges prior to delivering interventions and programs. Findings provide information that can be used to develop and deliver yoga interventions and programs to women diagnosed with cancer that prioritize their needs and preferences.

The Value of Mind–Body Connection in Physical Activity for Older People

Article

Jun 2022

Exercise that targets balance and strength is proven to prevent falls in older age. The Successful AGEing yoga trial is the first large randomized controlled trial to assess the impact of yoga on falls in people aged ≥60 years. We conducted a realist process evaluation to explain the strong participant engagement observed using interviews (21 participants and three yoga instructors) and focus groups (12 participants and four yoga instructors). Results showed that relaxation, breathing, and yoga’s mind–body connection created a satisfying internal focus on bodily sensation which was valued by participants. The mechanisms of mindfulness and embodiment appeared to facilitate this. Mindfulness and embodiment are also linked to, and enhance engagement with, other forms of physical activity. By focusing creatively on these mechanisms, we can develop a range of programs that target improvements in physical and mental health (including reducing falls and fear of falls) and appeal to older people.

Examining the Role of Instructor-Student Relationship Quality in Yoga: Implications for Participants' Motives, Stress, Affect, and Mindfulness

Article

Full-text available

Apr 2022

Extensive research outlines a broad spectrum of physical and mental health benefits associated with participation in yoga. In particular, yoga can increase mindfulness as well as decrease anxiety, depression, and stress. However, knowledge of the underlying mechanisms and conditions for promoting positive outcomes requires further study. Limited research has examined how the quality of the relationship between the yoga student and instructor may influence potential health benefits derived from participation in yoga. The present study investigated associations between levels of stress, emotional well-being, motives for yoga, relationship quality, and mindfulness during yoga. Analysis of data collected from 219 adults indicated that higher levels of stress and negative emotional well-being increased the likelihood that yoga was practised to address psychological motives rather than perceived physical health benefits. Additionally, relationship quality with the instructor was found to predict greater state mindfulness during the yoga session. The present study highlights the importance of the relationship quality between instructor and student; future research investigating the efficacy of yoga in optimizing mental health should consider how health outcomes might be influenced by motives for participation and interpersonal relationships.

The Relations Between Physical Exercise and Body Shame among College Students in China

Conference Paper

Full-text available

Jan 2021

A qualitative study exploring middle-aged women’s experiences with yoga

Article

Full-text available

Jul 2021

The purpose of this study was to explore how yoga impacts body-related thoughts, feelings, perceptions and attitudes, well-being, and self-care behaviors in a sample of middle-aged women who regularly engage in yoga in their communities. The sample included 22 women; 10 self-identified as beginners or novices and 12 self-identified as experienced in yoga. Interpretive phenomenological analysis guided the data collection, analysis, and interpretation. Four key themes were identified around the topics of: supportive yoga environment, mindfulness, self-care behaviors, and body-related perceptions. Results highlight potential elements of yoga that can support positive body-related experiences in middle-aged women.

Conscious dance: Perceived benefits and psychological well-being of participants

Article

Jul 2021
Compl Ther Clin Pract

Background Meta-analyses suggest that dance has potential to decrease psychological distress, increase trait mindfulness, and enhance quality of life. Conscious dance can be defined as unchoreographed, intentionally nonevaluative mindful movement commonly practiced in a group setting for purposes of authentic self-expression, self-discovery, interpersonal connectedness, and personal healing or growth. Objective To assess perceived effects of conscious dance practice (e.g., Ecstatic Dance, 5Rhythms) and examine associations between frequency/duration of practice and psychological well-being among participants. Methods Self-identifying adult conscious dancers completed a survey (N = 1003; mean age = 47 years; 52% from the U.S; 78% White; 73% female). Results Conscious dancers with ≥5 years of practice had significantly higher trait mindfulness and life satisfaction compared to newer practitioners. More frequent practice (≥once per week) was associated with higher trait mindfulness. A strong majority of participants endorsed experiences consistent with mindfulness (i.e., feeling “more present in my body”; 99% of the sample) and psychological flow (“I felt like I was ‘in the zone’ or ‘in the flow’ of things”; 93% of the sample) during conscious dance. Among participants endorsing any of five stress-related health conditions, the majority reported therapeutic effects (i.e., that conscious dance “helped them cope” with the condition). Therapeutic effects were most consistently reported by individuals with depression or anxiety (96% endorsement), followed by those with a trauma history (95%), chronic pain (89%), and history of substance abuse or addiction (88%). For all conditions except addiction, therapeutic effects were associated with greater experiences of psychological flow during dance, and the magnitude of these effects was large (Cohen's ds range: 1.0–2.3). Conclusion Individuals who engage in conscious dance report that these practices help them to cope with stress-related health conditions. Participants reporting longer duration or greater frequency of practice scored higher on measures of psychological well-being. The feasibility and efficacy of conscious dance for improving well-being among individuals naïve to these approaches will be important to determine in future research.

Exercício Físico: Compreendendo as Razões para Prática e seus Desfechos Psicológicos Positivos

Article

Full-text available

May 2021

Evandro Morais Peixoto

Studies have shown the role of exercise in promoting mental health and fostering positive emotions. This study proposes the assessment of the psychometric properties of the Reasons for Exercise Inventory (REI). A sample of 206 physical exercise practitioners (mean age 27.31 years ± 8.01, 50% women) answered the instruments. The fit indices of different measurement models employed for the REI in the literature were compared through Confirmatory Factor Analysis. Reliability and its correlation with the state of mindfulness during exercise were estimated. The results indicated a better fit for the model composed of seven factors (reasons for exercise): weight control, fitness, mood, health, attractiveness, enjoyment and tone, all with good reliability indicators. Moderate positive associations between mindfulness indicators and intrinsic reasons for exercise: mood and enjoyment were observed. It was concluded that the Brazilian version of the REI is an adequate measure of the reasons for exercise, corresponding to the original version.

Ambulatory and longitudinal relationships between mindfulness and eating problems: The mediating role of self-objectification

Article

Full-text available

Apr 2021
CURR PSYCHOL

Previous research has shown a negative association between mindfulness and its facets and eating problems. Few studies have examined the mechanism involved between them. As an important cognitive factor of eating problems, self-objectification may be a mediating variable in the prediction of eating problems as they relate to mindfulness. We examined the relation between mindfulness and its facets and eating problems using an ambulatory assessment and follow-up test as well as the mediating effect of self-objectification. A total of 106 college students were recruited to complete the full study. State mindfulness, state self-objectification, and eating problems in daily life were measured by an ambulatory assessment. Trait self-objectification and overall eating problems were measured at a two-month follow-up. For the ambulatory assessment, state mindfulness and five facets of mindfulness could not predict eating problems at the next moment in daily life, and there was no mediating effect of state self-objectification. For the longitudinal survey, acting with awareness, as a facet of mindfulness, can predict eating problems. Trait self-objectification mediated the relationship between acting with awareness and overall eating problems. The findings indicate that the association between mindfulness and eating problems mainly occurs at the trait level.

Mindfulness and Physical Activity: Psychometric Properties of the State Mindfulness Scale for Physical Activity

Article

Full-text available

Feb 2021

If we want to know the importance of exercise in human health, we will see that the beneficial effects of exercise in the prevention-treatment and control of many cardiovascular and respiratory disorders show that life is more important today. It is not bad to mention here the statistics of patients with heart diseases and heart attacks, which kill a large number of people every year, according to the latest research conducted in Turkey, is the highest rate of death from heart disease. Health and physical ability are divine blessings. Man always wants health and vitality. The happiness of every human being depends on a force of his body and soul. For this reason, many researchers and university professors study the effects of exercise on human health and every day we see new findings from this research. This collection is a very small part of the researchers' findings that are made available to those interested readers. ABSTRACT This study aims to test the validity and reliability of the Turkish version of the "State Mindfulness Scale for Physical Activity" developed by Cox, Ullrich-French, and French 1. The research group consists of individuals who study in dance courses in the Çankaya district of Ankara. A total of 217 individuals, 53.5% female (n=116), 46.5% male (n=101), participated in the study voluntarily. The average age of the individuals participating in the study was determined as 31.42±8.93. n addition, the participants stated that they had continued their dance activities for an average of 4.60±5.14 years. Data obtained from the research; a) "Personal Information Form" prepared by the researchers, b) "State Mindfulness Scale for Physical Activity" developed by Cox, Ullrich-French and French 1 , and c) Lau et al. 2 and adapted to Turkish by Sahin and Kokdemir 3 using the "Toronto Mindfulness Scale." The validity of the mindfulness scale for physical activity was examined by confirmatory factor analysis and concurrent validity. The findings showed that the Turkish adaptation of the state mindfulness scale for physical activity had good psychometric properties to determine physical activity participants' state mindfulness.

Percevoir son corps à travers le regard d’autrui : Une revue de la littérature sur l’auto-objectification

Article

Full-text available

Nov 2020

L’objectification sexuelle, à savoir la tendance à considérer ou à traiter une personne comme un objet sexuel, est présente au quotidien dans les relations interpersonnelles comme dans les médias. En effet, ceux-ci (télévision, magazines, internet, jeux vidéo…) véhiculent des images sexualisées, idéalisées et stéréotypées des femmes et des hommes qui ne sont pas sans conséquence pour le grand public. Actuellement, de nombreuses études mettent en évidence que l’impossibilité pour une personne de ressembler ou de s’identifier à une construction inatteignable ou à un modèle parfait peut avoir des conséquences négatives comme de la honte corporelle, de l’anxiété par rapport à son apparence, des troubles alimentaires ou encore de la dépression. L’objectif de cette revue de la littérature est triple. Primo, elle introduit le lecteur à la théorie de l’objectification, développée par Fredrickson et Roberts (1997), qui décrit l’influence de cette représentation omniprésente et idéalisée de la beauté sur la santé mentale des femmes. Secundo, cette littérature centrée sur le concept d’auto-objectification présente de manière synthétique et structurée les études phares qui ont significativement contribué au développement de la réflexion sur la manière dont les hommes et les femmes perçoivent leur propre corps. Tertio, ce manuscrit décrit les limites actuelles de cette théorie et présente de nouvelles perspectives de recherche.

Holistic Movement Practices – An Emerging Category of Physical Activity for Exercise Psychology

Article

Mar 2021
PSYCHOL SPORT EXERC

Background: Exercise psychology has an interest in physical activity behaviour and the psychological dimensions of physical activity delivery and outcomes. Holistic movement practices (HMPs) can be defined as physical practices embedded in holistic philosophies of well-being. As such, they go beyond what is typically offered in exercise contexts to purposefully include mental, emotional, social and/or spiritual components. Traditional Eastern movement practices (e.g., Yoga, Tai Chi, Qigong) are examples of HMPs, but a range of lesser known “Western-born” HMPs (e.g., 5Rhythms, Biodanza) also exist. HMPs have not yet received much structured attention within exercise psychology. Objective: To analyse the nature of HMPs and discuss their relevance to the field of exercise psychology, with a view to raising awareness of HMPs within exercise psychology as well as encouraging and supporting future research. Content: We discuss what we see as commonalities among HMPs and argue that it is useful to treat HMPs as a category of physical activity for exercise psychology, not only because they are forms of physical activity but also because psychological dimensions are an integral and purposeful part of these practices. We provide a tentative conceptualization of HMP philosophies, with brief examples, and consider how exercise psychology’s subfields of participation behaviour, delivery parameters, outcomes, and mechanisms are applicable to the study of HMPs. Last, we briefly explore research issues, including HMPs’ multicomponent nature, selected potential mechanisms, and methodologies. Conclusion: HMPs are part of the leisure-based physical activities landscape in many modern societies, and deserve attention by exercise psychologists. Their embeddedness in holistic philosophies and multicomponent nature provide unique opportunities and challenges for research in exercise psychology.

The Relationship Between Physical Activity and Self-Compassion: a Systematic Review and Meta-analysis

Article

Full-text available

Mar 2021
Mindfulness

Objectives According to the mental health service recommendations from WHO, self-care is the basis for tackling psychological concerns. Although self-esteem has been a symbolic self-driven psychological factor that could generate significant positive well-being and associated with physical activity (PA), self-esteem’s negative effects have been criticized by the advocation of self-compassion (SC). Therefore, with both PA and SC have been found to be effective in achieving positive psychological health, they are expected to show a relationship to cope with people’s mental health problems.Methods To fully study the relationship, a concrete systematic review and meta-analysis were conducted to review the relationship between PA and SC. The meta-analysis outcome was obtained by the pooled correlation coefficient using the random effects model, and meta-regression with mixed-effect models were used to determine the moderate effects.ResultsA total of 25 studies, with n = 5622 samples, were included. Ten studies examined the association between PA and SC; five studies examined the association between PA regulation and SC; and six RCT studies and four single group repeated measure studies examined the effect of PA on SC. The random effects model demonstrated a significant effect size on the overall relationship between PA and SC (r = 0.26), with significant heterogeneity. Subgroup analysis showed the significant effect sizes on four types of relationship, with r = 0.19, r = 0.273 and r = 0.34, r = 0.273, respectively. All potential sources of heterogeneity, including age, gender, study design and risk of bias, showed no moderating effect on the relationship.Conclusion The relationship between PA and SC was significant while investigating the effect of non-mind-and-body interventions and constructing a mechanism of PA and SC can be done as future implications.

Percevoir son corps à travers le regard d’autrui : Une revue de la littérature sur l’auto-objectification

Preprint

Full-text available

Jul 2020

L’objectification sexuelle, à savoir la tendance à considérer ou à traiter une personne comme un objet sexuel, est présente au quotidien dans les relations interpersonnelles comme dans les médias. En effet, ceux-ci (télévision, magazines, internet, jeux vidéo…) véhiculent des images sexualisées, idéalisées et stéréotypées des femmes et des hommes qui ne sont pas sans conséquence pour le grand public. Actuellement, de nombreuses études mettent en évidence que l’impossibilité pour une personne de ressembler ou de s’identifier à une construction inatteignable ou à un modèle parfait peut avoir des conséquences négatives comme de la honte corporelle, de l’anxiété par rapport à son apparence, des troubles alimentaires ou encore de la dépression. L’objectif de cette revue de la littérature est triple. Primo , elle introduit le lecteur à la théorie de l’objectification, développée par Fredrickson et Roberts (1997), qui décrit l’influence de cette représentation omniprésente et idéalisée de la beauté sur la santé mentale des femmes. Secundo , cette littérature centrée sur le concept d’auto-objectification présente de manière synthétique et structurée les études phares qui ont significativement contribué au développement de la réflexion sur la manière dont les hommes et les femmes perçoivent leur propre corps. Tertio , ce manuscrit décrit les limites actuelles de cette théorie et présente de nouvelles perspectives de recherche.

How Self-Compassion Moderates the Relation Between Body Surveillance and Body Shame Among Men and Women

Article

Full-text available

Oct 2020
Mindfulness

Objectives According to objectification theory, being treated as an object leads people, especially women, to perceive themselves as objects. This self-objectification increases body surveillance and feelings of body shame. While this relation is well-established in the literature, little is known about factors that can buffer against detrimental consequences of self-objectification. The current work used a multi-method approach to investigate the role of self-compassion on men and women’s perceptions of their bodies.Methods Study 1 investigated relations between self-compassion, body surveillance, and body shame (N = 60 men, 104 women) using cross-sectional, self-report data. Study 2 (N = 64 men, 94 women) experimentally manipulated self-objectification and self-compassion, assessing resulting body surveillance and shame, whereas study 3 (N = 69 men, 189 women) manipulated self-objectification among participants high and low in self-compassion.ResultsIn study 1, self-compassion was inversely related to body shame and body surveillance, with self-compassion moderating the link between surveillance and shame among men. In study 2, self-compassion protected women in the high self-objectification condition from engaging in greater body surveillance. Yet, in study 3, self-compassion failed to buffer the consequences of body surveillance on body shame. An integrative analysis (N = 193 men, 387 women) demonstrated that self-compassion was strongly negatively associated with body shame and body surveillance among men and women, protecting against detrimental consequences of body surveillance among men.Conclusions The current work contributes to a better understanding of links between constructs related to objectification theory and compassion for oneself in the light of gender differences.

Testing the Role of State Mindfulness in Facilitating Autonomous Physical Activity Motivation

Article

Full-text available

Apr 2020
Mindfulness

Objectives Consistent with early assertions of self-determination theory (SDT), researchers have provided initial evidence of the role of being more mindful in the autonomous regulation of physical activity behavior. The purpose of this study was to test whether change in need satisfaction mediates the relationship between trajectories of change in state mindfulness during yoga classes and change in autonomous physical activity motivation.Methods In this study, 315 students (Mage = 20.46, SDage = 2.15; 87% female) in university yoga classes completed measures of state and trait mindfulness, perceived competence and autonomy (i.e., need satisfaction), and autonomous physical activity motivation multiple times over 16 weeks. A latent growth curve was modeled for state mindfulness with four time points and used to predict change in need satisfaction and autonomous motivation.ResultsBayes estimation results showed that change in need satisfaction partially mediated the relationship between the slope of state mindfulness and change in autonomous motivation for physical activity over 16 weeks of yoga participation (DIC = 2526.382, PPP = .344). The model explained 47% of the variance in need satisfaction and 65% of the variance in autonomous physical activity motivation.Conclusions These results illustrate the potential for growth in mindfulness within the context of yoga to support autonomous motivation for physical activity more generally.

Percevoir son corps à travers le regard d’autrui : Une revue de la littérature sur l’auto-objectification

Preprint

Full-text available

May 2019
ANN PSYCHOL

L’objectification sexuelle, à savoir la tendance à considérer ou à traiter une personne comme un objet sexuel, est présente au quotidien dans les interactions interpersonnelles comme dans les médias. En effet, ceux-ci (télévision, magazines, internet, jeux vidéo…) véhiculent des images sexualisées, idéalisées et stéréotypées de femmes et des hommes qui ne sont pas sans conséquence pour le grand public. Actuellement, de nombreuses études mettent en évidence que l’impossibilité pour une personne de ressembler ou de s’identifier à une construction inatteignable ou à un modèle parfait peut avoir des conséquences négatives comme de la honte corporelle, de l’anxiété par rapport à son apparence, des troubles alimentaires ou encore de la dépression. L’objectif de cette revue de la littérature est triple. Primo, elle introduit le lecteur à la théorie de l’objectification, développée par Fredrickson et Roberts (1997), qui décrit l’influence de cette représentation omniprésente et idéalisée de la beauté sur la santé mentale des femmes. Secundo, cette littérature centrée sur le concept d’auto-objectification présente de manière synthétique et structurée les études phares qui ont significativement contribué au développement de la réflexion sur la manière dont les hommes et les femmes perçoivent leur propre corps. Tertio, ce manuscrit décrit les limites actuelles de cette théorie et présente de nouvelles perspectives de recherche.

No More Bricks in the Wall: Adopting Healthy Lifestyles through Physical Education Classes

Article

Full-text available

Dec 2019
Int J Environ Res Publ Health

Despite the multiple benefits associated with practicing physical activity regularly, less than 20% of the population do it on a daily basis. Physical education classes could contribute, during childhood and adolescence, to consolidating adherence to healthy lifestyle habits. The present study involved 606 secondary school students between the ages of 13 and 19. We analysed the relationships between the perception of psychological control and support for autonomy, the satisfaction and frustration of psychological needs, mind-wandering and mindfulness, positive and negative emotions, motivation towards physical education classes, physical activity and the intention to be physically active—all through a structural equation model, which presented acceptable goodness-of-fit indices. The results showed that students who feel more autonomous see that their psychological needs are met and feel emotionally positive; this will result in the development of autonomous motivation towards physical education classes and physical activity that, in turn, could lead to a greater intention to be physically active.

Self- and Other-Dehumanization Processes in Health-Related Contexts: A Critical Review of the Literature

Article

Oct 2019

Dehumanization is an everyday, pervasive phenomenon in health contexts. Given its detrimental consequences to health care, much research has been dedicated to understanding and promoting the humanization of health services. However, health care service research has neglected the sociopsychological processes involved in the dehumanization of self and others, in formal but also informal health-related contexts. Drawing upon sociopsychological models of dehumanization, this article will bridge this gap by presenting a critical review of studies on everyday meaning-making and person perception processes of dehumanization in health-related contexts. A database search was conducted in PsycINFO, Web of Science, Scopus, and PubMed, using a combination of keywords on dehumanization and health/illness/body; 3,229 references were screened; 95 full texts were assessed for eligibility; 59 studies were included. Most studies focused on informal contexts, reflecting a decontextualized and one-sided view of dehumanization (i.e., not integrating actors’ and victims’ perspectives). Despite the dominant focus on self-dehumanization, emerging perspectives uncover the role of processes that deny human uniqueness to others, and their individual determinants and consequences for mental health. A few studies bring to light the functions of a variety of dehumanizing body metaphors on self- and other-dehumanization. These trends in the literature leave several gaps, which are here critically analyzed to inform future research.

Brief Yoga Intervention for Dental and Dental Hygiene Students: A Feasibility and Acceptability Study

Article

Full-text available

Jun 2019

The present study investigated whether a brief yoga intervention would be feasible and acceptable for dental students. Based on empirical evidence about state mindfulness (SM), change in self-reported SM was assessed as a measure of the intervention’s feasibility and acceptability. A repeated-measures within-subjects design was used. Participants were third- and fourth-year dental and dental hygiene students (76% female). The State Mindfulness Scale (SMS), a validated self-report measure of SM with 2 subscales, Mind and Body, was used. Students (n = 132) completed the SMS immediately prior to and following a 1-hour yoga intervention. Dispositional mindfulness, burnout, perceived stress, and depressive symptoms were also investigated as moderators of changes in state mindfulness to determine whether psychological variables had an effect on feasibility in this sample. Total SM significantly increased from pre- to post-intervention, t(46) = 10.26, P < .001. An analysis of covariance showed a significant interaction effect in the relationship between pre-/post-intervention SM of Mind (β = 0.51, P = .048), such that higher levels of stress saw greater increases in SM of Mind. No other psychological variables were significant moderators. A brief yoga intervention for dental students significantly increased SM, suggesting that yoga interventions may be feasible and acceptable in this population. The results of moderation analyses suggest that a brief yoga intervention may be especially effective at increasing SM for those with high levels of stress. Future research should use a randomized control group to test group differences in SM after a brief yoga intervention for dental students.

Cross-cultural adaptation and validity evidence of the brazilian version of the state mindfulness scale for physical activity (SMS-PA)

Article

Mar 2019

The objective of this study was to perform a cross-cultural adaptation to the Brazilian Portuguese language and to estimate validity evidence of the State Mindfulness Scale for Physical Activity (SMS-PA) in the Brazilian context. The sample consisted of 288 subjects participating in physical and sports activities (mean age: 21.1±4.8; 56.6% women). Exploratory and Confirmatory Factor Analyzes were conducted to assess the internal structure and the invariance of the factorial model between men and women. Cronbach’s alpha was employed to assess internal consistency and the Pearson correlation to assess the pattern of correlation between the SMS-PA and the intrinsic motivation/amotivation measures and between the SMS-PA and the Reason for Exercise scale. The results showed adequacy of the bi-factor structure with two specific factors (mental and body mindfulness) and one general factor (state mindfulness for physical activity) as per the theoretical hypothesis (WLSMV χ2= 95.951; df= 33; χ2/df= 2.91; CFI=.997; TLI=.962; RMSEA=.072 CI-90%.053-.091); desirable internal consistency indices for all factors (.882 ≤ α ≤.887) and invariance of the SMS-PA’s internal structure to assess men and women. Moreover positive correlation of the SMS-PA was observed with intrinsic motivation and internal reasons for exercise with negative correlations for amotivation as per the theoretical hypothesis. It can be concluded from this study that the Brazilian version of the SMS-PA is a suitable measurement tool for assessing state mindfulness in Brazilians who practice physical activities and sports.

The sources and consequences of sexual objectification

Article

May 2023

What Brings Young Adults to the Yoga Mat? Cross-Sectional Associations Between Motivational Profiles and Physical and Psychological Health Among Participants in the Project EAT-IV Survey

Article

May 2022

Objectives: This study examines motivations for yoga and identifies unique motivational profiles among a sample of young adult yoga practitioners. This study further determines how young adult yoga practitioners' motivational profiles associate with physical health behaviors and psychological factors. Subjects/Setting: Survey data were drawn from the fourth wave of a large, population-based study (Project EAT-IV; Eating and Activity in Teens and Young Adults). Design: Latent class analysis (LCA) was used to identify motivational profiles among Project EAT-IV participants practicing yoga (n = 297; mean age: 30.8-1.7 years; 79.7 % female). Cross-sectional associations between latent motivational profiles, physical health behaviors, and psychological factors were determined with unadjusted and adjusted (gender, race/ethnicity, and body mass index) general linear models. Results: Across motivational profiles, most young adult yoga practitioners were motivated by enhanced fitness and stress reduction/relaxation. Additional motivations for yoga clustered by appearance (desire to change body appearance or weight) or mindfulness (desire to increase present moment awareness) underpinnings. The LCA characterized motivational profiles as "Low Appearance, Low Mindfulness" (Class 1; n = 77), "Low Appearance, High Mindfulness" (Class 2; n = 48), "High Appearance, Low Mindfulness" (Class 3; n = 79), and "High Appearance, High Mindfulness" (Class 4; n = 93). Having a profile with high mindfulness and low appearance motivations (Class 2) was associated with higher body satisfaction in comparison to the other classes (p < 0.001). Relative to Class 2, those with low mindfulness motivations (Class 1; Class 3) reported less total physical activity (p = 0.002) and those with high appearance motivations (Class 3; Class 4) reported higher compulsive exercise scores (p = 0.002). Conclusions: In this sample, high mindfulness and low appearance motivations for yoga appeared optimal for physical and psychological health. Cross-sectional findings suggest that young adult yoga practitioners' mind-body health may be supported by motivational underpinnings that emphasize yoga's internal (mindfulness) rather than external (appearance) benefits.

“I Feel Empowered and Alive!”: Exploring Embodiment Among Physically Active Women

Article

Apr 2022

This study explored the association between physical activity and the experience of embodiment among women aged 40 years and older. Women ( n = 112; M age = 63.55, SD = 9.36) who reported engaging in physical activity at least twice per week completed an online survey including the Experiences of Embodiment Scale, Embodied Physical Activity Questionnaire, International Physical Activity Questionnaire, and an open-ended item. Multivariate analysis of covariance indicated significant differences in embodiment between different levels of activity, and follow-up univariate analyses revealed that high active women reported higher scores on two Experiences of Embodiment Scale subscales (positive body connection and agency and expression) than low active women. Significant differences were also seen in Embodied Physical Activity Questionnaire scores across groups, with higher active women reporting stronger experiences of embodiment during exercise. The findings suggest a positive relationship between physical activity and experiences of embodiment and highlight the need to further explore ways to cultivate these experiences.

Combining Yoga Exercise with Rehabilitation Improves Balance and Depression in Patients with Chronic Stroke: A Controlled Trial

Article

Full-text available

Jan 2022

Background: We combined yoga with standard stroke rehabilitation and compared it to the rehabilitation alone for depression and balance in patients. Methods: Forty patients aged from 30 to 80 who had suffered a stroke 90 or more days previously were divided evenly with age stratification and patients’ will (hence not randomized). In the intervention group 16 completed 8-week stroke rehabilitation combined with 1 h of yoga twice weekly. Another 19 patients completed the standard rehabilitation as the control group. Results: The yoga group showed significant improvement in depression (Taiwanese Depression Questionnaire, p = 0.002) and balance (Berg Balance Scale, p < 0.001). However, the control group showed improvement only in balance (p = 0.001) but not in depression (p = 0.181). Further analysis showed both sexes benefitted in depression, but men had a greater improvement in balance than women. Depression in left-brain lesion patients improved more significantly than in those with right-brain lesion, whereas balance improved equally despite lesion site. For patients under or above the age of 60, depression and balance both significantly improved after rehabilitation. Older age is significantly related to poor balance but not depression. Conclusions: Combining yoga with rehabilitation has the potential to improve depression and balance. Factors related to sex, brain lesion site and age may influence the differences.

Achtsamkeit und Achtsamkeitstraining

Chapter

Oct 2021

Achtsamkeit ist ein buddhistischer Ansatz und bedeutet den gegenwärtigen Moment vorurteilsfrei und offen zu registrieren und zuzulassen. Gefühle und Gedanken werden als solche wahrgenommen, ohne diese zu bewerten. Durch eine achtsame und akzeptierende Grundhaltung ist es möglich sich von automatischen, dysfunktionalen Gedanken und Gefühlen zu lösen und flexibler auf diese zu reagieren. Achtsamkeitsbasierte Ansätze zeigen sich nicht nur vielversprechend in der Behandlung psychischer Störungen oder Erkrankungen, sondern auch im Bereich des Sports. Achtsamkeit kann durch sportliche Handlungen gefördert werden, ist aber zudem eine vielversprechende Methode, die beispielsweise im Leistungssport zur Stressreduktion eingesetzt wird. In diesem Kapitel wird eine Einführung in den Ansatz der Achtsamkeit und in das Achtsamkeitstraining gegeben. Dieser Beitrag ist Teil der Sektion Sportpsychologie, herausgegeben vom Teilherausgeber Dieter Hackfort, innerhalb des Handbuchs Sport und Sportwissenschaft, herausgegeben von Arne Güllich und Michael Krüger.

Towards a Comprehensive Understanding of Body Image: Integrating Positive Body Image, Embodiment and Self-Compassion

Article

Full-text available

Jul 2021
PSYCHOL BELG

Body image (BI) disturbance is a relevant factor in the etiology and treatment of eating disorders (ED). Although progress has been made in recent decades in understanding BI and its relationship with ED, the efficacy of BI disturbance prevention and intervention programs is still limited. In order to reach deeper understanding of BI disturbance and clarify the interactions between some protective and risk factors related to this construct, we carried out a literature review on some specific BI-related factors that so far have been analyzed independently. We specifically examined positive and negative BI; embodiment and its role in the development of positive and negative BI; and self-compassion as a protective factor that promotes positive embodiment (vs. disembodiment) and protection against body shame. We conclude that integrating the available evidence on these factors into BI models may be used to enhance our understanding of BI and improve the efficacy of prevention and intervention programs to help fight negative BI (by reducing body shame and disembodiment) and promote positive BI (by increasing self-compassion and positive embodiment). Keywords: body image, positive embodiment, body shame, self-compassion

Self-compassion and resistance to persuasion

Article

Jul 2021

Objective Persuasive health messages sometimes induce resistance. This article explores the link between self-compassion and resistance to health messages that threaten autonomy. Design A pilot study (N = 100) tested whether threatening health messages versus non-threatening messages damage needs for autonomy, which translates into emotional resistance and behavioural intentions of resistance. The main study (N = 83) tested self-compassion and reactant traits as moderators of observable health-behaviour (soft drink consumption) faced with threatening messages versus non-threatening messages. Outcome Measures The pilot study tested whether threatening health messages create resistance using self-reports of anger and resistant behavioural intentions. Observable health-behaviour (soft drink vs. water consumption) was measured in the main study. Results The pilot study showed that the perceived threat to autonomy, which was induced by threatening health messages about soft drink consumption, creates resistance (self-reports of anger and resistant behavioural intentions). The main study shows that the most self-compassionate people act in favour of the arguments of the threatening messages (drinking water rather than soft drinks), whereas the least self-compassionate do not. Conclusion These innovative results are discussed in regard to the compliance role of self-compassion through self-regulatory functions.

The Transnational Migration of Mindfulness: A Call for Reflective Pause in Sport and Exercise Psychology

Article

May 2021
PSYCHOL SPORT EXERC

Objectives: Research on transnational migration has flourished in recent years, but the transnational movement of ideas, practices, and cultural norms, especially within the sport and exercise psychology community, has received scant attention. We explored the transnational migration of mindfulness to understand how the concept has been culturally adapted to fit the mainstream sport and exercise psychology research and practice. Method: Sport-based mindfulness interventions, journal articles in Psychology of Sport and Exercise in 2008-2020, and sessions of the FEPSAC 2019 Congress were examined to reflect on the current positionality of mindfulness within sport and exercise psychology research and practice. Results: In its journey from East to West, mindfulness has been reappropriated through the mechanisms of mediating, mystifying, medicalizing, mainstreaming, marketing, and moralizing. The reviewed publications approached mindfulness as a means to enhance athletes' performance, well-being, or both. Spiritual and Eastern philosophical roots of mindfulness were notably absent from the majority of publications. Discussion and Conclusion: The Western cultural perspective has dominated the cultural encounter when mindfulness migrated from East to West. Researchers and practitioners are called to reflect on their own positionality and how Eurocentric assumptions permeate contemporary mindfulness practice. We call for greater attention to the philosophical, ethical, and spiritual dimensions of mindfulness and for culturally competent and sensitive practice.

Is this what a female yogi looks like? A content analysis of yoga images on Instagram

Article

Mar 2021
BODY IMAGE

As yoga continues to increase in global popularity, idealized representations of a thin, athletic ‘yoga body’ have also become more prominent across commercial media. To examine how yoga is typically represented on social media, a content analysis of the posts of female yoga practitioners on Instagram was undertaken. Images were sourced using hashtags #yoga, #yogabody, #yogapractice, and #yogawoman, and 200 females per hashtag were then coded on demographic factors, body shape, activity, objectification, and practice of yoga. Results showed that over 90 % of women in the images were coded as being under 40 years of age with the vast majority in their 20 s. Almost three-quarters of women were perceived to be white, 100 % appeared able bodied. More than 80 % were classed as thin and/or athletic, while less than 15 % displayed average levels of visible body fat. More than 50 % of yoga poses were advanced while a quarter displayed potentially unsafe alignment. The findings demonstrate that the typical ‘yoga body’ on Instagram was perceived to conform to the young, thin/athletic ideal and that overall yoga is not being represented as an inclusive physical practice that can be adapted for women of diverse ages, body types, and abilities.

The Impact of the CrossFit Environment on Women’s Body Image, Self-Esteem, and Eating Behaviors

Article

Full-text available

Apr 2020

This mixed methods research study sought to investigate associations among women’s body image, self-esteem, and eating behaviors in the CrossFit environment within 5 affiliates (i.e., gymnasiums). Women (n = 149) completed surveys composed of open- and closed-ended items. Focused ethnographies were conducted at all affiliates. Multiple linear regressions revealed no differences between affiliates with respect to women’s body image, self-esteem, and eating behaviors. Conversely, thematic analysis of open-ended items and ethnographic observations revealed positive (e.g., community, food as fuel) and negative (e.g., self-comparison, restriction) influences on all psychosocial variables, with most themes reoccurring across all affiliates. Future researchers should seek to compare affiliates from different geographical/cultural regions.

Yoga's impact on risk and protective factors for disordered eating: a pilot prevention trial

Article

Jul 2020
Eat Disord

Yoga has been proposed as a strategy for improving risk and protective factors for eating disorders, but few prevention trials have been conducted. The purpose of this pilot study was to assess the feasibility and acceptability of a yoga series in female college students (n = 52). Participants were randomized to a yoga intervention (three 50-minute yoga classes/week for 10 weeks conducted by certified yoga teachers who received a 3-day intensive training) or a control group. Risk and protective factors, assessed at baseline, 5 and 10 weeks, included body dissatisfaction, negative affect, loneliness, self-compassion, positive affect, and mindfulness. Mixed models controlling for baseline levels of outcome variables were run. On average, participants attended 20 out of 30 yoga classes, and the majority of participants reported high levels of satisfaction with the yoga series. Appearance orientation decreased and positive affect increased in the yoga group relative to the control group. After controlling for baseline levels, the yoga group had a significantly higher positive affect than the control group. Changes in other outcomes were not statistically significant, as compared to the control condition. Future yoga research directions are discussed including education about body image, measure and sample selection, and use of an implementation science framework.

The Role of Mind–Body Approaches in Promoting Healthcare Engagement and Positive Behavior Change

Chapter

Aug 2020

Mind–body interventions (MBIs) include a wide range of behavioral therapies, such as meditation, Tai Chi, yoga, and relaxation techniques. Though heterogeneous, most MBIs are multimodal and include therapeutic components, such as mindfulness, breath awareness, and physical movement. These interventions modulate key neurocognitive, psycho-emotional, and biophysical processes that may be involved in promotion of positive health behaviors and healthcare engagement. This chapter focuses on three particularly salient self-care behaviors for pulmonary patients: medication adherence, smoking cessation, and physical activity. For example, MBIs improve processes such as attention, memory, and planning behavior, as well as increase mindfulness and disease awareness, which may support medication adherence. Similarly, for smoking cessation, MBIs cultivate awareness and engage cognitive and emotional processes such as cognitive decentering and emotion regulation that may help patients notice triggers and resist cravings. Changes in mood, self-efficacy, motivation, physical function, and cardiorespiratory fitness with various MBIs may facilitate engagement in physical activity. Healthcare professionals can successfully guide patients by actively inquiring about MBI use and preferences, and by making appropriate recommendations or referrals based on patient needs, functional status, and available community resources.

Trait mindfulness and intrinsic exercise motivation uniquely contribute to exercise self-efficacy

Article

Full-text available

Apr 2020
J AM COLL HEALTH

Download at: https://www.tandfonline.com/eprint/Q366ZWBH3SGDJDFUHBXU/full?target=10.1080/07448481.2020.1748041 Objective: Traditional views of exercise motivation emphasize the long-term health benefits of exercise. We investigated whether mindfulness, present-moment awareness, is associated with greater exercise motivation and exercise self-efficacy in college students. Exercise self-efficacy reflects how confident individuals are that they can persist in exercising despite obstacles. Participants: Undergraduate students (N ¼ 188) were recruited from the psychology participant pool in Fall 2017. Methods: Participants completed an online survey assessing trait mindfulness, exercise motivation, exercise self-efficacy, and demographic information. Results: Hierarchical regression analyses revealed positive associations between intrinsic and extrinsic exercise motivation and exercise self-efficacy, mindfulness and intrinsic exercise motivation, and mindfulness and exercise self-efficacy. The latter relationship was partially mediated by intrinsic exercise motivation. Extrinsic exercise motivation was not associated with mindfulness. Conclusions: Both mindfulness and intrinsic exercise motivation independently predict exercise self-efficacy, suggesting that mindfulness may uniquely contribute to positive health behaviors in college students.

A conceptual model describing mechanisms for how yoga practice may support positive embodiment

Article

Mar 2020

Yoga practice has been associated with various indices of positive embodiment in correlational and intervention studies. Yet, systematic, theoretically-grounded models detailing specific mechanisms by which yoga supports positive embodiment are lacking. In this article, we present a conceptual model that describes mechanisms (i.e., mediators and moderators) that can be used to guide research to help answer how, for whom, and under what conditions yoga practice may promote positive embodiment. Based on existing theoretical frameworks and empirical findings, this model suggests that (a) yoga practice may cultivate embodying experiences during yoga (e.g., state mindfulness), (b) these embodying experiences may build stable embodying experiences that generalize beyond the yoga context (e.g., trait mindfulness), and (c) these stable embodying experiences may then promote embodying practices (e.g., mindful self-care). This mediational chain is likely moderated by the yoga context (e.g., instructional focus, presence of mirrors, diversity of bodies represented) and yoga practitioners’ social identities (e.g., body size, physical limitations), social and personal histories (e.g., experiences with weight stigma and trauma), and personality traits and motives (e.g., body comparison, appearance-focused motives to practice yoga). Using the structure of this conceptual model, we offer researchers ideas for testable models and study designs that can support them.

Examining the effects of mindfulness-based yoga instruction on positive embodiment and affective responses

Article

Mar 2020

Empirical evidence provides support for the inclusion of yoga as part of eating disorder prevention efforts through its positive impact on positive embodiment and experience of positive core affect. However, there is a need to identify the specific instructional strategies that will more consistently support positive embodiment and positive affect. We examined the effect of teaching a single yoga class using mindfulness-based instruction compared to appearance-based and neutral instruction alternatives on embodiment (i.e., state body surveillance, state body appreciation, pleasure during yoga) and changes in affect from before to after class. Female participants (N = 62; Mage = 23.89, SD = 6.86) were randomly assigned to a yoga class that emphasized: being mindfully present in one’s body, changing one’s appearance, or just getting into yoga poses. ANOVAs revealed significantly higher body surveillance (ηp² =.10) and lower forecasted pleasure (ηp² =.21) in the appearance class compared to the other two classes. Participants in the mindfulness class experienced greater improvement in affect (ηp² =.08) from before to after class and higher remembered pleasure during the yoga class (ηp² =.19) compared to those in the appearance class. Emphasizing changes to appearance in yoga instruction may place participants at risk for less positive affect and less positive experiences of embodiment compared to mindfulness-based or even neutral yoga instruction.

The roles of self-compassion, body surveillance, and body appreciation in predicting intrinsic motivation for physical activity: Cross-sectional associations, and prospective changes within a yoga context

Article

Jun 2019

Engaging in physical activity for the immediate internal experiences it brings (e.g., pleasure, satisfaction) is critical for long-term exercise adherence. Investigations of how factors such as body image contribute to intrinsic motivation for physical activity are needed. The present study examined body surveillance and body appreciation as mediators of the relationship between self-compassion and intrinsic motivation for physical activity cross-sectionally and prospectively. One sample of college women completed measures of study variables at one time point (Sample 1; N = 269, Mage = 19.96) and a second sample did so during Weeks 1, 8, and 16 while participating in a 16-week yoga course (Sample 2; N = 323, Mage = 20.31). In Sample 1, latent variable structural equation modeling supported body appreciation as a mediator between self-compassion and intrinsic motivation for physical activity. In Sample 2, latent growth curve analyses revealed that change in self-compassion predicted changes in body surveillance and body appreciation in expected directions. Further, change in body appreciation positively predicted change in intrinsic motivation. Targeting self-compassion and body appreciation may help support women's intrinsic motivation for physical activity.

»Slowing down in an accelerated world. Recreation in a profit-oriented market.« 2019 ISTP - Copenhagen

Conference Paper

Full-text available

Aug 2019

Christian Dewanger

A short one to show that there is a clear research gap with regard to the growing relaxation market and increasing dissemination of Far Eastern teachings and techniques. Behind this, however, there are gaps in theories that theoretical psychology should address. My presentation gives a small overview of the questions and the topic.

Exploring changes in mindfulness and body appreciation during yoga participation

Article

Jun 2019
BODY IMAGE

Evidence supports the positive role that yoga participation can play in predicting positive body image experiences. However, less is known about the mechanisms that might explain this relationship. The purpose of this study was to test for change in state and trait mindfulness and body appreciation as well as the relationship between change in trait mindfulness and change in body appreciation across 16 weeks of yoga participation. Participants (N = 376; Mage = 20.45; 87% female) were recruited from for-credit yoga classes at a university. They completed measures of trait mindfulness and body appreciation at the beginning, mid-point, and end of the 16-week course. They also completed a measure of state mindfulness of the body that targeted their experience during yoga every other week after class. Latent growth curves were estimated for each variable and demonstrated significant (p < .001) positive change in trait mindfulness and body appreciation. The full structural model showed that the rate of change in trait mindfulness associated positively with the rate of change in body appreciation. This significant relationship supports the role that mindfulness may play in supporting growth in positive body image during yoga participation.

A comparative study of the impacts of strength training and yoga on female students' body awareness

Article

Full-text available

Jan 2014

Validity Evidence for the State Mindfulness Scale for Physical Activity

Article

Full-text available

Oct 2015

Being attentive to and aware of one’s experiences in the present moment with qualities of acceptance and openness reflects the state of mindfulness. Positive associations exist between state mindfulness and state autonomous motivation for everyday activities. Though this suggests that state mindfulness links with adaptive motivational experiences, no suitable measure of state mindfulness exists that would facilitate the examination of these relationships in a physical activity context. Thus, we revised the State Mindfulness Scale (Tanay & Bernstein, 2013) and provided score validity evidence for the measure in a physical activity context. A bi-factor model reflecting mindfulness of the mind and body as specific factors and a general mindfulness factor was supported. Validity evidence, such as positive relationships with intrinsic motivation, and a negative relationship with body surveillance support score use. The revised scale can facilitate investigations of the role of mindfulness in physical activity settings.

The Development and Validation of the Male Assessment of Self-Objectification (MASO)

Article

Full-text available

Feb 2013

Self-objectification occurs when the appearance rather than the functionality of one’s body is considered to be the most important determinant of his or her self-worth and may be used to explain the drive for muscularity in men. Given mixed findings in the literature regarding men’s experiences of self-objectification, there is reason to believe that these discrepancies may be a result of the way in which self-objectification is currently being measured. Therefore, we sought to develop and validate an instrument to assess self-objectification specifically in men called the Male Assessment of Self-Objectification (MASO). To do so, three studies were conducted, comprising the initial scale development, validation, and test−retest phases of scale construction. Exploratory factor analysis was used in the first study where results yielded two factors. In the second study, results from confirmatory factor analyses indicated that the two-factor model of the MASO was superior to a one-factor model. Further, the MASO was significantly correlated to the drive for muscularity, body surveillance, and body shame as predicted. Lastly, the results of the final study supported the stability of the MASO over a 2-week period. Collectively, results indicate that the MASO demonstrates adequate validity and reliability in assessing self-objectification in men. (PsycINFO Database Record (c) 2014 APA, all rights reserved)

Objectification Theory: Toward Understanding Women's Lived Experiences and Mental Health Risks

Article

Full-text available

Jun 1997

This article offers objectification theory as a framework for understanding the experiential consequences of being female in a culture that sexually objectifies the female body. Objectification theory posits that girls and women are typically acculturated to internalize an observer's perspective as a primary view of their physical selves. This perspective on self can lead to habitual body monitoring, which, in turn, can increase women's opportunities for shame and anxiety, reduce opportunities for peak motivational states, and diminish awareness of internal bodily states. Accumulations of such experiences may help account for an array of mental health risks that disproportionately affect women: unipolar depression, sexual dysfunction, and eating disorders. Objectification theory also illuminates why changes in these mental health risks appear to occur in step with life-course changes in the female body.

Embodiment Feels Better Girls' Body Objectification and Well-Being Across Adolescence

Article

Full-text available

Mar 2011

In a five-year longitudinal study, we investigated the role of body objectification in shaping girls' self-esteem and depressive symptoms over the course of adolescence. Multivariate Latent Growth Curve Modeling (MLGM) was used to test the association between body objectification and both self-esteem and depressive symptoms with data from 587 adolescent girls who began the study at age 13 and completed the study at age 18. Results revealed that body objectification decreased, self-esteem increased, and depressive symptoms remained relatively steady across adolescence. Girls who experienced decreases in body objectification also tended to increase in self-esteem and decrease in depressive symptoms over the course of adolescence, even after accounting for several factors known to be associated with positive youth development including race/ethnicity, socioeconomic status, educational achievement, religiosity, and body satisfaction. Practical implications for reducing objectification and enhancing girls' well-being through health, physical, and sexuality education, as well as through media literacy programs are discussed. Directions for future research are also discussed, including a greater focus on the role of race/ethnicity, research on boys, and the need for more experimental studies of body objectification.

State Mindfulness Scale (SMS): Development and Initial Validation

Article

Full-text available

Sep 2013

The goal of the present research was to develop and test a novel conceptual model and corresponding measure of state mindfulness-the State Mindfulness Scale (SMS). We developed the SMS to reflect traditional Buddhist and contemporary psychological science models of mindfulness not similarly reflected in extant published measures of the construct. Study 1 exploratory and confirmatory factor analyses supported a higher order 2-factor solution encompassing 1 second-order state mindfulness factor, and 2 first-order factors, one reflecting state mindfulness of bodily sensations and the other state mindfulness of mental events. Study 2 provided cross-sectional evidence of the convergent, discriminant, and incremental convergent validity of SMS scores with respect to other measures of state and trait mindfulness. Study 3, a randomized control experimental mindfulness intervention study, yielded a number of key findings with respect to SMS stability as a function of time and context, construct validity, incremental sensitivity to change in state mindfulness over time, and incremental predictive criterion-related validity. Findings are discussed with respect to the potential contribution of the SMS to the study of mindfulness as a statelike mental behavior, biopsychobehavioral research on the mechanisms of mindfulness, and clinical evaluation of mindfulness. (PsycINFO Database Record (c) 2013 APA, all rights reserved).

Objective Self-Awareness Theory: Recent Progress and Enduring Problems

Article

Full-text available

Aug 2001

Objective self-awareness theory has undergone fundamental changes in the 3 decades since Duval and Wicklund's (1972) original formulation. We review new evidence that bears on the basic tenets of the theory. Many of the assumptions of self-awareness theory require revision, particularly how expectancies influence approach and avoid - ance of self-standard discrepancies; the nature of standards, especially when they are changed; and the role of causal attribution in directing discrepancy reduction. How - ever, several unresolved conceptual issues remain; future theoretical and empirical directions are discussed. The human dilemma is that which arises out of a man's capacity to experience himself as both subject and ob- ject at the same time. Both are necessary—for the sci- ence of psychology, for therapy, and for gratifying liv- ing. (May, 1967, p. 8)

Putting the Self into Self-conscious Emotions: A Theoretical Model

Article

Full-text available

Apr 2004

Self-conscious emotions (e.g., shame, pride) are fundamentally important to a wide range of psychological processes, yet they have received relatively little attention compared to other, more "basic" emotions (e.g., sadness, joy). This article outlines the unique features that distinguish self-conscious from basic emotions and then explains why generally accepted models of basic emotions do not adequately capture the self-conscious emotion process. The authors present a new model of self-conscious emotions, specify a set of predictions derived from the model, and apply the model to narcissistic self-esteem regulation. Finally, the authors discuss the model's broader implications for future research on self and emotion.

Effects of a yoga-based intervention for young adults on quality of life and perceived stress: The potential mediating roles of mindfulness and self-compassion

Article

Full-text available

Jan 2013

2012): Effects of a yoga-based intervention for young adults on quality of life and perceived stress: The potential mediating roles of mindfulness and self-compassion, The Journal of Positive Psychology: Dedicated to furthering research and promoting good practice, 7:3, 165-175 This article may be used for research, teaching, and private study purposes. Any substantial or systematic reproduction, redistribution, reselling, loan, sub-licensing, systematic supply, or distribution in any form to anyone is expressly forbidden. The publisher does not give any warranty express or implied or make any representation that the contents will be complete or accurate or up to date. The accuracy of any instructions, formulae, and drug doses should be independently verified with primary sources. The publisher shall not be liable for any loss, actions, claims, proceedings, demand, or costs or damages whatsoever or howsoever caused arising directly or indirectly in connection with or arising out of the use of this material.

Exercise, physical activity, and self-determination theory: A systematic review

Article

Full-text available

Jun 2012
INT J BEHAV NUTR PHY

Motivation is a critical factor in supporting sustained exercise, which in turn is associated with important health outcomes. Accordingly, research on exercise motivation from the perspective of self-determination theory (SDT) has grown considerably in recent years. Previous reviews have been mostly narrative and theoretical. Aiming at a more comprehensive review of empirical data, this article examines the empirical literature on the relations between key SDT-based constructs and exercise and physical activity behavioral outcomes. This systematic review includes 66 empirical studies published up to June 2011, including experimental, cross-sectional, and prospective studies that have measured exercise causality orientations, autonomy/need support and need satisfaction, exercise motives (or goal contents), and exercise self-regulations and motivation. We also studied SDT-based interventions aimed at increasing exercise behavior. In all studies, actual or self-reported exercise/physical activity, including attendance, was analyzed as the dependent variable. Findings are summarized based on quantitative analysis of the evidence. The results show consistent support for a positive relation between more autonomous forms of motivation and exercise, with a trend towards identified regulation predicting initial/short-term adoption more strongly than intrinsic motivation, and intrinsic motivation being more predictive of long-term exercise adherence. The literature is also consistent in that competence satisfaction and more intrinsic motives positively predict exercise participation across a range of samples and settings. Mixed evidence was found concerning the role of other types of motives (e.g., health/fitness and body-related), and also the specific nature and consequences of introjected regulation. The majority of studies have employed descriptive (i.e., non-experimental) designs but similar results are found across cross-sectional, prospective, and experimental designs. Overall, the literature provides good evidence for the value of SDT in understanding exercise behavior, demonstrating the importance of autonomous (identified and intrinsic) regulations in fostering physical activity. Nevertheless, there remain some inconsistencies and mixed evidence with regard to the relations between specific SDT constructs and exercise. Particular limitations concerning the different associations explored in the literature are discussed in the context of refining the application of SDT to exercise and physical activity promotion, and integrating these with avenues for future research.

Mindfulness: A Proposed Operational Definition

Article

Full-text available

Oct 2004

There has been substantial interest in mindfulness as an approach to reduce cognitive vulnerability to stress and emotional distress in recent years. However, thus far mindfulness has not been defined operationally. This paper describes the results of recent meetings held to establish a consensus on mindfulness and to develop conjointly a testable operational definition. We propose a two-component model of mindfulness and specify each component in terms of specific behaviors, experiential manifestations, and implicated psychological processes. We then address issues regarding temporal stability and situational specificity and speculate on the conceptual and operational distinctiveness of mindfulness. We conclude this paper by discussing implications for instrument development and briefly describing our own approach to measurement.

Behavioral and psychological implications of body dissatisfaction—do Men and Women Differ

Article

Full-text available

Aug 1988

The relationships of body satisfaction, self-esteem, dieting, and exercise were studied in 92 men and women. Men and women did not differ in degree of body dissatisfaction as assessed by three different measures. However, on the direction of body dissatisfaction, men were as likely to want to be heavier as thinner, whereas virtually no women wished to be heavier. Although overall body esteem was correlated with self-esteem for both men and women, measures of weight dissatisfaction were not associated with self-esteem for women. The normative nature of weight dissatisfaction for women today may serve to buffer its effects on self-esteem. Women reported exercising for weight control more than men, and exercising for weight control was associated with disregulated eating.

Brief Report: Self-Objectification and Esteem in Young Women: The Mediating Role of Reasons for Exercise

Article

Full-text available

Jan 2003

In this study we investigated the interrelationships between self-objectification, reasons for exercise, body satisfaction, body esteem, and self-esteem. A questionnaire that assessed each of these constructs was completed by 104 female participants between the ages of 16 and 25 who exercised regularly at a fitness center. Self-objectification and appearance-related reasons for exercise were significantly negatively related to body satisfaction, body esteem, and self-esteem, and functional reasons for exercise were positively related to each of these outcome measures. Self-objectification also predicted the reasons women exercise. More important, reasons for exercise were found to mediate the relationships between self-objectification and body satisfaction, body esteem, and self-esteem. It was concluded that objectification theory can be extended usefully into the realm of exercise and that, among women who exercise, motivations for exercise account for the reduced body satisfaction and self-esteem for women high on self-objectification.

Minding the body: Yoga, embodiment, and well-being

Article

Full-text available

Dec 2006

The second half of the twentieth century witnessed a dramatic influx of yoga into the West. Hatha yoga is a movement-based form of relaxation and meditation that combines physical postures, exercises, and breathing techniques. The current study examined the potential of yoga to buffer against the harmful effects of self-objectification as well as to promote embodiment (i.e., body awareness and responsiveness) and well-being in a sample of 19 participants enrolled in a 2-month yoga immersion program. Participants completed a short survey at six time points during the yoga immersion. Results showed thatthe women in the study objectified their own bodies less after participation in the program. Furthermore, among both men and women, more frequent yoga practice was associated with increased body awareness, positive affect, and satisfaction with life, as well as decreased negative affect. Policy implications are discussed, particularly the importance of teaching yoga in schools.

Reasons for Exercise and Body Esteem: Men's Responses to Self-Objectification

Article

Full-text available

Oct 2005

In this study, we applied the construct of self-objectification to men, specifically to examine the role of reasons for exercise in men's responses to objectification. A questionnaire that assessed self-objectification, reasons for exercise, body esteem, and self-esteem was voluntarily completed by 153 Australian participants between the ages of 18 and 35 years (82 men and a comparison group of 71 women). Self-objectification and appearance-related reasons for exercise were significantly negatively related to body esteem for both men and women. Self-objectification was also positively related to appearance-related reasons for exercise. The latter was found to mediate the relationship between self-objectification and body esteem for both men and women. Men were just as likely as women to exercise for appearance-related reasons. Together, the results suggest that objectification may be sensibly applied to men and that exercising for appearance-related reasons appears to exacerbate the negative impact that self-objectification has on both men's and women's esteem.

Body Awareness, Eating Attitudes, and Spiritual Beliefs of Women Practicing Yoga

Article

Full-text available

Jun 2009
Eat Disord

This research evaluated attitudes about body image and eating in women practicing postural yoga. Study 1 described scores from questionnaires on variables related to body awareness, intuitive eating, spirituality, and reasons for practicing. Scores were favorable on all measures with significant correlations (p < .01) among all main variables except between spiritual readiness and intuitive eating, and between BMI and both body awareness and spiritual readiness. Reasons for practicing did not affect scores. Study 2 evaluated interviews in a sub-sample. Qualitative data reported improvements in body satisfaction and disordered eating due in part to yoga and its associated spirituality.

Objectification Processes and Disordered Eating in British Women and Men

Article

Full-text available

May 2009

Rachel M Calogero

The present study extended the applicability of Objectification Theory to predict disordered eating in British women and men. Participants completed measures of self-objectification, body surveillance, body shame and disordered eating. Path analyses indicated strong support for the theoretical model in women, with body shame fully mediating the relation between self-objectification and disordered eating. Patterns were similar for men with two exceptions; body shame increased with lower self-objectification and disordered eating was directly increased with higher self-objectification. Findings extend Objectification Theory as a useful framework for identifying sociocultural influences on disordered eating in British women and men.

The Benefits of Being Present: Mindfulness and Its Role in Psychological Well-Being

Article

Full-text available

Apr 2003

Mindfulness is an attribute of consciousness long believed to promote well-being. This research provides a theoretical and empirical examination of the role of mindfulness in psychological well-being. The development and psychometric properties of the dispositional Mindful Attention Awareness Scale (MAAS) are described. Correlational, quasi-experimental, and laboratory studies then show that the MAAS measures a unique quality of consciousness that is related to a variety of well-being constructs, that differentiates mindfulness practitioners from others, and that is associated with enhanced self-awareness. An experience-sampling study shows that both dispositional and state mindfulness predict self-regulated behavior and positive emotional states. Finally, a clinical intervention study with cancer patients demonstrates that increases in mindfulness over time relate to declines in mood disturbance and stress.

Hatha yoga and the treatment of illness

Article

Full-text available

Mar 2004
Alternative Ther Health Med

David Riley

Acceptance and Commitment Therapy: The Process and Practice of Mindful Change

Book

Sep 2011

Since the original publication of this seminal work, acceptance and commitment therapy (ACT) has come into its own as a widely practiced approach to helping people change. This book provides the definitive statement of ACT—from conceptual and empirical foundations to clinical techniques—written by its originators. ACT is based on the idea that psychological rigidity is a root cause of a wide range of clinical problems. The authors describe effective, innovative ways to cultivate psychological flexibility by detecting and targeting six key processes: defusion, acceptance, attention to the present moment, self-awareness, values, and committed action. Sample therapeutic exercises and patient–therapist dialogues are integrated throughout. New to This Edition *Reflects tremendous advances in ACT clinical applications, theory building, and research. *Psychological flexibility is now the central organizing focus. *Expanded coverage of mindfulness, the therapeutic relationship, relational learning, and case formulation. *Restructured to be more clinician friendly and accessible; focuses on the moment-by-moment process of therapy.

Is women's participation in different types of yoga classes associated with different levels of body awareness and body satisfaction?

Article

Jan 2010

This study examined the relationship between women's participation in different types of Yoga classes and different facets of body image. Ninety-two women at five different sites of Yoga instruction completed assessments of Yoga experience, internalization of Yoga principles, body satisfaction, body awareness, body consciousness, and eating attitudes. Yoga experience was coded according to months/years of practice, self-rated expertise, and how much the classes attended emphasized the "mind" aspects of Yoga (e.g., meditation, breathing, mindfulness, and chanting) as well as the "body" aspects (postures, fitness). Participants in Yoga classes that included more emphasis on the mind showed significantly greater levels of internalizing the teachings of Yoga, as well as greater body awareness and satisfaction. Greater experience with Yoga was associated with lower objectified body consciousness. Greater internalization of Yoga principles was associated with greater body satisfaction and sense of control of the body. Greater self-rated expertise in Yoga was associated with greater body awareness and fewer body shape concerns. None of the Yoga measures was significantly associated with the Eating Attitudes Test, which is designed to measure attitudes and behaviors associated with eating disorders. Although correlational, the results of this study suggest that further attention be paid to how the psychological benefits of Yoga differ across different types of Yoga classes. Future experimental research on the psychological benefits of Yoga should examine the importance of emphasizing a fully integrated mind-body practice rather than only the fitness aspects of Yoga.

Mindfulness: A Proposed Operational Definition

Article

Aug 2004

Body Image and Exercise

Article

Jan 2012

Exercise has been shown to be an effective intervention for improving body image among both women and men. This chapter begins with a review of the meta-analytic evidence regarding the effects of exercise on body image. We then provide a comprehensive assessment of potential mechanisms underlying the effects of exercise on body image. Three mechanisms are discussed: objective changes in physical fitness, perceived changes in physical fitness, and changes in self-efficacy. An analysis of potential moderators of the exercise-body image relationship follows. Finally, we present a review of emerging topics in the exercise intervention and body image literature and provide recommendations for body image research within the field of exercise psychology.

Unbearable Weight: Feminism, Western Culture, and the Body

Article

Jan 1995

Influence of Yoga on Body Image Satisfaction in Men

Article

Aug 2014

Mary Flaherty

-The aim of this study was to examine the influence of yoga practice on body image satisfaction in men. Male Figure Drawings were used to explore body image satisfaction in yoga beginners (n = 26, M age = 40.3 yr., SD = 11.6), experienced yoga practitioners (n = 22, M age = 46.4 yr., SD = 11.6), and non-yoga practicing aerobic and weight training exercisers (n = 34, M age = 41.2 yr., SD = 11.9). Satisfaction was significantly higher among the yoga groups than the exercisers. There was no statistical difference between the body satisfaction scores of the experienced yoga group and the beginner yoga students. This may suggest that individuals drawn to yoga have greater body satisfaction than exercisers, and that regular yoga practice possibly further increases body satisfaction.

The effects of aerobic- versus strength-training on body image among young women with pre-existing body image concerns

Article

Jun 2014
BODY IMAGE

This experiment compared the effects of aerobic-training (AT) versus strength-training (ST) on body image among young women with pre-existing body image concerns. Theory-based correlates of body image change were also examined. Participants were 46 women (M age = 21.5 years), randomly assigned to an 8-week AT or ST intervention consisting of supervised exercise 3 days/week. Multidimensional measures of body image were administered pre- and post-intervention, along with measures of physical fitness, perceived fitness, and exercise self-efficacy. Women in the AT condition reported greater reductions in social physique anxiety (p = .001) and tended to report greater improvements in appearance evaluation (p = .06) than women in the ST condition. Changes in perceived fatness, perceived aerobic endurance and aerobic self-efficacy were significantly correlated with body image change (ps < .003). Results provide direction for prescribing exercise to improve body image and advancing theory to account for the effects of exercise.

Emphasizing appearance versus health outcomes in exercise: The influence of the instructor and participants' reasons for exercise

Article

Jan 2014

The objectifying nature of exercise environments may prevent women from reaping psychological benefits of exercise. The present experiment manipulated self-objectification through an exercise class taught by an instructor who emphasized exercise as either a means of acquiring appearance or health outcomes. The purpose of this study was to test for interactions between the class emphasis and participants' reasons for exercise (i.e., appearance, health) predicting participants' state self-objectification, state social physique anxiety, exercise class enjoyment, and future intentions of returning to a similar exercise class. Results, obtained via pre- and post-exercise questionnaires, revealed a significant interaction between class emphasis and health reasons for exercise predicting state self-objectification. Participants with lower health reasons for exercise reported greater state self-objectification in the appearance-focused class compared to those with higher health reasons for exercise. Adopting stronger health reasons for exercise may buffer exercise participants from the more objectifying aspects of the group exercise environment.

The Effect of Simultaneous Exercise and Exposure to Thin-Ideal Music Videos on Women’s State Self-Objectification, Mood and Body Satisfaction

Article

Aug 2012

The present study examined the simultaneous impact of thin-ideal music videos and exercise on state self-objectification, mood and body satisfaction, in order to assess whether exercise can ameliorate the usually found negative effects of appearance-focused media. One-hundred and eighty-four South Australian undergraduate women viewed appearance-focused or neutral music videos, with half in each condition simultaneously participating in a bout of exercise or in quiet rest. Participants completed pre- and post- state measures of mood, body satisfaction and self-objectification. As expected, exposure to appearance-focused music videos produced increased state self-objectification in comparison to neutral images. For body satisfaction, an interaction emerged for the dimension of physical attractiveness, whereby women who exercised and watched appearance-focused video clips felt more attractive than women watching the same clips who did not exercise, and felt no less attractive than women who watched neutral clips. The findings demonstrate that thin-ideal music videos serve to increase state self-objectification, but that exercise can ameliorate the negative effects of idealized media images on women’s feelings of physical attractiveness.

Gender Differences in Undergraduates' Body Esteem: The Mediating Effect of Objectified Body Consciousness and Actual/Ideal Weight Discrepancy

Article

Jul 1998

Nita Mary McKinley

Three hundred twenty-seven undergraduatemostlyEuropean American women and men were surveyed totest whether feminist theoryabout how women come to viewtheir bodies as objects to be watched (Objectified Body Consciousness or OBC) can be useful inexplaining gender differences in body esteem. The OBCscales (McKinley & Hyde, 1996) were demonstrated tobe distinct dimensions with acceptable reliabilities for men. Relationships between bodysurveillance, body shame, and body esteem were strongerfor women than for men. Women had higher surveillance,body shame, and actual/ideal weight discrepancy, andlower body esteem than did men. Multiple regressionanalysis found that gender differences in body esteemwere no longer significant when OBC was entered into theequation, supporting feminist theory about women's body experience.

Relations among exercise type, self-objectification, and body image in the fitness centre environment: The role of reasons for exercise

Article

Nov 2008
PSYCHOL SPORT EXERC

Objective: The study aimed to investigate different types of exercise, the role of exercise motivation and body image outcomes within the fitness centre environment. Design and method: Participants were 571 female fitness class participants recruited from fitness centres. They ranged in age from 18 to 71 years and participated in a variety of fitness activities both within and outside of the fitness centre environment. Reasons for exercise, self-objectification, body esteem, and disordered eating symptomatology were assessed using questionnaire measures. Results: Time spent exercising within the fitness centre environment was more highly related to body image and eating disturbance than time spent exercising outside of the fitness centre environment. Participation in cardio-based workouts (e.g., cardiovascular machines) was positively related to self-objectification, disordered eating behaviour, and appearance-related reasons for exercise, and negatively related to body esteem. In contrast, participation in yoga-based fitness classes was related to lower self-objectification and exercising more for health and fitness. Appearance-focused reasons for exercise were found to mediate the relationship between exercise types and self-objectification, disordered eating, and body esteem. Conclusion: The results show that the reasons women have for doing exercise provide a mechanism through which different types of exercise are associated with negative body image outcomes. Thus, despite the physical health-related benefits associated with regular physical activity, exercise motivated by appearance reasons (e.g., weight control) can lead to poorer body image in some women.

A Theory Of Objective Self Awareness

Article

Jan 1972

Considers the conditions which cause the consciousness to focus on the self as an object. The theory that self-awareness has motivational properties deriving from social feedback is discussed and considered with relation to conformity, attitude-behavior discrepancies, and communication sets. (PsycINFO Database Record (c) 2012 APA, all rights reserved)

The Role of State Mindfulness during Yoga in Predicting Self-Objectification and Reasons for Exercise

Abstract

No full-text available