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

ABSTRACT:

Objectives

This paper explores trends in Scottish adolescents' body size perceptions and associated mental well-being outcomes.

Methods

Data were collected on Scottish 11-, 13-, and 15-year-olds by the Health Behaviour in School-aged Children study between 1990 and 2014 (n = 42,312). Logistic regression was used to examine changes in the prevalence of over- and underweight perceptions. Ordinal and linear regressions were used to examine changes in the association between body perception and mental well-being.

Results

Little change was observed in over- or underweight perceptions. However, relative to those perceiving their body as 'about right', those perceiving themselves as overweight reported decreasing confidence (all groups), decreasing happiness (11- and 13-year

SUBMITTER: Whitehead RD 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC5766710 | biostudies-literature | 2018 Jan

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature