Body image and compulsive exercise: are there associations with depression among university students?

ABSTRACT:

Purpose

Mental health problems among university students have been reported to be significantly increasing and suggested to be associated with college drop-out. Body dissatisfaction and compulsive exercise are both constructs relevant for mental health problems in general and eating disorders in particular. This study examined associations between body dissatisfaction, compulsive exercise and self-reported symptoms of depression among Swedish university students.

Methods

Participants (n = 4262) are students in an ongoing cohort study, and data from the baseline assessment were used. Four linear regression models were built to explore the associations between body dissatisfaction, compulsive weight control exercise and depressive symptoms.

Results

Our findings showed t

SUBMITTER: Edlund K 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC9556381 | biostudies-literature | 2022 Oct

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature