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International Journal of Public Health

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Open Access 01-01-2018 | Original Article

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

Authors: Ross D. Whitehead, Alina Cosma, Jo Cecil, Candace Currie, Dorothy Currie, Fergus Neville, Jo Inchley

Published in: International Journal of Public Health | Issue 1/2018

Abstract

Objectives

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

Methods

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

Results

Little change was observed in over- or underweight perceptions. However, relative to those perceiving their body as ‘about right’, those perceiving themselves as overweight reported decreasing confidence (all groups), decreasing happiness (11- and 13-year-old girls), and increasing psychological health symptoms (all girls and 15-year-old boys). Perceived underweight is associated with poor well-being, especially in males, but we present little evidence that this is a recent phenomenon.

Conclusions

We present evidence suggesting that the association between body size perception and poor mental health in adolescence is changing over time. This may play a role in the recently observed worsening of mental well-being in Scottish adolescents.

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Title: Trends in the perceived body size of adolescent males and females in Scotland, 1990–2014: changing associations with mental well-being
Authors: Ross D. Whitehead
Alina Cosma
Jo Cecil
Candace Currie
Dorothy Currie
Fergus Neville
Jo Inchley
Publication date: 01-01-2018
Publisher: Springer International Publishing
Published in: International Journal of Public Health / Issue 1/2018
Print ISSN: 1661-8556
Electronic ISSN: 1661-8564
DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/s00038-017-0997-y

Keynote webinar | Spotlight on sleep in brain health

Springer Medicine

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

Abstract

Objectives

Methods

Results

Conclusions

Keynote webinar | Spotlight on sleep in brain health

Springer Medicine

Abstract

Objectives

Methods

Results

Conclusions

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