An 8-month longitudinal exploration of body image and disordered eating in the UK during the COVID-19 pandemic

Sharpe, Helen; Newman, Emily; Robertson, MacKenzie; Opitz, Marie-Christine; Peebles, Imogen; Duffy, Fiona

doi:10.1016/j.eatbeh.2022.101660

Cited by 7 publications

(1 citation statement)

References 27 publications

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“…In terms of behavioral and mental health, since the COVID-19 outbreak, adolescents have reported increased physical inactivity (9), isolation, depressive and anxiety symptoms (10)(11)(12), and have engaged in more screen time (13)(14)(15). Some studies have also documented an increase in disordered eating behaviors and body image disturbances (2,16,17). A recent scoping review concluded that the associations between the COVID-19 pandemic and increased in disordered eating behaviors (i.e., dietary restraint, compensatory behaviors, overeating) and body image concerns was strongest in vulnerable groups, such as adolescents with a history or an actual eating disorder or existing disordered eating, and adolescents with higher levels of body dissatisfaction and/or COVID-19-related anxiety/fear (18).…”

Section: Main Textmentioning

confidence: 99%

COVID-19-Related Distress, Body Image, and Eating Behaviors: A Cross-sectional Explanatory Model

Rodrigue

Rodgers

Carbonneau

et al. 2023

Preprint

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Background: The COVID-19 pandemic has been associated with increased body dissatisfaction and disordered eating behaviors in adolescents. To better understand these associations, this study tested an explanatory model in which appearance-focused social media use, internalisation of social media pressure, and mindfulness abilities mediated the relationship between COVID-related distress and body dissatisfaction, which in turn was associated with dietary restraint and binge eating episodes. Methods: Adolescents (N =498, Mage= 16.7, 47.2% girls) recruited within high schools completed online measures. Results: A final well-adjusted model was revealed using path analyses, confirming the proposed mediational effects. Conclusions: Findings suggest that mindfulness, media use and the internalisation of social media pressure are potential key processes explaining body dissatisfaction and eating disorders among adolescents who experienced higher level of COVID-related distress.

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Section: Main Textmentioning

confidence: 99%

COVID-19-Related Distress, Body Image, and Eating Behaviors: A Cross-sectional Explanatory Model

Rodrigue

Rodgers

Carbonneau

et al. 2023

Preprint

View full text Add to dashboard Cite

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The collateral effects of the COVID‐19 pandemic: A gender‐specific systematic review of disordered eating behaviour in the general population

Laskowski,

Brandt,

Reque

et al. 2024

Euro Eating Disorders Rev

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ObjectiveThe COVID‐19 pandemic initiated public health measures, impacting mental health and exacerbating disordered eating behaviours (DEB). This study aims to fill gaps in understanding DEB in the general population during the pandemic, emphasising gender dynamics and the experiences of gender and/or sexual minority (SGM) individuals.MethodA systematic literature review followed PRISMA guidelines to investigate DEB during the pandemic, focusing on gender‐sensitive analyses and SGM populations. Outcomes from the included studies were synthesised to identify patterns and associations related to DEB, particularly considering gender dynamics and SGM experiences.ResultsSignificant gender associations with DEB were observed, with women consistently exhibiting higher scores. SGM populations also showed elevated DEB symptoms. Longitudinal studies indicated changes in DEB over time, with some decreases observed among men.ConclusionsThe review underscores significant gender differences in DEB during the pandemic, with women exhibiting higher symptom levels. Lockdown measures had nuanced impacts on DEB, varying across studies. Various factors including pandemic‐related stressors influenced DEB. Consideration of these factors can inform tailored interventions for DEB in the general population. Overall, the review enhances our understanding of how gender intersects with the pandemic's impact on DEB, emphasising the need for diverse approaches to address these behaviours.

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When time worsens framing: a longitudinal analysis of the psychological effects of the COVID-19 pandemic in women with an eating disorder and their healthy sisters

Meneguzzo,

Ceccato,

Sala

et al. 2023

Arch Womens Ment Health

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The COVID-19 pandemic has profoundly affected individuals with eating disorders (ED), leading to an exacerbation of symptoms worldwide in 2020. However, there is a lack of longitudinal analyses of the psychological burdens experienced by this population. This study aims to longitudinally assess the psychological effects of the COVID-19 pandemic in people with ED and their healthy sisters (HS) 1 and 2 years after the onset of the crisis. A sample of 148 individuals, consisting of 73 with ED and 45 HS, was evaluated in spring 2021 and spring 2022 regarding their current psychological and behavioral states. Participants were also asked to reflect on their feelings and behaviors during the 2020 lockdown. General psychopathology, eating disorders, and trauma-related symptoms were evaluated using validated questionnaires. Both groups showed an overall improvement in psychopathological symptoms with time. Individuals with ED exhibited greater improvement compared to their HS, which may be attributed to their initially higher burden. Individuals with ED reported a negative reframe, characterized by internalizing negative emotions and behaviors related to the 2020 lockdown. This longitudinal evaluation revealed two distinct and contrasting effects. Both ED patients and their HS demonstrated psychological improvement over time. However, people with ED experienced a negative reframe that affected their memory of specific life events, subsequently affecting their psychological well-being. These findings shed light on the clinical severity observed in people with ED during these pandemic years.

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An 8-month longitudinal exploration of body image and disordered eating in the UK during the COVID-19 pandemic

Cited by 7 publications

References 27 publications

COVID-19-Related Distress, Body Image, and Eating Behaviors: A Cross-sectional Explanatory Model

COVID-19-Related Distress, Body Image, and Eating Behaviors: A Cross-sectional Explanatory Model

The collateral effects of the COVID‐19 pandemic: A gender‐specific systematic review of disordered eating behaviour in the general population

When time worsens framing: a longitudinal analysis of the psychological effects of the COVID-19 pandemic in women with an eating disorder and their healthy sisters

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