Leon_et_al_2021.pdf (250.41 kB)
Perception of current and desired body size in early childhood
journal contribution
posted on 2023-07-26, 15:38 authored by María P. León González, Irene González-Martí, Guillermo F. López-Sánchez, Onofre R. Contreras JordánBody image is a construct of social relevance given its impact on physical and mental health. The research of this construct at an early age has received little attention despite some authors have demonstrated that there is concern towards the body in preschool age. This mixed design study aimed to measure body size perception, desired body and body dissatisfaction among children of young age. For that purpose, Preschoolers’ Body Scale, composed of four children figures with different weight status, was administered to 176 participants of 4 and 5 years, of which 96 were boys and 80 were girls. Results showed that body size perception was inaccurate in both sexes and ages, tending towards greater overestimation in girls. It was also observed that most participants chose the desired figure different from the perceived one, especially females. However, this finding does not necessarily reflect the existence of body dissatisfaction, as qualitative data suggest. Participants’ responses appear to reflect a slight body awareness. Future studies that deepen in body image development at early ages are needed.
History
Refereed
- Yes
Volume
13Issue number
3Page range
81-92Publication title
Psychology, Society and EducationISSN
1989-709XExternal DOI
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Editorial Universidad de AlmeríaFile version
- Published version
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- other
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Legacy posted date
2022-01-04Legacy creation date
2022-01-04Legacy Faculty/School/Department
Faculty of Health, Education, Medicine & Social CareUsage metrics
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