The Interactive Role of Gender, BMI, and Exercise Habits on Social Physique Anxiety
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| Title: | The Interactive Role of Gender, BMI, and Exercise Habits on Social Physique Anxiety |
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| Language: | English |
| Authors: | Burkhart J. Hahn (ORCID |
| Source: | Journal of American College Health. 2025 73(5):2002-2009. |
| Availability: | Taylor & Francis. Available from: Taylor & Francis, Ltd. 530 Walnut Street Suite 850, Philadelphia, PA 19106. Tel: 800-354-1420; Tel: 215-625-8900; Fax: 215-207-0050; Web site: http://www.tandf.co.uk/journals |
| Peer Reviewed: | Y |
| Page Count: | 8 |
| Publication Date: | 2025 |
| Document Type: | Journal Articles Reports - Research |
| Education Level: | Higher Education Postsecondary Education |
| Descriptors: | Anxiety, Social Influences, Human Body, Aesthetics, Gender Differences, Body Composition, Body Weight, Exercise, College Students, Obesity |
| DOI: | 10.1080/07448481.2025.2510695 |
| ISSN: | 0744-8481 1940-3208 |
| Abstract: | Objective: Social physique anxiety (SPA) is characterized by concerns of evaluation focused on one's physical appearance. Past work suggests factors such as gender, body mass index (BMI), and exercise habits uniquely contribute to SPA. However, no study has examined the interactions between these three variables. The current study sought to investigate the linked impact of gender, BMI, and exercise habits on SPA. Participants: Participants (N = 360) from a large Midwestern university completed questionnaires assessing relevant variables. Method: SPA was elevated for women, individuals with higher BMI, and those who do not exercise. Results: A significant interaction indicated that women who were classified as overweight and obese reported elevated SPA, but the same effect did not hold for men. A marginally significant interaction revealed that men who engage in exercise reported lower SPA scores than women who exercise. Conclusions: These data depict both protective and maintenance factors of SPA for college populations. Other clinical implications are discussed. |
| Abstractor: | As Provided |
| Entry Date: | 2025 |
| Accession Number: | EJ1476950 |
| Database: | ERIC |
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| Abstract: | Objective: Social physique anxiety (SPA) is characterized by concerns of evaluation focused on one's physical appearance. Past work suggests factors such as gender, body mass index (BMI), and exercise habits uniquely contribute to SPA. However, no study has examined the interactions between these three variables. The current study sought to investigate the linked impact of gender, BMI, and exercise habits on SPA. Participants: Participants (N = 360) from a large Midwestern university completed questionnaires assessing relevant variables. Method: SPA was elevated for women, individuals with higher BMI, and those who do not exercise. Results: A significant interaction indicated that women who were classified as overweight and obese reported elevated SPA, but the same effect did not hold for men. A marginally significant interaction revealed that men who engage in exercise reported lower SPA scores than women who exercise. Conclusions: These data depict both protective and maintenance factors of SPA for college populations. Other clinical implications are discussed. |
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| ISSN: | 0744-8481 1940-3208 |
| DOI: | 10.1080/07448481.2025.2510695 |
