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Perceived Body Appearance and Eating Habits: The Voice of Young and Adult Students Attending Higher Education

Author

Listed:
  • Tali Heiman

    (Department of Education and Psychology, The Open University of Israel, Raanana 4353701, Israel)

  • Dorit Olenik-Shemesh

    (Department of Education and Psychology, The Open University of Israel, Raanana 4353701, Israel)

Abstract

This study examined the relationship between social-environmental influences and body image perception. Specifically, the study explored the perceived body appearance among young and older students attending higher education, and their eating experiences, as related to four main social-environmental circles: family, friends, work colleagues, and media. The present study interviewed 30 students (14 men and 16 women) ages 20–40. The findings show that most of the participants were concerned about their appearance, reported on various eating habits rooted on family tradition. Findings revealed differences among gender and age groups regarding, especially regarding sport and dissatisfaction with their own perceived appearance. Although more women reported on healthy eating habits and doing sport, they reported higher dissatisfaction with their body appearance. It was found that in both groups, family habits and their parents’ remarks about bodies had an ongoing effect and significant influence on their body self-perceptions. Further health promotion should be directed in particular to individuals with a perceived negative body image, in order to enhance positive body self-perception, implementing heathy eating habits and engaging higher commitment to sport.

Suggested Citation

  • Tali Heiman & Dorit Olenik-Shemesh, 2019. "Perceived Body Appearance and Eating Habits: The Voice of Young and Adult Students Attending Higher Education," IJERPH, MDPI, vol. 16(3), pages 1-12, February.
    • Handle: RePEc:gam:jijerp:v:16:y:2019:i:3:p:451-:d:203443
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    Citations

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    Cited by:

    1. Marzena Jezewska-Zychowicz & Marta Plichta, 2022. "Diet Quality, Dieting, Attitudes and Nutrition Knowledge: Their Relationship in Polish Young Adults—A Cross-Sectional Study," IJERPH, MDPI, vol. 19(11), pages 1-15, May.
    2. Winnie Wing Man Ng & Anthony Siu Wo Wong & Kin Cheung, 2021. "A Cluster Randomized Controlled Trial Feasibility Study of a WhatsApp-Delivered Intervention to Promote Healthy Eating Habits in Male Firefighters," IJERPH, MDPI, vol. 18(12), pages 1-12, June.
    3. Blanca Villalobos & Horacio Miranda & Berta Schnettler, 2022. "Satisfaction with Food: Profiles of Two-Parent Families with Adolescent Children," IJERPH, MDPI, vol. 19(24), pages 1-20, December.

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