The Role of Body Image, Disordered Eating and Lifestyle on the Quality of Life in Lithuanian University Students

Migle Baceviciene, Rasa Jankauskiene and Vaiva Balciuniene
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Migle Baceviciene: Department of Physical and Social Education, Lithuanian Sports University, Sporto 6, 44221 Kaunas, Lithuania
Rasa Jankauskiene: Institute of Sport Science and Innovations, Lithuanian Sports University, Sporto 6, 44221 Kaunas, Lithuania
Vaiva Balciuniene: Department of Physical and Social Education, Lithuanian Sports University, Sporto 6, 44221 Kaunas, Lithuania

IJERPH, 2020, vol. 17, issue 5, 1-17

Abstract: Purpose . The present study aimed to explore the associations between body image concerns (BI), disordered eating (DE), health-related lifestyle, and the different domains of the quality of life (QoL) in a Lithuanian sample of student-aged men and women. Methods . A mixed-gender sample of students ( N = 1850, 58.8% were women, average age 21.6 ± 5.0 years) completed a series of questionnaires, including health-related lifestyles, BI, DE, and QoL. A series of simultaneous multiple linear regression analyses were conducted. Mediation analyses were performed to estimate the size of the total, direct, and indirect effects of variables in the models. Results . The analysis of the linear regressions demonstrated that the positive trait of body areas satisfaction was associated with the significantly enhanced QoL in all domains in both genders (for men β = 0.29–0.34; for women β = 0.26–0.33; p < 0.001). DE was associated with a poorer psychological QoL domain in women only (β = −0.07; p = 0.047). The drive for muscularity was associated with a lower QoL in men (β = −0.06–(−0.141); p < 0.05). Body areas satisfaction mediated the associations between body mass index and psychological and physical QoL in both genders (TLI (Tucker Lewis Index) = 0.975; CFI (comparative fit index) = 0.997; RMSEA (Root of the Mean Square Error) = 0.053). Conclusions. Positive traits of BI play essential roles in the QoL of student-aged women and men. The present study adds empirical evidence emphasizing the importance of integrating education about positive body image while implementing healthy lifestyle and QoL promotion programs in student-aged men and women.

Keywords: nutrition; smoking; binge drinking; physical activity; positive body image; disordered eating; quality of life; students (search for similar items in EconPapers)
JEL-codes: I I1 I3 Q Q5 (search for similar items in EconPapers)
Date: 2020
References: View references in EconPapers View complete reference list from CitEc
Citations: View citations in EconPapers (2)

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