Coronavirus pandemic: Covid-19 anxiety linked to body image issues, finds study

Anxiety and stress straight linked to Covid-19 could possibly be inflicting a variety of physique picture points amongst ladies and men, counsel the findings of a brand new research. The analysis, led by Professor Viren Swami of Anglia Ruskin University (ARU) and printed within the journal Personality and Individual Differences, concerned 506 UK adults with a median age of 34. Amongst ladies, the research discovered that emotions of tension and stress brought on by Covid-19 have been related to a better want for thinness. It additionally discovered that nervousness was considerably related to physique dissatisfaction.

Amongst the male contributors, the research discovered that Covid-19-related nervousness and stress have been related to a better want for muscularity, with nervousness additionally related to physique fats dissatisfaction. Negative physique picture is without doubt one of the important causes of consuming problems, similar to anorexia and bulimia, and this new research provides to current analysis indicating that fears round Covid-19, and the implications of the restrictions launched to assist sort out it, could possibly be contributing to a variety of critical psychological well being points. Lead creator Viren Swami, Professor of Social Psychology at Anglia Ruskin University (ARU), stated: “In addition to the impact of the virus itself, our results suggest the pandemic could also be leading to a rise in body image issues. In some cases, these issues can have very serious repercussions, including triggering eating disorders.

“Certainly during the initial spring lockdown period, our screen time increased, meaning that we were more likely to be exposed to thin or athletic ideals through the media, while decreased physical activity may have heightened negative thoughts about weight or shape. At the same time, it is possible that the additional anxiety and stress caused by Covid-19 may have diminished the coping mechanisms we typically use to help manage negative thoughts.” “Our study also found that when stressed or anxious, our pre-occupations tend to follow gender-typical lines. During the lockdown, women may have felt under greater pressure to conform to traditionally feminine roles and norms, and messaging about self-improvement may have led to women feeling dissatisfied with their bodies and having a greater desire for thinness.

“Similarly, our findings reflect the way in which stress and anxiety impact men’s relationships with their bodies, particularly in terms of masculine body ideals. Given that masculinity typically emphasises the value of toughness, self-reliance, and the pursuit of status, Covid-19-related stress and anxiety may be leading men to place greater value on the importance of being muscular.”

(This story has been printed from a wire company feed with out modifications to the textual content. Only the headline has been modified.)

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