The relationship of body image perception and weight status to recent change in weight status of the adolescent female.

This descriptive correlational study investigated the relationship of body image perception and weight status to recent change in weight status of the adolescent female. Based on earlier research findings supporting the position that obese adolescent females demonstrate a negative body image perception as compared to the nonobese, this investigation identified the need to study body image perception as it applies to all adolescent females and to include a recent change in weight status as it may affect that perception. A convenience sample of 90 adolescent females between the ages of 13 and 17 years was selected from health and gym classes at a large midwestern metropolitan high school. Subjects were grouped into three categories: nonobese, overweight, and obese based on height, weight, and skinfold measurement. They were administered two questionnaires: the Body-Cathexis Scale and a self-report recent change in weight status and demographic questionnaire. Results indicated a significant positive correlation for the overall association of body image perception and weight status. When the analysis was partialled according to defined weight groups, the relationship held only for the overweight group. Differences in body image scores were obtained in association with each of the recent change-in-weight-status questions. Findings confirmed the need to study the association between body image perception and weight status to recent change in weight status with a more heterogeneous group of adolescent females.