Degree

Doctor of Philosophy (PhD)

Department

School of Kinesiology

Document Type

Dissertation

Abstract

Lifetime health disparities leave women at greater risk for obesity-related morbidity. Increasing physical activity mitigates risk, but female participation remains low compared to age equivalent males. Three-dimensional (3D) optical imaging technologies offer a personalized intervention delivery that potentially motivates health-related behavior change; however, little is understood about implications of usage towards other determinants like body image.

Using a randomized experimental design, Chapter 3 investigates whether the delivery format of health information affects female body image. Specifically, differences were compared between Body Areas Satisfaction Subscale (BASS, 9-items; 5-point scale; α= .82) scores following exposure to either image results from a 3D scan or analogous numerical information. Subsequent to data collection, women (N=320, Mage=30.18, SD=11.41) were stratified within conditions based on BMI to create four unique groups (G): (G1) healthy weight – 3D scan image (n=80, BASS=3.35, SD-.63), (G2) overweight/obese – 3D scan image (n=80, BASS=2.98, SD=.67), (G3) healthy weight – numerical information (n=80, BASS=3.40, SD=.66), or (G4) overweight/obese – numerical information (n=80, BASS=3.15, SD=.69). ANOVA results revealed an overall treatment effect, F (3,316) = 12.38, p2=.11). Post hoc tests showed significant mean differences in all body satisfaction comparisons between healthy BMI and overweight/obese BMI groups and no differences between 3D scan and numerical information groups with the same BMI classification.

Chapter 4 examines the efficacy of an 8-week pilot intervention to reduce health-related somatic risk factors, promote health-related behavior change, and preserve positive physical self-evaluations in a diverse (6 Caucasian, 1 Hispanic, 7 African American) sample of postpartum women (n=14, Mage=29.8, SDage=4.5, MBMI=32.3, SDBMI=6.7). Results indicate significant main effects of group condition on weight, BMI, waist circumference, and physical activity, as well as main effects of time and group condition on body image scores. Trending interactions of time and group condition on weight, BMI, and aspects of body image also support the need for future investigations with more participants.

This dissertation’s findings indicate that image results generated by 3D scanning technology do not inherently undermine women’s body image. When used over time in conjunction with effortful health-related behavior change, these devices may support progress towards health goals and overall body image in female populations.

Date

7-11-2024

Committee Chair

Hulteen, Ryan

DOI

https://doi.org/10.31390/gradschool_dissertations.6535

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Available for download on Sunday, July 11, 2027

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