Body image and strategies to lose weight and increase muscle among boys and girls.

This study examined factors that influence body image and strategies to either lose weight or increase muscle among children. Participants were 237 boys and 270 girls. Body mass index (BMI), body dissatisfaction, cognitions and behaviors to both lose weight and increase muscles, as well as self-esteem and positive and negative affect, were evaluated. Self-esteem was associated with body satisfaction, positive affect predicted strategies to lose weight and increase muscles, and negative affect predicted body dissatisfaction and cognitions to lose weight and increase muscles. Boys were more likely to focus on changing muscles. Respondents with higher BMIs were more focused on losing weight but not muscle. The discussion focuses on health risk behaviors related to eating and exercise among children. (PsycINFO Database Record (c) 2010 APA, all rights reserved)     

Prevalence of weight reducing and weight gaining in adolescent girls and boys.

Surveyed the prevalence of weight reducing and weight gaining in 1,373 high school students. 63% of the girls and 16.2% of the boys reported being on weight-reducing regimens; 9.1% of the girls and 28.4% of the boys were trying to gain weight. Most female reducers and male gainers were already normal weight. Whites and Hispanics were more likely to be reducing, whereas Blacks were more likely to be gaining. Exercise and moderate caloric reduction were most popular for weight reducing, and a small but significant number were regularly using fasting, vomiting, laxatives, and appetite suppressants. The rate of weight reducing in female high school adolescents has increased significantly since similar surveys of American youths 20 yrs ago. (PsycINFO Database Record (c) 2010 APA, all rights reserved)     

Development's tortoise and hare: Pubertal timing, pubertal tempo, and depressive symptoms in boys and girls.

Although the sequence of pubertal maturation remains consistent across most individuals, the timing and tempo of development fluctuate widely. While past research has largely focused on the sequelae of pubertal timing, a faster tempo of maturation might also present special challenges to children for acclimating to new biological and social milestones. Using latent growth curve modeling, the present study investigated how pubertal tempo and pubertal timing predicted depressive symptoms over a 4-year period in a sample of children recruited from New York City area public schools. Rate of intraindividual change in parent-reported Tanner stages was used as an index of pubertal tempo, and more advanced Tanner development at an earlier chronological age was used as an index of pubertal timing. For girls (N = 138, M = 8.86 years old at Time 1), pubertal timing emerged as the most salient factor, and the tempo at which girls progressed through puberty was not significant. In boys (N = 128, M = 9.61 years old at Time 1), both timing and tempo of development were significant; notably, however, the effects of pubertal tempo were stronger than those of timing. These findings highlight the need to consider multiple sources of individual variability in pubertal development and suggest different pubertal challenges for boys and girls. (PsycINFO Database Record (c) 2010 APA, all rights reserved)     

Cognitive development and role-taking ability in boys and girls from 7 to 12.

10 males and 10 females at each of 3 age levels (7, 9, and 12 yrs), matched on IQ, were given a social role-taking task and 2 Piagetian tasks. Performance on all tasks generally increased with age, but correlations between performances on the 2 types of tasks were generally not significant. There were no significant sex differences on the tasks. IQ was correlated with performance on the role-taking task but not with the Piagetian tasks, which were not highly correlated with each other. The ability to "think about possibilities" did not differ significantly for the age or sex groups, but this ability was significantly related to performance on the experimental tasks for the younger Ss. (22 ref) (PsycINFO Database Record (c) 2010 APA, all rights reserved)     

Prospective predictors of body dissatisfaction in adolescent girls and boys: A five-year longitudinal study.

This study investigated prospective risk factors for increases in body dissatisfaction in adolescent girls and boys in the Eating Among Teens Project. At the time of first assessment (Time 1), participants were a cohort of early adolescent girls (N=440) and boys (N=366) and a cohort of middle adolescent girls (N=946) and boys (N=764). Participants were followed up 5 years later (Time 2). Potential prospective risk factors examined included body mass index, socioeconomic status, ethnicity, parent dieting environment, peer environment, and psychological factors. Predictors of Time 2 body dissatisfaction were Time 1 body dissatisfaction, body mass index, socioeconomic status, being African American, friend dieting and teasing, self-esteem, and depression. However, the profile of predictors differed across the samples. (PsycINFO Database Record (c) 2010 APA, all rights reserved)     

Pelvic ultrasonography in normal girls and in girls with pubertal precocity

Small bowel allograft rejection in large animals has yet to be well defined. There are no specific early signs of graft rejection. The present experiments were undertaken to compare acute small bowel allograft rejection in pigs with and without FK506 and also to examine the usefulness of mucosal biopsies. Thirty-six outbred Large-White pigs were divided into (1) group 1 (n = 9): nonimmunosuppressed recipients; (2) group 2 (n = 8): FK506-immunosuppressed recipients; (3) group 3 (n = 2): autotransplant controls; and (4) donors (n = 17). Orthotopic small bowel transplantations were performed with Thiry-Vella loops for daily biopsies. The survival rate of group 2 was significantly longer than that of group 1 (P < 0.05). One best survivor in group 2 was killed at postoperative day (POD) 365. Treatment by FK506 prevented rejection, but most of the pigs died of pneumonia. In group 1, rejection began on POD 3 and progressed to severe rejection rapidly within 7 days. In group 2, rejection began from POD 6 to POD 8, but either remained mild or spontaneously improved. The differences in the routine laboratory data and the tumor necrosis factor-alpha level were not evident between the groups. Histological studies of repeated graft biopsies are thus considered to be essential for detecting signs of graft rejection.     

Relationship of body mass index and psychosocial factors on physical activity in underserved adolescent boys and girls.

Objective: Previous research indicates that body mass index (BMI) and sex are important factors in understanding physical activity (PA) levels. The present study examined the influence of BMI on psychosocial variables (self-efficacy, social support) and PA in underserved (ethnic minority, low income) boys in comparison with girls. Methods: Participants (N = 669; 56% girls; 74% African American) were recruited from the “Active by Choice Today” trial. Main Outcome Measures:BMI ? score was calculated from objectively collected height and weight data, and PA was assessed with 7-day accelerometry estimates. Self-report questionnaires were used to measure self-efficacy and social support (family, peers) for PA. Results: A 3-way interaction between BMI z score, sex, and family support on PA was shown such that family support was positively associated with PA in normal-weight but not overweight or obese boys, and was not associated with PA in girls. Self-efficacy had the largest effect size related to PA in comparison with the other psychosocial variables studied. Conclusions: Self-efficacy was found to be an important variable related to PA in underserved youth. Future studies should evaluate possible barriers to PA in girls, and overweight youth, to provide more effective family support strategies for underserved adolescents' PA. (PsycINFO Database Record (c) 2010 APA, all rights reserved)     

Management of the short stature due to pubertal delay in boys

Boys with constitutional pubertal delay who present with decreased growth rate pose diagnostic and therapeutic problems. Ninety-one boys seen after the age of 14 yr for height for age less than -2 SD, growth rate less than 5 cm/yr, and pubertal delay were evaluated. The GH peak after the arginine-insulin stimulation test was less than 10 micrograms/L in 35 of the subjects; these boys differed from the 56 others in having a GH peak of 10 micrograms/L or more, their higher body mass index (-0.27 +/- 0.2 vs. -0.85 +/- 0.1 score; P < 0.05), and lower plasma insulin-like growth factor-I (IGF-I; 1.2 +/- 0.2 vs. 1.8 +/- 0.2 U/mL; P < 0.05). The GH peak correlated negatively with the body mass index (P < 0.01), but not with plasma levels of testosterone and IGF-I or its GH-dependent binding protein (BP-3). At a second GH evaluation, performed with testosterone priming (21 boys; 100 mg testosterone heptylate/15 days, im; four doses) or without (6 boys), 23 patients had increased their GH peak to above 10 micrograms/L, and 4 had not. Three of these were treated with human (h) GH, and a third GH evaluation, performed after full pubertal development, showed a normal GH peak. The growth rate during the year preceding the GH evaluation was 3.8 +/- 0.1 cm (1-7 cm). During the year after the GH evaluation, it was 6.8 +/- 0.3 cm in the 32 patients followed without therapy, 7.3 +/- 0.3 cm in the 25 patients given testosterone (25 mg testosterone heptylate/15 days, im), and 7.3 +/- 1.4 cm in the 3 treated with hGH. Spontaneous growth during the 2 periods was correlated with testicular volume (P < 0.01) and the plasma testosterone level (P < 0.05), but not with the GH peak, plasma IGF-I, or BP-3. The final height (n = 49) was -1.0 +/- 0.1 SD, below target height (-0.4 +/- 0.1 SD; P < 0.0001). It was similar in patients with a GH peak below or equal to or above 10 micrograms/L and in those given or not given testosterone therapy. We conclude that the growth rate of boys with constitutional pubertal delay depends on the testicular volume and plasma testosterone level, but not on the GH peak, plasma IGF-I, or BP-3 levels. Final height is not altered by a transient drop in GH or by low dose testosterone therapy.     

Predicting mathematics performance in high school girls and boys.

Ninth-grade scores for 157 females and 148 males for 3 cognitive tests (Test of Academic Progress, Quick Word Test, and Space Relations Test of the Differential Aptitude Tests) and the 8 Fennema-Sherman Mathematics Attitudes Scales were used to predict mathematics performance: grades in a 2nd, 3rd, and 4th yr of theoretical math (latter, females only, 30 Ss) and scores of senior girls on the Mental Arithmetic Problems test (85 Ss). Using multiple regression, 9th-grade scores significantly predicted mathematics performance 1–3 yrs later. Spatial visualization was an important variable, significantly predicting geometry grade for girls, but not for boys. Aside from math achievement, spatial visualization was the only other variable with a significant weight in predicting mathematical problem-solving scores for girls over a 3-yr period. (24 ref) (PsycINFO Database Record (c) 2010 APA, all rights reserved)     

Paternal behavior and intellectual functioning in preschool boys and girls.

A study of 180 middle-, working-, and lower-class families indicates that less bright females flourished intellectually in a relatively permissive paternal environment; middle-class males appeared to benefit from relatively more paternal control. (PsycINFO Database Record (c) 2010 APA, all rights reserved)     

The effects of father-absence on Norwegian boys and girls.

The effects of father-absence on boys and girls was investigated in Norwegian (sailor) families where the father was absent for 1 or 2 years and "compared with otherwise similar (Norwegian) families (of the same area) in which the father was present. The following hypotheses were made and generally supported by the findings:… father-absent boys… would show immaturity… . Being insecure in their identification with the father, father-absent boys would show stronger strivings toward father-identification… [and] compensatory masculinity… would demonstrate poorer peer/adjustment… [and] father-absent girls… would become more dependent on the mother than would father-present girls." (PsycINFO Database Record (c) 2010 APA, all rights reserved)     

Sociocultural and individual psychological predictors of body image in young girls: A prospective study.

This study investigated the prospective predictors of body image in 9- to 12-year-old girls. Participants were 150 girls in Grades 4-6 with a mean age of 10.3 years. Girls completed questionnaire measures of media and peer influences (television/magazine exposure, peer appearance conversations), individual psychological variables (appearance schemas, internalization of appearance ideals, autonomy), and body image (figure discrepancy and body esteem) at Time 1 and 1 year later at Time 2. Linear panel analyses showed that after controlling for Time 1 levels of body image, none of the Time 1 sociocultural variables predicted body image variables at Time 2. Body mass index (BMI; a biological variable) and psychological variables, however, did offer significant prospective prediction. Specifically, higher BMI, higher appearance schemas, higher internalization of appearance ideals, and lower autonomy predicted worsening body image 1 year later. Thus, higher weight and certain psychological characteristics were temporally antecedent to body image concerns. It was concluded that both biological and individual psychological variables play a role in the development of body image in children. Individual psychological variables, in particular, may provide useful targets in prevention and intervention programs addressing body image in 9- to 12-year-old girls. (PsycINFO Database Record (c) 2010 APA, all rights reserved)     

Integrating biological and social processes in relation to early-onset persistent aggression in boys and girls.

This study examined the relationship between biological and social risk factors and aggressive behavior patterns in an Australian high-risk sample of 370 adolescents. Perinatal, temperamental, familial, sociodemographic, and behavioral data were collected during interviews completed during pregnancy, immediately postpartum, and when the children were 6 months old and 5, 14, and 15 years old. Youths were given tests of verbal and neuropsychological functioning at the age 5 and age 15 follow-ups. Youths were divided into early-onset persistent aggression, adolescent-onset aggression, and nonaggressive behavior groups. Results revealed that the interaction of biological and social risk factors was significantly related to early-onset persistent aggression. Gender and developmental phase of measurement moderated the relationship between biosocial risks and the outcomes of early-onset persistent aggression and adolescent-onset aggression. (PsycINFO Database Record (c) 2010 APA, all rights reserved)     

Swedish population reference standards for height, weight and body mass index attained at 6 to 16 years (girls) or 19 years (boys)

Swedish population reference standards for height, weight and body mass index (BMI) attained at 6 to 16 years (girls) or 19 years (boys) are presented. Data were obtained from two independent nationwide samples of Swedish children; one (740 children) born in 1955, the other (2907 children) born in 1967. The weights of the children born in 1955 were adjusted to equal those born in 1967; heights did not differ. These reference standards refer therefore to Swedish children born at around 1970. The observations were fitted by the power transformation, or L, M, S method of Cole and Green. Weights and BMIs were thus normalized and valid SD scores for individuals obtained. Centile charts are given for clinical use. The means of the present, nationwide standards were 1-2 cm and 1-2 kg greater than those of the Solna-based standards currently in use.     

Modeling of sex-typed behaviors: Effects on boys and girls.

80 preschoolers observed same-sex adults exhibiting 1 or 4 motor and verbal affectionate or aggressive response sequences during incidental modeling. Significantly more direct matches resulted with the single-sequence demonstrations, while multiple demonstrations led to significantly more response class matches. Differences in girls and boys regarding affectionate and aggressive behaviors are discussed. (3 ref) (PsycINFO Database Record (c) 2010 APA, all rights reserved)     

Ovarian torsion in prepubertal and pubertal girls: sonographic findings

OBJECTIVE: The purpose of this study is to report the range of gray-scale and color Doppler findings of ovarian torsion in prepubertal and pubertal girls to determine whether there is a difference in appearance between the two age groups. MATERIALS AND METHODS: The study population consisted of 20 patients, 11 who were prepubertal (ages 2 days to 6 years) and nine who were pubertal (ages 12-16 years), who had gray-scale sonograms and surgical confirmation of ovarian torsion. Color Doppler studies were obtained in 14 of 20 patients. All sonograms were reviewed retrospectively by two radiologists with attention to location of the twisted ovary, internal characteristics, and evidence of color Doppler flow. The results were then compared in the prepubertal and pubertal groups. RESULTS: Sonographic findings of torsion in 11 prepubertal patients included complex mass with septations and debris (6/11), cystic mass (1/11), and solid mass with peripheral cysts (4/11). The masses were located in the right lower quadrant (5/11), left lower quadrant (3/11), right adnexa (2/11), and right inguinal canal (1/11). Eight of nine pubertal patients had solid masses, and one had a thick-walled cystic mass. Torsion involved the right ovary in nine patients and the left in 11. Color patterns included central flow (3/14), peripheral flow (6/14), and absence of flow (5/14) and did not correlate with age or gray-scale findings. CONCLUSION: Sonographic findings of ovarian torsion vary with age. Neonates and young children have extrapelvic cystic or complex cystic masses, whereas pubertal girls have predominantly solid masses in an adnexal location. In both groups of patients, color Doppler signal can be documented in many twisted ovaries.     

Weight, weight-related aspects of body image, and depression in early adolescent girls

This investigation assessed the hypothesis that early adolescent girls with more negative weight-related body images would report higher levels of depressive symptoms. The Beck Depression Inventory was administered, and measures of objective weight and four dimensions of weight-related body image were obtained: self-reported weight, subjective classification of weight from very underweight to very overweight, satisfaction with weight, and concerns about weight. The results indicated that the more subjective and personal measures of weight-related body image discontent--weight dissatisfaction and weight concerns--were associated with increased depressive symptoms, even controlling for objective weight status. These results are discussed in relation to the ontogenesis of body image and the place of body image in personality and the development of depression.     

Processes linking weight status and self-concept among girls from ages 5 to 7 years.

This study assessed the relationship between girls' weight status and self-concept and examined peer teasing and parent criticism as potential mediators of this relationship. Data were collected for 182 girls and their parents when the girls were 5 and 7 years old. At each age, girls' body mass index, self-concept, peer weight-related teasing (child report), and parents' criticism of girls' weight status (spouse report) were assessed. At ages 5 and 7, girls who were more overweight reported lower self-concept. Peer teasing and parent criticism mediated the relationship between weight status and self-concept at age 7, but not at age 5. In addition, the duration and timing of parent criticism across ages 5 and 7 mediated the association between girls' weight status at age 5 and perceived peer acceptance at age 7. (PsycINFO Database Record (c) 2010 APA, all rights reserved)     

Correlates of body image dissatisfaction among overweight women seeking weight loss.

Predictors of body image dissatisfaction (BID) among obese people are poorly understood. In 79 obese women seeking weight reduction, associations with BID of self-esteem, youth teasing, adult teasing, and internalization of sociocultural appearance standards (ISAS) were studied. Analyses revealed that only self-esteem, adult teasing, and ISAS predicted BID. Results highlight the importance of adulthood self-esteem and interpersonal--cultural context--rather than childhood experiences--in predicting adulthood BID. (PsycINFO Database Record (c) 2010 APA, all rights reserved)