Comparison style, physical self-perceptions, and fitness among older women.

J Aging Phys Act

School of Kinesiology and Nutritional Science, California State University, Los Angeles, CA 90032, USA.

Published: April 2007

AI Article Synopsis

  • The study focused on how older women's comparison styles (social or temporal) affected their physical self-perceptions and functional fitness, involving 102 women aged 65-99 from the mid-Atlantic.
  • Women who positively evaluated themselves compared to others reported better physical self-perceptions, with those relying on temporal comparisons showing higher self-perceived functional abilities.
  • Interestingly, avoiding both types of comparisons was linked to even higher levels of physical self-perception in the participants.

Article Abstract

This study examined the relationships between older women's comparison styles, physical self-perceptions, and functional fitness. Participants were community-dwelling women (N = 102, age 65-99) living in the mid-Atlantic region of the United States. Individuals were categorized as relying primarily on social comparisons, temporal comparisons, or a combination of both styles. Also of interest was whether individuals evaluated themselves positively or negatively when making comparisons. Participants who evaluated themselves positively as compared with others were found to have higher levels of physical self-perception. Analyses revealed that women who relied primarily on temporal comparisons had higher self-perceptions of their functional ability than those who relied on a combination of comparison styles. An avoidance of both temporal and social comparisons was also related to higher levels of physical self-perception.

Download full-text PDF

Source
http://dx.doi.org/10.1123/japa.15.2.219DOI Listing

Publication Analysis

Top Keywords

physical self-perceptions
8
comparison styles
8
self-perceptions functional
8
social comparisons
8
temporal comparisons
8
evaluated positively
8
higher levels
8
levels physical
8
physical self-perception
8
comparisons higher
8

Similar Publications

Severe mental illness is linked to poor physical health and shorter life expectancy, yet research on how individuals experiencing mental illness view and on improve their physical health is limited. This study investigates the perceptions of individuals experiencing mental illness regarding their physical health, utilising a mixed-methods approach. Phase I involved quantitative and qualitative data from an online Qualtrics survey, which included the 12-item Short Form (SF-12) survey to measure participants' quality of life and assess self-reported physical and mental health.

View Article and Find Full Text PDF

Religious informal helpers may play a crucial role in recognizing and providing referrals to mental health professional for at-risk individuals, including those with mental illness, especially since members of religious communities tend to conceal their difficulties and to view religious leaders as a sole source of assistance. This quantitative study aimed to explore Jewish bathhouse attendants ("balaniyot") who assist women in their monthly immersion, a unique situation in which mental health symptoms (e.g.

View Article and Find Full Text PDF

Background: Insomnia is a prevalent sleep disorder affecting millions worldwide, with significant impacts on daily functioning and quality of life. While traditionally assessed through subjective measures such as the Insomnia Severity Index (ISI), the advent of wearable technology has enabled continuous, objective sleep monitoring in natural environments. However, the relationship between subjective insomnia severity and objective sleep parameters remains unclear.

View Article and Find Full Text PDF

Background: Stigma is a pervasive and distressing problem experienced frequently by lung cancer patients, and there is a lack of psychosocial interventions that target the reduction of lung cancer stigma. Mindful self-compassion (MSC) is an empirically supported intervention demonstrated to increase self-compassion and reduce feelings of shame and distress in non-cancer populations. However, there are several anticipated challenges for delivering MSC to lung cancer patients, and modifications may be needed to improve acceptability, appropriateness, and feasibility.

View Article and Find Full Text PDF

Introduction: Dysfunctional exercise (DEX) is common among individuals with an eating disorder (ED) and poses significant challenges to treatment and recovery. While safe and nutritionally supported physical activity can enhance treatment outcomes without hindering weight restoration, clinicians often hesitate to address DEX with their patients. This mixed-method study aimed to evaluate the impact of a Safe Exercise at Every Stage (SEES) informed training on clinician knowledge and self-efficacy in managing DEX during ED treatment.

View Article and Find Full Text PDF

Want AI Summaries of new PubMed Abstracts delivered to your In-box?

Enter search terms and have AI summaries delivered each week - change queries or unsubscribe any time!