Physiology or Perception in Texas? Assessing Physiological and Attitudinal Measures of Body Weight on Mental Health

• In Event: 598 - Section on Sociology of Mental Health Roundtable Session
  In Refereed Roundtable: Table 13. Mind and Body

Abstract

A growing body of literature addresses the linkages between perceived body image, physiological measures of body type and mental health. While the preponderance of the empirical evidence consistently points to the positive effects that physical health has on mental health, less is known about effects of perceptions of body weight on psychological functioning. Using a random probability sample of adults in the state of Texas (n = 1,503), the study examines the impact of physiological and attitudinal variables on mental health. Specifically, we contrast the effects of body mass index (BMI) and perceptions of being overweight on a composite measure of mental health functioning. Findings suggest that higher BMI and perceptions of being overweight are both associated with poor mental health but that the effect of perceiving oneself as overweight has a stronger influence than BMI. Additionally, interactions between gender and our two key predictors indicate that BMI and overweight perceptions have a stronger impact on lowering women’s mental health when compared to men. We discuss implications of our findings for research exploring physiological and attitudinal factors that impact mental health and overall emotional well-being.

Authors

• Gabriel A Acevedo, University of Texas-San Antonio

• Albert Cordova, University of Texas-San Antonio

• Diala Ammar, American University-Lebanon