Autopercepção de imagem corporal de adolescentes escolares de escolas públicas e privadas de Santa Cruz/RN

Abstract

INTRODUCTION: Adolescence is a period characterized by profound physical and psychological changes that directly impact body perception. When this perception is distorted, it can lead to dissatisfaction with one's own image, resulting in behaviors that are harmful to health. OBJECTIVE: To investigate body dissatisfaction and body perception among adolescents in Santa Cruz/RN, comparing students from public and private schools. METHODOLOGY: This is a cross-sectional and observational study conducted with 148 adolescents, using the Body Image Avoidance Questionnaire (BIAQ) and silhouette scales. Sociodemographic and anthropometric data were collected, including weight, height, and waist circumference. RESULTS: Results indicated that 85% of adolescents exhibited some degree of body avoidance, and 77.7% reported dissatisfaction with body image. Adolescents with elevated Body Mass Index (BMI) demonstrated higher levels of avoidance and dissatisfaction due to overweight, whereas those with lower BMI reported dissatisfaction due to thinness. CONCLUSIONS: Body dissatisfaction is associated with anthropometric indicators rather than the adolescents' gender. Nutritional and psychological interventions are 5 essential to promote a healthy body image and prevent negative impacts on physical and emotional health.