Leeds Beckett University - City Campus,
Woodhouse Lane,
LS1 3HE
Researchers seek public's body image feelings
Anyone over the age of 18 years is invited to participate in the study by completing an online survey, available at http://bit.ly/BodyImageSurvey.
The research team, led by Dr Nova Deighton-Smith, are investigating how individuals think and feel about their bodies, dietary behaviour, their overall wellbeing and their patterns of physical activity.
Dr Deighton- Smith said: “By participating in the study, volunteers will contribute valuable information about diet, body, and exercise-related thoughts, feelings and behaviours. Much of the existing research treats these factors as though they were stable traits. In addition, we are very interested to learn about participants' use of social media and how frequently they access social media for advice related to diet, body image and/or physical activity.”
The survey was launched as part of National Eating Disorders Awareness Week in February 2015, where Dr Deighton-Smith and PhD student Glen Jancowski organised a week of expert speakers and practical workshops at Leeds Beckett to raise awareness of eating disorders and find out more about the body image and wellbeing issues that students are facing.
Dr Deighton-Smith added: “The findings of the survey will be used to inform future Healthy Body Image–related initiatives and interventions, at Leeds Beckett University and beyond, that will benefit those afflicted by these issues.”
The online survey will close on Friday 10 April.