Developing body estimation in adolescence is associated with neural regions that support self-concept

Social Cognitive and Affective Neuroscience, vol. 19

Abstract

Both self-concept, the evaluation of who you are, and the physical body undergo changes throughout adolescence. These two processes might affect the development of body image, a complex construct that comprises one's thoughts, feelings, and perception of one's body. This study aims to better understand the development of body image in relation to self-concept development and its neural correlates. Adolescents (aged 11-24) from the longitudinal Leiden Self-Concept study were followed for three consecutive years (NT1 = 160, NT2 = 151, and NT3 = 144). Their body image was measured using a figure rating scale and body dissatisfaction questionnaire. Body estimation was calculated based on figure ratings relative to their actual body mass index (BMI). Additionally, participants evaluated their physical appearance traits in an functional magnetic resonance imaging (fMRI) task. Results revealed that body estimation and body dissatisfaction increased with age. Heightened inferior parietal lobe (IPL) activation during physical self-evaluation was associated with lower body estimation, meaning that the neural network involved in thinking about one's physical traits is more active for individuals who perceive themselves as larger than they are. IPL activity showed continued development during adolescence, suggesting an interaction between neural development and body perception. These findings highlight the complex interplay between affective, perceptual, and biological factors in shaping body image.

Authors 4

1. Yara Jo Toenders corresponding Aachen Developmental and Educational Psychology Leiden Institute for Brain and Cognition

   Leiden University · Erasmus University Rotterdam

   Affiliation as printed

   Developmental and Educational Psychology, Leiden University , Leiden 2333AK,

   Erasmus School of Social and Behavioral Sciences, Erasmus University Rotterdam , Rotterdam 3062PA,

   Leiden Institute for Brain and Cognition, Leiden University , Leiden 2333AK,

   Developmental and Educational Psychology, Leiden University , Leiden 2333AK, The Netherlands

   Erasmus School of Social and Behavioral Sciences, Erasmus University Rotterdam , Rotterdam 3062PA, The Netherlands

   Leiden Institute for Brain and Cognition, Leiden University , Leiden 2333AK, The Netherlands

2. Hannah Dorsman

   Erasmus University Rotterdam

   Affiliation as printed

   Erasmus School of Social and Behavioral Sciences, Erasmus University Rotterdam , Rotterdam 3062PA,

   Erasmus School of Social and Behavioral Sciences, Erasmus University Rotterdam , Rotterdam 3062PA, The Netherlands

3. Renske van der Cruijsen

   Radboud University Nijmegen

   Affiliation as printed

   Behavioral Science Institute, Radboud University Nijmegen , Nijmegen 6500HE,

   Behavioral Science Institute, Radboud University Nijmegen , Nijmegen 6500HE, The Netherlands

4. Eveline A. Crone Aachen Developmental and Educational Psychology Leiden Institute for Brain and Cognition

   Leiden University · Erasmus University Rotterdam

   Affiliation as printed

   Developmental and Educational Psychology, Leiden University , Leiden 2333AK,

   Erasmus School of Social and Behavioral Sciences, Erasmus University Rotterdam , Rotterdam 3062PA,

   Leiden Institute for Brain and Cognition, Leiden University , Leiden 2333AK,

   Developmental and Educational Psychology, Leiden University , Leiden 2333AK, The Netherlands

   Erasmus School of Social and Behavioral Sciences, Erasmus University Rotterdam , Rotterdam 3062PA, The Netherlands

   Leiden Institute for Brain and Cognition, Leiden University , Leiden 2333AK, The Netherlands