Impact of body and orofacial appearance on life satisfaction among Brazilian adults

Author(s)

Campos, Lucas Arrais ; Duarte Bonini Campos, Juliana Alvares ; da Silva, Wanderson Roberto ; Peltomaki, Timo ; Pinto, Ary dos Santos ; Maroco, Joao

• Document type: Journal article
• Source: PLoS One; v. 17, n. 11, p. 18-pg., 2022-11-04.

Abstract

Aims 1. to elaborate a general model of physical appearance taking into account body image (BI) and orofacial appearance (OA) components; and 2. to evaluate the impact of BI and OA on life satisfaction among Brazilian adults. Methods This is a cross-sectional observational study. The cognitive, behavioral, affective, and satisfaction/dissatisfaction aspects of BI, the satisfaction and psychosocial impact of OA, and life satisfaction were evaluated by self-reported psychometric scales. Principal Component Analysis and Parallel Analysis were performed. Structural equation models were elaborated to estimate the impact of BI and OA on life satisfaction. The fit of the models was verified and the significance of the path estimates (beta) was evaluated using z-tests (alpha = 5%). Results A total of 1,940 individuals participated in the study (age: mean = 24.8, standard deviation = 5.7 years; females = 70.1%). In the male sample, three physical appearance factors were retained (OA, cognitive and behavioral components of BI, and affective and satisfaction/dissatisfaction components of BI). In the female sample, two factors were retained (OA and all components of BI). All factors had significant impact on life satisfaction (beta = |0.26|-|0.48|, p<0.001) in both samples. Individuals dissatisfied with BI and OA had lower levels of life satisfaction. For men, the affective and satisfaction components of BI had a greater impact on life satisfaction (beta = 0.48, p<0.001) than the other factors (beta =] -0.30;-0.25[, p<0.001). For women, both BI and OA had a similar impact (BI: beta = -0.30, p<0.001; OA: beta = -0.32, p<0.001). Conclusion BI and OA formed distinct clusters in the physical appearance evaluation. Physical appearance was perceived differently by men and women, fostering discussion about the sociocultural construction of the body. BI and OA had a significant impact on life satisfaction and should be considered in assessment and treatment protocols. (AU)

• FAPESP's process: 18/06739-1 - Contribution of orofacial esthetic to the development of the concept of body image and to satisfaction with life of adult individuals
• Grantee: Lucas Arrais de Campos
• Support Opportunities: Scholarships in Brazil - Doctorate
• FAPESP's process: 20/13153-3 - Orofacial esthetics as a component of body image and its impact on satisfaction with life
• Grantee: Arthur Fiorin Ragazzi
• Support Opportunities: Scholarships in Brazil - Technical Training Program - Technical Training
• FAPESP's process: 17/20315-7 - Body image, eating behavior, food choice and life satisfaction in Brazilians
• Grantee: Wanderson Roberto da Silva
• Support Opportunities: Scholarships in Brazil - Post-Doctoral
• FAPESP's process: 19/19590-9 - Orofacial esthetics as a component of body image and its impact on satisfaction with life
• Grantee: Juliana Alvares Duarte Bonini Campos
• Support Opportunities: Regular Research Grants