Body checking and avoidance in women: Associations with mental and physical health-related quality of life

Body checking and body avoidance have demonstrated clinical significance in a number of populations. However, the associations between these behaviors and mental and physical health-related quality of life have not been examined. This study investigated the associations between body checking and avoidance and quality of life in 214 community women. Body checking and body avoidance were significantly correlated with mental and physical quality of life, as well as with eating disturbances. Frequency of body checking significantly predicted impairment in mental quality of life, and frequency of body avoidance significantly predicted impairment in physical quality of life, over and above the contributions of depressive symptoms and related demographic characteristics. Targeting checking and avoidance in prevention and treatment programs may improve quality of life and reduce health-related functional impairment.

► Body checking, avoidance, and quality of life were examined in 214 women.
► Body checking and body avoidance were associated with quality of life impairment.
► Body checking predicted mental health impairment, controlling for related variables.
► Body avoidance predicted physical health impairment.
► Checking and avoidance predicted eating disturbance.