AbstractsWomens Studies

Background: Low body esteem is linked to negative health outcomes, but the association is not well understood. However, chronic-low grade inflammation is present in these negative health outcomes. Further, chronic stress and its associated physiological stress system changes are linked to chronic low-grade inflammation. Hence, the aim of the current study was to test whether low body esteem was associated with inflammation, and whether stress mediated the relationship. Methods: Thirty-nine undergraduates (25 women) completed self-report body esteem and perceived stress measures. Cortisol awakening response and diurnal slope were assessed by twelve salivary cortisol samples. C-reactive protein (CRP) levels were measured from dried blood spots. Stepwise regressions controlling for BMI and including gender as a moderator assessed study hypotheses. Results: In both genders, appearance concerns were associated with elevated perceived stress (beta = -.61, t = -3.36, p = .002). Further, more weight concerns were linked to higher CRP (beta = -.43, t = -1.90, p = .07) and perceived stress (beta = -.74, t = -3.53, p = .001) levels in women. No associations were found between CRP values and perceived stress or basal cortisol indices (all p ≥ .70). Conclusions: The associations between appearance and weight concerns and perceived stress may be indicative of American societal prescriptions for success. Dieting may account for the relationship between weight concerns and low-grade chronic inflammation in women.