The Relationship of Body Image Concern with Perceived Body and Exercise Intention in Different Stages of Exercise Behavior Changes

Body image is a multi-dimensional structure. It includes the perceptual, attitudinal, behavioral, and community feedback of the individual's body. This study examined the relationship of women’s body image concern with perceived body and exercise intention.  The sample consisted of 384 women in Khorasan, Semnan and Alborz provinces. To measure the variables, Body Image Concerns Inventory, Stages of Exercise Behavior Changes Scale(SEBC), Exercise Intention Scale, a silhouette of body figures) and Body Mass Index were used. Findings showed that body image concern and perceived body plays a major role in determining the women’s SEBC. Exercise intention and appearance dissatisfaction were also different in SEBC. Concern of body image and wrong perceived body are likely to be effective in the lack of exercise or inappropriate exercise behavior. Accordingly helping to create a rational perception of the body can provide more rational strategies for women's health and fitness programs.