Aussie lifestyle increases body image problem for Asian university students – University of Melbourne Public Lecture
Media Release, Tuesday 24 June 2008
Professor David Castle, Chair of Psychiatry (St Vincent’s Hospital) within the Department of Psychiatry from the University of Melbourne will present findings of his research at a public lecture this evening at the University of Melbourne titled “The Relentless Pursuit of a Perfect Body Appearance: Psychiatry and Body Image.”
Professor Castle will present the latest findings of a range of studies with secondary and tertiary students and gym goers. He will discuss why there are increasing numbers of people suffering from a broad range of body disorders across all ages and ethnic groups.
Findings include:
• Prevalence of Body Dysmorphic Disorder (BDD) in Australian university students was significantly higher than that found than in a comparison group living in China.
• Overall body image concern, depression and anxiety was generally higher for Asian students living in Australia, followed by local Australian students and then students living in China (when controlling for length of stay, anxiety reduced)
• In a study of 100 male gym goers, one in twenty experience BDD
• Male university students have higher rates of BDD than reported in general population studies
He will also offer insights in the areas of anorexia, bulimia, ageing and the psychosocial aspect of cosmetic enhancement, fashion and the life of gym junkies
* What fuels men's muscle dysmorphia?
* Why do women strive for body perfection?
* What tips young girls into a cycle of starvation, bingeing and purging?
* Is attractiveness really an advantage?
* And what is the role of the media in our irrational pursuit of the ideal body?
David is Chair of Psychiatry at St Vincent’s Health, Melbourne, and The University of Melbourne. He has broad clinical and research interests, encompassing schizophrenia and related disorders, bipolar disorder, cannabis abuse, OCD spectrum disorders and disorders of body image. He has published over 250 papers and chapters, and 15 books.
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What: Free Public Lecture: “The Relentless Pursuit of a Perfect Body Appearance: Psychiatry and Body Image.” Presented by Professor David Castle
When: 6pm, Tuesday 24 June
Where: Sunderland Theatre, Ground Floor, Medical Building, Corner of Grattan Street and Royal Parade, The University of Melbourne ( Melways ref: Map 2B C7)
To RSVP – please call 03 8344 9800 or email mdhs-rsvp@unimelb.edu.au
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