Body image and behavioural and emotional difficulties in German children and adolescents

BACKGROUND: Behavioural and emotional difficulties might play an important role in the development of body image disturbances, which represent serious risk factors for eating disorders or depression. The present study provides a detailed overview on body image disturbances and several behavioural and emotional difficulties (differences between gender, age, and weight status) and their inter-relations in German children and adolescents. METHODS: Data on body image disturbances, assessed through a Figure Rating Scale, and on behavioural and emotional difficulties, assessed through Goodman’s Strengths and Difficulties Questionnaire (SDQ), were available for 5255 observations of 1982 German children and adolescents aged 8 to 18 years from the LIFE Child study, based in Leipzig, Germany. Associations were investigated using multiple logistic regression. Each association was checked for interaction with gender, age, and weight status. RESULTS: Boys reported more behavioural difficulties than girls, while girls reported more emotional difficulties. Gender, age and weight status were related to behavioural and emotional difficulties as well as body image disturbances. Individuals with fewer difficulties were more satisfied with their own body. Children and adolescents who desired to be larger showed more prosocial behaviour problems, conduct and emotional problems and more signs of hyperactivity. Those, who desired to be thinner showed more problems in all SDQ-subscales. A more accurate body size perception was associated with fewer behavioural and emotional difficulties. Children and adolescents who overestimated their body size showed more prosocial behaviour and emotional problems. Underestimation one’s body size was associated with more signs of hyperactivity. CONCLUSION: The current findings highlight the importance of raising the awareness about the association between behavioural and emotional difficulties and body image disturbances in children and adolescents to prevent negative outcomes. SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION: The online version contains supplementary material available at 10.1186/s12887-023-04405-3.