An investigation of the association between foster care, body image, and BMI: A propensity score analysis

Abstract Research suggests body image can be related to physical, mental, and sexual health. Youth in foster care experience disparities in all three of these areas. However, research exploring body image among foster youth is scant. This study assessed the association between foster care, BMI, and body image among a matched sample from a nationally representative dataset. In bivariate analysis, youth in foster care had significantly higher BMI and reported more frustration with their appearance than the matched sample of non-foster care youth. However, in models controlling for BMI, foster care had non-significant associations with body image. Implications are discussed.