RESUMEN
BACKGROUND: Body image is the mental representation of the body and can be influenced by cognitive, biological, behavioral, sociocultural, and environmental factors. University students often encounter challenges related to it. OBJECTIVE: This systematic review examined interventions aimed at holistically developing a positive body image within this population. METHODS: The PRISMA 2020 guidelines and the PICO method were employed to identify, select, assess, and synthesize studies. The consulted databases included Scopus, Web of Science, and PsycINFO, with inclusion criteria targeting body image interventions for university students aged 18 to 39. Study quality was evaluated using the QATSDD tool. RESULTS: Twenty-one relevant studies were identified, primarily from the United States, mostly employing quantitative methods, with a focus on female participants. Various intervention strategies were utilized, including cognitive-behavioral approaches, media literacy, and physical/resistance training, with a growing use of technology like mobile applications. The majority of studies reported effective outcomes, such as reduced body dissatisfaction and increased self-esteem following interventions. Nevertheless, literature gaps were identified, such as the scarcity of formative interventions and limited use of qualitative approaches. CONCLUSION: While technology in interventions offers promising opportunities, careful assessments and judicious selection of evaluation instruments are fundamental for reliable results. Future research should focus on addressing identified gaps, such as exploring more formative interventions and incorporating qualitative methodologies to provide a more comprehensive understanding of the effectiveness of body image interventions among university students.
RESUMEN
The theoretical-methodological process of cross-cultural adaptation of scales is fundamental for the expansion of research possibilities related to a given area and population, as instrument adequacy allows for the consistent assessment of the construct being studied. This article aims to highlight the different theoretical-methodological processes of cross-cultural adaptations of scales for assessing body image among young university students. The articles were selected in February 2020, with the following search descriptors: ("body image") and (young or "college students" or graduating or graduat *) and ("cross-cultural validation" or "cross-cultural adaptation"), in three databases-Scopus, PsycINFO, and Web of Science, without any time restrictions. Altogether, 304 studies were surveyed on the different bases mentioned above, and 14 studies published between 2010 and 2019 were evaluated. This study highlighted the methodological procedures used in the process of cross-cultural adaptation, as well as the population, the types of validity and reliability, and also the main limitations, strengths, and results reported in each study included in this review. The information presented in this review will allow new researchers to make more appropriate choices about instruments for assessing body image in young university students, in addition to presenting the methodological evolution on this theme.