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Person x situation interactions in body dissatisfaction
1School of Psychology, Flinders University, Adelaide, South Australia, Australia.
Objective:
The aim of the study was to investigate the interaction between personal and situational variables in the determination of body satisfaction.
Method:
Participants were asked to imagine themselves in each of four hypothetical scenarios while completing measures of body image.
Results:
A main effect for situation was found on both global body dissatisfaction and body esteem, whereby participants rated themselves as more dissatisfied in the body-focused situations (Beach, Dressing room) than in the non-body-focused situations (Refectory, Home). In addition, there was a main effect of self-esteem. Of more interest, there were also significant Situation x Body Mass Index (BMI), Situation x Dietary Restraint, and Situation x BMI x Social Comparison interactions.
Discussion:
This study has demonstrated situational effects, person effects, and Person x Situation interactions within the one framework. As such, it contributes to an increasingly complex and dynamic view of body image.
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