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Body dissatisfaction and irrational beliefs.
1Department of Psychology, University of Stellenbosch, Private Bag X1, Matieland, 7602 South Africa. atm@akad.sun.ac.za
Psychological Reports
|May 16, 2001
Summary
Irrational beliefs are linked to body dissatisfaction in women, particularly those with high dissatisfaction but no eating disorder. Both eating disorder and high body dissatisfaction groups exhibited more catastrophizing and low frustration tolerance than controls.
Area of Science:
- Psychology
- Clinical Psychology
- Cognitive Behavioral Therapy
Background:
- Body dissatisfaction is a significant concern, often linked to psychological factors.
- Rational-Emotive Behavior Therapy (REBT) posits irrational evaluative beliefs contribute to emotional distress.
Observation:
- This study investigated the relationship between irrational beliefs and body dissatisfaction in 94 women.
- Participants included those with eating disorders, high body dissatisfaction, and low body dissatisfaction.
Findings:
- No significant difference in body dissatisfaction was found between the eating disorder and high body dissatisfaction groups.
- While the eating disorder group showed no correlation, the high body dissatisfaction group had low correlations between body dissatisfaction and irrational standards/negative self-rating.
- Both clinical groups exhibited higher levels of catastrophizing, low frustration tolerance, and negative self-rating compared to controls.
Implications:
- Irrational beliefs, particularly catastrophizing and low frustration tolerance, are associated with body dissatisfaction.
- Cognitive interventions targeting these beliefs may be beneficial for individuals with body image concerns.
- Further research can explore the nuances of irrational beliefs in different clinical populations.