The effect of attentional bias toward shape- and weight-related information on body dissatisfaction
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Updated: Aug 8, 2026

Measuring Attentional Biases for Threat in Children and Adults
Published on: October 19, 2014
Evelyn Smith1, Elizabeth Rieger
1School of Psychology, University of Sydney, Sydney, Australia.
Objective:
The objective of this study was to investigate the causal role of selective attention to shape/weight-related information in terms of intensifying body dissatisfaction.
Method:
The participants were 70 female first-year psychology students aged 17-28 years. An attentional probe task was used to induce attention toward either negative shape/weight-related words, neutral words, or negatively valenced emotion words. Thereafter vulnerability toward the development of body dissatisfaction was assessed in the three groups after being exposed to a body image challenge.
Results:
The induction of an attentional bias toward shape/weight-related information resulted in higher body dissatisfaction compared with both control groups.
Conclusion:
The results support the notion that an attentional bias toward shape/weight-related information plays a causal role in body dissatisfaction, suggesting that such biases may prove to be a useful target in interventions designed to improve body image.
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