Related Experiment Video
Updated: May 29, 2026

Validation of a Psychosocial Intervention on Body Image in Older People: An Experimental Design
Published on: May 31, 2021
Appearance concerns comparisons among persons with body dysmorphic disorder and nonclinical controls with and without
Christina Lambrou1, David Veale, Glenn Wilson
1Department of Psychology, Institute of Psychiatry, King's College London, London, United Kingdom. christina.lambrou@kcl.ac.uk
Abstract:
Body dysmorphic disorder (BDD) concerns may be on a continuum with normal appearance concerns, differing only quantitatively. As emerging evidence suggests that an increased aesthetic sensitivity plays a role in BDD, individuals with BDD (n=50) were compared with a control group of individuals with an education or employment in art and design related fields (n=50) and a control group of individuals without aesthetic training (n=50). Participants completed a demographic questionnaire and a series of measures for depression, BDD symptomatology, and body image. Most controls (with and without aesthetic training) reported appearance concerns and expressed comparable ideals to those with BDD. However, BDD participants differed by using negative, emotive, and morally based descriptions for their defect(s), spending a greater time preoccupied with their defect(s) causing increased interference with functioning, performing appearance-related behaviors more frequently, and experiencing greater distress when performing those behaviors.
More Related Videos
Related Concept Videos
Factors Influencing Attraction II: Physical Attraction
Self-Discrepancy Theory
Impression Management Techniques I: Managing Appearances
Self-Discrepancy and Its Effects
Anorexia Nervosa
Symptoms and Physical Effects
Individuals with anorexia nervosa commonly exhibit extreme...
Assessment of Airway, Skin Color, and Use of Accessory Muscles
Introduction
The initial evaluation of a patient's respiratory system...

