Related Experiment Video
Updated: May 10, 2026
07:40
Validation of a Psychosocial Intervention on Body Image in Older People: An Experimental Design
Published on: May 31, 2021
Cutaneous body image dissatisfaction and suicidal ideation: mediation by interpersonal sensitivity
Madhulika A Gupta1, Aditya K Gupta
1Department of Psychiatry, Schulich School of Medicine and Dentistry, University of Western Ontario, London, Ontario, Canada. magupta@uwo.ca
Journal of Psychosomatic Research
|June 12, 2013
Summary
Cutaneous body image dissatisfaction is linked to suicidal thoughts, with interpersonal sensitivity acting as a key mediator. Addressing body image concerns may help reduce suicide risk and social alienation.
Area of Science:
- Psychology
- Dermatology
- Mental Health
Background:
- Cutaneous body image (CBI) dissatisfaction is linked to social exclusion and suicidality in dermatology patients.
- Interpersonal sensitivity (IS) involves self-consciousness, inferiority, and social exclusion.
- Understanding these links is crucial for mental health in non-clinical populations.
Purpose of the Study:
- To examine the relationship between CBI dissatisfaction and suicidal ideation in a non-clinical sample.
- To investigate the mediating role of IS in this relationship.
Main Methods:
- 312 community participants (London, Ontario) completed the Cutaneous Body Image Scale.
- Suicidal ideation and IS were measured using the Brief Symptom Inventory.
- Mediation analysis was performed using the Baron & Kenny model.
Main Results:
- CBI dissatisfaction significantly predicted lower suicidal ideation and higher IS.
- IS significantly predicted higher suicidal ideation.
- The effect of CBI dissatisfaction on suicidal ideation was mediated by IS.
Conclusions:
- Interpersonal sensitivity mediates the relationship between CBI dissatisfaction and suicidal ideation.
- This suggests a continuum from non-clinical to clinical situations.
- Increased CBI dissatisfaction and social alienation may heighten suicide risk.
More Related Videos
Related Concept Videos
01:29Self-Evaluation Maintenance Model
The Self-Evaluation Maintenance (SEM) model offers a psychological framework to understand how individuals’ self-esteem is influenced by the achievements of others, particularly those with whom they share close personal bonds. The SEM model operates when personal rather than social identity guides individuals. Central to this model is the notion that individuals have an inherent desire to preserve a favorable self-image, which is continuously shaped by interpersonal comparisons and...
01:18Sources of Self-Esteem I: Family Experience
Self-esteem, a crucial component of psychological development, is significantly shaped by familial experiences. The early parent-child relationship serves as a foundational influence on a child's self-concept, with long-lasting effects extending into adolescence and adulthood.Parental Behaviors and Early Self-Esteem FormationEmpirical studies have identified four principal parental behaviors that foster healthy self-esteem in children. These include expressions of acceptance, affection, and...
02:45Self-Discrepancy Theory
One influential perspective on what motivates people's behavior is detailed in Tory Higgin's self-discrepancy theory (Higgins, 1987). He proposed that people hold disagreeing internal representations of themselves that lead to different emotional states.
01:29Self-Discrepancy and Its Effects
Self-discrepancy theory explains how people compare their actual self to their ideal and ought selves and how mismatches between these self-guides can lead to emotional distress. Developed by E. Tory Higgins, the theory distinguishes among three components of self-concept: the actual self, the ideal self, and the ought self. These refer respectively to how individuals perceive themselves, how they aspire to be, and how they believe they are obligated to be. Emotional well-being, self-esteem,...
01:27Sources of Self-Esteem III: Social Comparison
Social comparison plays a fundamental role in the evaluation of personal success and self-worth. Rather than assessing our achievements in isolation, we interpret their significance relative to personal goals and critically in comparison to the performance of others. A grade of B in a mathematics exam might elicit pride if one's expectation was a C, yet result in disappointment if an A was anticipated or if peers achieved superior results. These comparative evaluations illustrate how both...
03:00Self-Evaluation: Self-Enhancement and Self-Verification
Social psychologists have documented that feeling good about ourselves and maintaining positive self-esteem is a powerful motivator of human behavior (Tavris & Aronson, 2008). In the United States, members of the predominant culture typically think very highly of themselves and view themselves as good people who are above average on many desirable traits (Ehrlinger, Gilovich, & Ross, 2005). Often, our behavior, attitudes, and beliefs are affected when we experience a threat to our...