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Appearance Comparisons, Affect, Body Dissatisfaction and Eating Pathology in Portuguese Female University Students
Carol Coelho1, Paulo Machado1, Bárbara César Machado2
1Psychology School, University of Minho, 4704-553 Braga, Portugal.
Nutrients
|June 10, 2023
Summary
Frequent appearance comparisons are linked to increased body dissatisfaction, negative emotions, and disordered eating in young women. Most students engage in these comparisons, often with peers.
Area of Science:
- Psychology
- Body Image Research
- Social Comparison Theory
Background:
- Appearance comparisons are theorized to negatively impact body image.
- Understanding the link between appearance comparisons and psychological well-being is crucial.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the association between appearance comparisons and affect, body dissatisfaction, and eating pathology.
- To identify the frequency and types of appearance comparisons made by young women.
Main Methods:
- A cross-sectional study involving 310 female university students (ages 17-25).
- Data collected via sociodemographic information, clinical data, and self-reported questionnaires on appearance comparisons, affect, body dissatisfaction, and eating pathology.
Main Results:
- Nearly all participants (98.71%) reported making appearance comparisons, with 42.15% doing so frequently or always.
- Higher frequency of appearance comparisons correlated with greater body dissatisfaction, negative affect, and eating pathology.
- Upward comparisons were most common and strongly associated with negative psychological outcomes compared to lateral and downward comparisons.
Conclusions:
- Appearance comparison is a prevalent behavior among young women with significant negative psychological correlates.
- Interventions targeting appearance comparison frequency and type may be beneficial for improving body image and reducing eating pathology.
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