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Morning Momentary Appearance Dissatisfaction Predicts Daily Increases in Momentary Appearance-Focused Self-Concept
Nassim Tabri1,2, Rose Mosco1, Sarah Enouy1,2
1Department of Psychology, Carleton University, Ottawa, Ontario, Canada.
Objective:
Theory and research indicate that appearance-focused self-concept-the tendency to base one's self-worth and self-definition heavily on physical appearance-plays a key role in the development and maintenance of disordered eating in daily life. Herein, we examined whether momentary appearance dissatisfaction at the start of the day predicts steeper within-day increases in momentary appearance-focused self-concept.
Method:
Female undergraduate students (N = 61; M age = 18.95, SD = 2.22) completed six momentary assessments per day for 14 days, measuring appearance-focused self-concept and appearance dissatisfaction-satisfaction. End-of-day surveys assessed daily dietary restraint. Latent growth curve models were used to examine within-day changes and test appearance dissatisfaction-satisfaction as a moderator.
Results:
Appearance-focused self-concept increased linearly from 9 a.m. to 3 PM (b = 0.05, z = 3.64, p < 0.001). Greater within-day increases in appearance-focused self-concept were associated with higher daily dietary restraint (b = 2.29, z = 3.22, p = 0.001). Appearance dissatisfaction-satisfaction at 9 a.m. moderated the trajectory (b = -0.03, z = -2.27, p = 0.02): appearance-focused self-concept increased on days when participants felt more appearance-dissatisfied at 9 a.m. (b = 0.08, z = 3.52, p < 0.001) but remained stable on days when they felt more appearance-satisfied at 9 a.m. (b = 0.02, z = 1.20, p = 0.23).
Discussion:
Findings suggest that morning-appearance dissatisfaction may set in motion increases in appearance-focused self-concept during the day. Findings highlight the importance of targeting appearance dissatisfaction in the morning to prevent the daily buildup of appearance concerns linked to disordered eating.
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