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Leng X, Yu X, Chen Y, Wang T, Zhao F, Feng C, Feng W. Temporal dynamics of spatial attentional biases toward weight-related words among females with weight dissatisfaction. Biol Psychol 2024; 190:108807. [PMID: 38703810 DOI: 10.1016/j.biopsycho.2024.108807] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/28/2023] [Revised: 04/22/2024] [Accepted: 04/29/2024] [Indexed: 05/06/2024]
Abstract
Attentional bias toward weight-related stimuli plays a crucial role in the development and maintenance of body image disturbances. However, the temporal dynamics of attentional biases responsible for the previously reported behavioral effects caused by the task-irrelevant but spatial-relevant weight-related stimuli presented in the peripheral visual field among females with high weight dissatisfaction (HWD) remain unclear. The present study combined the modified dot-probe task and event-related potentials to explore the temporal dynamics of spatial attentional biases toward weight-related words among females with HWD. The results showed significantly larger N2pc amplitudes were elicited by fat-related and thin-related words than neutral words only in the HWD group. Moreover, only fat-related words elicited a significant PD for the HWD group, and the PD amplitudes were larger in the HWD group than in the control group. These findings revealed that weight-related words initially captured spatial allocation among females with HWD, and then fat-related words were actively suppressed after the initial capturing.
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Affiliation(s)
- Xuechen Leng
- Department of Psychology, School of Education, Soochow University, Suzhou, Jiangsu 21512, China
| | - Xiaocui Yu
- Department of Psychology, School of Education, Soochow University, Suzhou, Jiangsu 21512, China
| | - Yixuan Chen
- College of Teacher Education, Lishui University, Lishui, Zhejiang 323000, China
| | - Ting Wang
- Department of Psychology, School of Education, Soochow University, Suzhou, Jiangsu 21512, China
| | - Fan Zhao
- Department of Psychology, School of Education, Soochow University, Suzhou, Jiangsu 21512, China.
| | - Chengzhi Feng
- Department of Psychology, School of Education, Soochow University, Suzhou, Jiangsu 21512, China.
| | - Wenfeng Feng
- Department of Psychology, School of Education, Soochow University, Suzhou, Jiangsu 21512, China; Research Center for Psychology and Behavioral Sciences, Soochow University, Suzhou, Jiangsu 215123, China.
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2
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Fasoli F, Constantinou D. Does body positivity work for men as it does for women? The impact of idealized body and body positive imagery on body satisfaction, drive for thinness, and drive for muscularity. Acta Psychol (Amst) 2024; 243:104126. [PMID: 38215542 DOI: 10.1016/j.actpsy.2024.104126] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/30/2023] [Revised: 12/06/2023] [Accepted: 01/04/2024] [Indexed: 01/14/2024] Open
Abstract
Exposure to body-positive imagery plays a positive role in women's body image. However, literature has not examined if this is the case for men too. In this study (N = 207), we examined the impact of idealized body and body-positive imagery on both men's and women's body satisfaction and body image concerns. Participants were asked to report their positive and negative mood, body satisfaction, drive for thinness, and drive for muscularity before and after being exposed to either control (landscapes and animals), idealized body, or body-positive imagery. Results showed that women were overall more dissatisfied with their bodies and reported a stronger negative mood and a higher drive for thinness than men. Men, instead, reported a higher drive for muscularity. Exposure to idealized body imagery decreased positive mood and body satisfaction in both men and women. In contrast, exposure to body-positive imagery increased body satisfaction and decreased the drive for thinness in both men and women. Drive for muscularity was not affected by the type of imagery. The findings show that idealized body and body-positive imagery have similar effects on men and women and showcase the importance of considering the effects of body-positivity content for both genders.
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Affiliation(s)
- Fabio Fasoli
- University of Surrey, School of Psychology, United Kingdom; ISCTE - Instituto Universitário de Lisboa, Centro de Investigação e Intervenção Social, Portugal.
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Xie P, Sang HB, Huang CZ, Zhou AB. Effect of body-related information on food attentional bias in women with body weight dissatisfaction. Sci Rep 2023; 13:16736. [PMID: 37794105 PMCID: PMC10551023 DOI: 10.1038/s41598-023-43455-6] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/20/2023] [Accepted: 09/24/2023] [Indexed: 10/06/2023] Open
Abstract
Women with body weight dissatisfaction (BWD) have long-term negative assessments of their body weight, which are often associated with poor eating behavior. In this study, we investigated the effect of body-related information on the food cue processing and attention of women with BWD. Sixty-eight women were recruited and assigned to either a BWD (NPSS-F > 2) (n = 32) or a no body weight dissatisfaction (NBWD) group (NPSS-F < 1) (n = 36). We measured attentional bias to food cues (high- and low-calorie) with a food probe task after exposure to body-related information and recorded eye tracking data. Body-related images were presented prior to a pair of stimulus images (food-neutral or neutral-neutral). Body-related information and food type were repeated measure factors in our study. Our results showed that the first fixation duration bias for high-calorie foods was significantly longer than for low-calorie foods after exposure to overweight cues in the BWD group. Compared with the NBWD group, the BWD group showed longer first fixation duration bias for high-calorie foods after exposure to overweight cues. The direction for high-calorie foods was significantly more often than that for low-calorie foods in the BWD group after exposure to body-related information. Our findings suggest that compared to women with NBWD, women with BWD may be more susceptible to body-related information, resulting in increased attention to high-calorie foods.
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Affiliation(s)
- Pei Xie
- College of Psychology, Sichuan Normal University, Chengdu, 610066, China.
- Key Laboratory of Behavioral and Mental Health, Gansu Province, China.
- Department of Psychology, School of Psychology, Northwest Normal University, Lanzhou, 730070, China.
| | - Han-Bin Sang
- Key Laboratory of Child Cognition & Behavior Development of Hainan, Haikou, 570100, China
- School of Teacher Education, Qiongtai Normal University, Haikou, 570100, China
| | | | - Ai-Bao Zhou
- Key Laboratory of Behavioral and Mental Health, Gansu Province, China.
- Department of Psychology, School of Psychology, Northwest Normal University, Lanzhou, 730070, China.
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House T, Wong HK, Samuel NW, Stephen ID, Brooks KR, Bould H, Attwood AS, Penton-Voak IS. The relationship between body dissatisfaction and attentional bias to thin bodies in Malaysian Chinese and White Australian women: a dot probe study. ROYAL SOCIETY OPEN SCIENCE 2023; 10:230674. [PMID: 37736527 PMCID: PMC10509588 DOI: 10.1098/rsos.230674] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/17/2023] [Accepted: 08/15/2023] [Indexed: 09/23/2023]
Abstract
Studies suggest that an attentional bias to thin bodies is common among those with high levels of body dissatisfaction, which is a risk factor for, and symptom of, various eating disorders. However, these studies have predominantly been conducted in Western countries with body stimuli involving images of White people. In a preregistered study, we recruited 150 Malaysian Chinese women and 150 White Australian women for a study using standardized images of East Asian and White Australian bodies. To measure attentional bias to thin bodies, participants completed a dot probe task which presented images of women who self-identified their ethnicity as East Asian or as White Australian. Contrary to previous findings, we found no evidence for an association between body dissatisfaction and attentional bias to thin bodies. This lack of association was not affected by participant ethnicity (Malaysian Chinese versus White Australian) or ethnic congruency between participants and body stimuli (own-ethnicity versus other-ethnicity). However, the internal consistency of the dot probe task was poor. These results suggest that either the relationship between body dissatisfaction and attentional bias to thin bodies is not robust, or the dot probe task may not be a reliable measure of attentional bias to body size.
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Affiliation(s)
- T. House
- School of Psychological Sciences, Faculty of Medicine, Health and Human Sciences, Macquarie University, Australia
- School of Psychological Science, University of Bristol, UK
| | - H. K. Wong
- School of Psychology, University of Nottingham Malaysia, Malaysia
| | - N. W. Samuel
- School of Psychology, University of Nottingham Malaysia, Malaysia
| | - I. D. Stephen
- NTU Psychology, Nottingham Trent University, Nottingham, UK
| | - K. R. Brooks
- School of Psychological Sciences, Faculty of Medicine, Health and Human Sciences, Macquarie University, Australia
- Perception in Action Research Centre (PARC), Macquarie University, Australia
- Lifespan Health and Wellbeing Research Centre, Macquarie University, Australia
| | - H. Bould
- Centre for Academic Mental Health, Population Health Sciences, Bristol Medical School, University of Bristol, UK
- Gloucestershire Health and Care NHS Foundation Trust, Gloucester, UK
- MRC Integrative Epidemiology Unit, Bristol Medical School, University of Bristol, UK
- National Institute for Health Research Bristol Biomedical Research Centre, University Hospitals Bristol NHS Foundation Trust and University of Bristol, UK
| | - A. S. Attwood
- School of Psychological Science, University of Bristol, UK
- MRC Integrative Epidemiology Unit, Bristol Medical School, University of Bristol, UK
- National Institute for Health Research Bristol Biomedical Research Centre, University Hospitals Bristol NHS Foundation Trust and University of Bristol, UK
| | - I. S. Penton-Voak
- School of Psychological Science, University of Bristol, UK
- National Institute for Health Research Bristol Biomedical Research Centre, University Hospitals Bristol NHS Foundation Trust and University of Bristol, UK
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Mendoza-Medialdea MT, Meschberger-Annweiler FA, Ascione M, Rueda-Pina A, Rabarbari E, Porras-Garcia B, Ferrer-Garcia M, Gutiérrez-Maldonado J. Body Dissatisfaction and Body-Related Attentional Bias: Is There a Causal Relationship? J Clin Med 2023; 12:5659. [PMID: 37685726 PMCID: PMC10488727 DOI: 10.3390/jcm12175659] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/26/2023] [Revised: 08/21/2023] [Accepted: 08/30/2023] [Indexed: 09/10/2023] Open
Abstract
Previous research has shown an association between body dissatisfaction and attentional biases toward the body, but the nature of this relationship is not clear. It is possible that dissatisfaction causes attentional bias or that dissatisfaction is a result of such bias. To clarify the causal relationship between these two variables, this study manipulated dissatisfaction in a sample of healthy women by exposing them to images of "ideal" bodies and observed whether this manipulation increased attentional biases toward different body parts. Fifty-seven women took part in a pre-post experimental design in which they observed an avatar representing themselves in a virtual mirror before and after being exposed to "thin ideal" photographs. Eye-tracking technology was employed to quantify the frequency and duration of fixations on weight-related and weight-unrelated body parts. The outcomes revealed a successful induction of body dissatisfaction, leading participants to display a heightened number of fixations and prolonged fixation durations on unrelated-weight body parts. These findings remained significant after controlling for the effects of trait body dissatisfaction and body mass index. The results imply that heightened body dissatisfaction fosters the aversion of attention from weight-related body parts, which may function as a protective mechanism for preserving self-esteem and promoting psychological well-being.
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Affiliation(s)
- María Teresa Mendoza-Medialdea
- Department of Psychology, Universidad de Jaén, Paraje las Lagunillas s/n, 23071 Jaén, Spain;
- Department of Clinical Psychology and Psychobiology, Faculty of Psychology, University of Barcelona, Passeig de Vall d’Hebron 175, 08035 Barcelona, Spain (E.R.)
| | - Franck-Alexandre Meschberger-Annweiler
- Department of Clinical Psychology and Psychobiology, Faculty of Psychology, University of Barcelona, Passeig de Vall d’Hebron 175, 08035 Barcelona, Spain (E.R.)
| | - Mariarca Ascione
- Department of Clinical Psychology and Psychobiology, Faculty of Psychology, University of Barcelona, Passeig de Vall d’Hebron 175, 08035 Barcelona, Spain (E.R.)
| | - Alejandra Rueda-Pina
- Department of Clinical Psychology and Psychobiology, Faculty of Psychology, University of Barcelona, Passeig de Vall d’Hebron 175, 08035 Barcelona, Spain (E.R.)
| | - Elisa Rabarbari
- Department of Clinical Psychology and Psychobiology, Faculty of Psychology, University of Barcelona, Passeig de Vall d’Hebron 175, 08035 Barcelona, Spain (E.R.)
| | - Bruno Porras-Garcia
- Brain, Cognition, and Behavior Research Group, Consorci Sanitari de Terrassa (CST), Ctr. Torrebonica, s/n, 08227 Terrassa, Spain
- Department of Basic Sciences, Universitat Internacional de Catalunya, Josep Trueta Street, s/n, 08195 Sant Cugat del Vallès, Spain
| | - Marta Ferrer-Garcia
- Department of Clinical Psychology and Psychobiology, Faculty of Psychology, University of Barcelona, Passeig de Vall d’Hebron 175, 08035 Barcelona, Spain (E.R.)
| | - José Gutiérrez-Maldonado
- Department of Clinical Psychology and Psychobiology, Faculty of Psychology, University of Barcelona, Passeig de Vall d’Hebron 175, 08035 Barcelona, Spain (E.R.)
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Kirby AS, Jenks R, Walsh F, Duncan M. Attentional Biases Towards Body-Related Stimuli in Healthy Males: A Systematic Review. Psychol Rep 2023:332941231177243. [PMID: 37211416 DOI: 10.1177/00332941231177243] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 05/23/2023]
Abstract
Recent literature has discussed the role of attentional biases towards body-related stimuli. Specific foci have been on those with high levels of body image concerns and female samples. Unfortunately, there has been limited focus on male samples within existing literature. The aim of the current study was to provide a critical synthesis of the findings of existing studies exploring attentional biases in adult males towards body-related stimuli. Critical synthesis of the findings of 20 studies explored four key methodologies: eye-tracking, dot-probe, visual search, and other methodologies (e.g. ARDPEI task). The current review provides evidence of specific attentional biases towards body-related stimuli in adult males experiencing body image concerns. Similar patterns of attentional biases are also demonstrated in males with body image pathologies. However, there appears to be distinct patterns of attentional biases for male and female participants. It is recommended that future research considers these findings and utilises measures developed specifically for male samples. Furthermore, additional variables require further attention, i.e. reasons for engaging in social comparison and/or engaging in physical activity.
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Affiliation(s)
- Alexandra S Kirby
- Centre for Sport, Exercise and Life Sciences, Coventry University, Coventry, UK
- Department of Arts, Humanities and Human Sciences, Newman University, Bartley Green, UK
| | - Rebecca Jenks
- School of Psychological, Social and Behavioural Sciences, Coventry University, Coventry, UK
| | - Francesca Walsh
- School of Psychological, Social and Behavioural Sciences, Coventry University, Coventry, UK
| | - Michael Duncan
- Centre for Sport, Exercise and Life Sciences, Coventry University, Coventry, UK
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Groves V, Ridley BJ, Cornelissen PL, Maalin N, Mohamed S, Kramer RSS, McCarty K, Tovée MJ, Cornelissen KK. Men's perception of current and ideal body composition and the influence of media internalization on body judgements. Front Psychol 2023; 14:1116686. [PMID: 37205060 PMCID: PMC10185840 DOI: 10.3389/fpsyg.2023.1116686] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/05/2022] [Accepted: 03/31/2023] [Indexed: 05/21/2023] Open
Abstract
Introduction To determine men's body ideals and the factors that influence these choices, this study used a matrix of computer generated (CG) male bodies (based on an analysis of 3D scanned real bodies) which independently varied in fat and muscle content. Methods Two hundred and fifty-eight male participants completed a range of psychometric measures to index body concerns and body ideal internalization and then chose the CG body that best reflected their own current body, as well as the body that reflected their personal ideal. A subset of participants was then retested to check that these judgements were stable over time. Results While judgements of the ideal body seem to be influenced by a shared appearance ideal, the degree to which this ideal was internalized showed significant variability between participants. The effect of this internalization was reflected in the difference between the estimated current body and the ideal. Discussion Higher internalization led to a preference for higher muscle and lower fat content. This preference was most marked for fat content, although reducing adiposity also made the underlying musculature more salient. Additionally, the ideal body composition was modulated by the composition the participant believed his current body had (i.e., it seemed that a participant's ideal body was anchored by what they believed to be their current body and what change was possible from this starting point).
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Affiliation(s)
- Vicki Groves
- Department of Psychology, Northumbria University, Newcastle upon Tyne, United Kingdom
| | - Bethany J. Ridley
- Department of Psychology, Northumbria University, Newcastle upon Tyne, United Kingdom
| | - Piers L. Cornelissen
- Department of Psychology, Northumbria University, Newcastle upon Tyne, United Kingdom
| | - Nadia Maalin
- Department of Psychology, Birmingham City University, Birmingham, United Kingdom
| | - Sophie Mohamed
- Aberdeen Royal Infirmary, NHS Grampian, Aberdeen, United Kingdom
| | | | - Kristofor McCarty
- Department of Psychology, Northumbria University, Newcastle upon Tyne, United Kingdom
| | - Martin J. Tovée
- Department of Psychology, Northumbria University, Newcastle upon Tyne, United Kingdom
| | - Katri K. Cornelissen
- Department of Psychology, Northumbria University, Newcastle upon Tyne, United Kingdom
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Rahme D, Dabbous M, Malaeb D, Hallit S, Obeid S. The mediating effect of body appreciation between muscle dysmorphia and bulimia nervosa among Lebanese adolescents. BMC Psychiatry 2023; 23:275. [PMID: 37081413 PMCID: PMC10116797 DOI: 10.1186/s12888-023-04772-2] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/21/2022] [Accepted: 04/11/2023] [Indexed: 04/22/2023] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Muscle dysmorphia (MD) is a common psychological disorder present in Lebanese adolescents. Several disorders can be present concomitantly with MD such as bulimia nervosa and exercise addiction. This study aims to explore the mediating effect of body appreciation between Muscle dysmorphia and bulimia nervosa, and to validate the exercise addiction inventory scale in Lebanese adolescents. METHODS This was a cross-sectional designed study, conducted between August-September 2022, and enrolling 403 adolescents currently residing in Lebanon (15 to 18 years old), from all Lebanese governorates (Beirut, Mount Lebanon, North, South, and Bekaa). Our sample was chosen using the snowball technique, a soft copy of the questionnaire was created using google forms software, and an online approach was conceived to proceed with the data collection. RESULTS The mean age of the participants was 16.63 ± 1.46 years with 57.3% females. The factor analysis for the Exercise Addiction Inventory suggested one factor, which explained 62.58% of the common variance. The confirmatory factor analysis revealed an adequate fit to the model with satisfactory Maximum Likelihood Chi-Square/Degrees of Freedom (χ2/df), SRMR, CFI, TLI, and AVE. The mediation analysis showed that the direct relation between bulimia and MD was not significant after eliminating the effect of body appreciation (r = .12, p < .001). However, body appreciation was significantly associated with bulimia nervosa (r=-1.06, p < .001) and MD (r=-.28, p < .001). CONCLUSION Body appreciation was found to be a mediator between muscle dysmorphia and bulimia nervosa and thus it is the main factor leading to both disorders. Therefore, body appreciation should be addressed in the evaluation and management of Muscle Dysmorphia.
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Affiliation(s)
- Deema Rahme
- Pharmacy Practice Department, Faculty of Pharmacy, Beirut Arab University, Beirut, Lebanon
| | - Mariam Dabbous
- School of Pharmacy, Lebanese International University, Beirut, Lebanon
| | - Diana Malaeb
- School of Pharmacy, Lebanese International University, Beirut, Lebanon
- College of Pharmacy, Gulf Medical University, Ajman, United Arab Emirates
| | - Souheil Hallit
- School of Medicine and Medical Sciences, Holy Spirit University of Kaslik, P.O. Box 446, Jounieh, Lebanon.
- Research Department, Psychiatric Hospital of the Cross, Jal Eddib, Lebanon.
- Applied Science Research Center, Applied Science Private University, Amman, 11931, Jordan.
| | - Sahar Obeid
- Social and Education Sciences Department, School of Arts and Sciences, Lebanese American University, Jbeil, Lebanon.
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9
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House T, Graham K, Ellis B, Bould H, Attwood AS, Stephen ID, Brooks KR, Penton-Voak IS. Is body dissatisfaction related to an attentional bias towards low weight bodies in non-clinical samples of women? A systematic review and meta-analysis. Body Image 2023; 44:103-119. [PMID: 36563472 DOI: 10.1016/j.bodyim.2022.12.003] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/10/2022] [Revised: 12/07/2022] [Accepted: 12/08/2022] [Indexed: 12/24/2022]
Abstract
Body dissatisfaction is defined as the negative subjective evaluation of one's body and is considered a risk factor for, and symptom of, eating disorders. Some studies show women with high body dissatisfaction display an attentional bias towards low weight bodies; however, this finding is not consistent, and results are yet to be systematically synthesised. We conducted a qualitative and quantitative synthesis of cross-sectional studies investigating the relationship between body dissatisfaction and attentional bias to low weight bodies in non-clinical samples of women. We searched PubMed, Scopus, Web of Science, PsycINFO, ProQuest, and OpenGrey for studies up until September 2022. We identified 34 eligible studies involving a total of 2857 women. A meta-analysis of 26 studies (75 effects) found some evidence from gaze tracking studies for a positive association between body dissatisfaction and attentional bias to low weight bodies. We found no evidence for an association from studies measuring attention using the dot probe task, electroencephalogram (EEG) recording, or the modified spatial cueing task. The results together provide partial support for the positive association between body dissatisfaction and attentional bias to low weight bodies in women. These findings can be used to inform future attentional bias research.
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Affiliation(s)
- T House
- School of Psychological Sciences, Faculty of Medicine, Health and Human Sciences, Macquarie University, Australia; School of Psychological Science, University of Bristol, United Kingdom.
| | - K Graham
- Cumbria Northumberland Tyne and Wear NHS Foundation Trust, United Kingdom
| | - B Ellis
- EPSRC CDT in Digital Health and Care, University of Bristol, United Kingdom
| | - H Bould
- Centre for Academic Mental Health, Population Health Sciences, Bristol Medical School, University of Bristol, United Kingdom; Gloucestershire Health and Care NHS Foundation Trust, Centre for Academic Mental Health, University of Bristol, United Kingdom; MRC Integrative Epidemiology Unit, Bristol Medical School, University of Bristol, United Kingdom
| | - A S Attwood
- School of Psychological Science, University of Bristol, United Kingdom; MRC Integrative Epidemiology Unit, Bristol Medical School, University of Bristol, United Kingdom
| | - I D Stephen
- NTU Psychology, Nottingham Trent University, Nottingham, United Kingdom
| | - K R Brooks
- School of Psychological Sciences, Faculty of Medicine, Health and Human Sciences, Macquarie University, Australia
| | - I S Penton-Voak
- School of Psychological Science, University of Bristol, United Kingdom; National Institute for Health Research Bristol Biomedical Research Centre, University Hospitals Bristol NHS Foundation Trust and University of Bristol, United Kingdom
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10
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Chen T, Li Y, Feng C, Feng W. Spatial attentional biases toward height-related words in young males with physical stature dissatisfaction. Psychophysiology 2023; 60:e14163. [PMID: 35965305 DOI: 10.1111/psyp.14163] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/24/2021] [Revised: 05/22/2022] [Accepted: 06/29/2022] [Indexed: 01/04/2023]
Abstract
By recording event-related potentials (ERPs) during a dot-probe task, the present study examined the neural dynamics of attentional bias toward height-related words among height dissatisfied males. Sixty male participants screened by Negative Physical Self Scale-Stature Concerns subscale (NPS-S) were assigned into a high height dissatisfaction (HHD) group and a low height dissatisfaction (LHD) group. The results showed that tall-related versus neutral words elicited larger N2pc for both HHD and LHD groups, whereas short-related versus neutral words elicited larger N2pc only for the HHD group. Additionally, an evident Pd was elicited by tall-related words for the HHD group, but not for the LHD group. Taken together, these findings revealed attentional biases toward height-related information for HHD individuals on a neural level. Specifically, HHD individuals showed an enhanced spatial attention oriented toward both tall-related and short-related words, and then, the allocated attention to the tall-related words was terminated by an active suppression mechanism.
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Affiliation(s)
- Tingji Chen
- Department of Psychology, School of Education, Soochow University, Suzhou, China
| | - Yishuang Li
- Wuzhong Changqiao Middle School, Suzhou, China
| | - Chengzhi Feng
- Department of Psychology, School of Education, Soochow University, Suzhou, China
| | - Wenfeng Feng
- Department of Psychology, School of Education, Soochow University, Suzhou, China.,Research Center for Psychology and Behavioral Sciences, Soochow University, Suzhou, China
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11
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Koltun KJ, Bird MB, Lovalekar M, Martin BJ, Mi Q, Nindl BC. Changes in eating pathology symptoms during initial military training in men and women and associations with BMI and injury risk. Eat Behav 2023; 48:101687. [PMID: 36463664 DOI: 10.1016/j.eatbeh.2022.101687] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/09/2022] [Revised: 11/21/2022] [Accepted: 11/22/2022] [Indexed: 11/27/2022]
Abstract
Nutritional fitness, which comprises food choices, meal timing, and dietary intake behaviors, is an important component of military service member health and performance that has garnered recent attention. This study utilized generalized linear mixed effects modeling (GLMM) to investigate changes in eating pathology symptoms in men and women during initial military training (Marine Corps Officer Candidates School (OCS)). Associations among eating pathology, musculoskeletal injury risk and BMI were also assessed. This investigation includes data from the Eating Pathology Symptoms Inventory (EPSI) and BMI at the start of OCS (n = 598: Male n = 469, Female n = 129) and end of the 10-week program (n = 413: Male n = 329, Female n = 84), and injury surveillance throughout. At baseline, female candidates presented with greater body dissatisfaction, binge eating, purging, and restricting, but lower negative attitudes toward obesity compared to male candidates (p < 0.001). Eating symptoms changed during military training indicated by decreased body dissatisfaction in women (p = 0.003), decreased excessive exercise and negative attitudes toward obesity in men (p < 0.001), decreased cognitive restraint (p < 0.001), restricting (p < 0.001), purging (p = 0.013), and muscle building (p < 0.001) and increased binge eating (p < 0.001) in both sexes. Changes in restricting were significantly related to changes in BMI during training (p < 0.05). The likelihood of future injury was 108 % higher in female candidates than males and decreased by 5 % for each unit increase in excessive exercise. Eating attitudes and behaviors change during military training environments and are associated with military health and readiness outcomes including BMI and injury risk.
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Affiliation(s)
- Kristen J Koltun
- Neuromuscular Research Laboratory/Warrior Human Performance Research Center, Department of Sports Medicine and Nutrition, University of Pittsburgh, 3860 S. Water St., Pittsburgh, PA 15203, USA.
| | - Matthew B Bird
- Neuromuscular Research Laboratory/Warrior Human Performance Research Center, Department of Sports Medicine and Nutrition, University of Pittsburgh, 3860 S. Water St., Pittsburgh, PA 15203, USA
| | - Mita Lovalekar
- Neuromuscular Research Laboratory/Warrior Human Performance Research Center, Department of Sports Medicine and Nutrition, University of Pittsburgh, 3860 S. Water St., Pittsburgh, PA 15203, USA
| | - Brian J Martin
- Neuromuscular Research Laboratory/Warrior Human Performance Research Center, Department of Sports Medicine and Nutrition, University of Pittsburgh, 3860 S. Water St., Pittsburgh, PA 15203, USA
| | - Qi Mi
- Neuromuscular Research Laboratory/Warrior Human Performance Research Center, Department of Sports Medicine and Nutrition, University of Pittsburgh, 3860 S. Water St., Pittsburgh, PA 15203, USA
| | - Bradley C Nindl
- Neuromuscular Research Laboratory/Warrior Human Performance Research Center, Department of Sports Medicine and Nutrition, University of Pittsburgh, 3860 S. Water St., Pittsburgh, PA 15203, USA
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12
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Zhu L, Zhou H, Wang X, Ma X, Liu Q. Preference for ugly faces? -A cognitive study of attentional and memorial biases toward facial information among young females with facial dissatisfaction. Front Psychol 2022; 13:1024197. [PMID: 36405166 PMCID: PMC9668061 DOI: 10.3389/fpsyg.2022.1024197] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/21/2022] [Accepted: 09/30/2022] [Indexed: 11/24/2022] Open
Abstract
Dissatisfaction with facial appearance is one of the strongest contributors to body image disturbance among young Chinese females and leads to a series of psychological and behavioral disorders. By conducting behavioral and ERP experiments, this study illustrates how young females in China with facial dissatisfaction process different levels of facial attractiveness. Experiments 1 and 2 are behavioral experiments in which the dot-probe paradigm was used to explore the participant's attentional bias to facial attractiveness. The results showed that regardless of whether the face image was presented above or below the threshold, young females with facial dissatisfaction exhibited attentional orientation toward lowly attractive faces and attentional avoidance to both lowly and highly attractive faces, while the control group showed difficulty in attentional disengagement from highly attractive faces. In experiment 3, the learning-recognition task was used to examine mnemonic bias toward facial attractiveness among females with facial dissatisfaction, and EEG data were also recorded during the encoding and retrieval phases. The study found that young females with facial dissatisfaction exhibited a mnemonic preference for lowly attractive images at both the encoding and retrieving stages, with higher P1, N170, P2, and N300 induced by lowly attractive faces, while the control group preferred highly attractive faces. In conclusion, young females with facial dissatisfaction tend to exhibit attentional orientation and mnemonic bias toward lowly attractive faces.
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Affiliation(s)
- Lan Zhu
- West China School of Public Health and West China Fourth Hospital, Sichuan University, Chengdu, China,School of Education and Psychology, Southwest Minzu University, Chengdu, China
| | - Huan Zhou
- West China School of Public Health and West China Fourth Hospital, Sichuan University, Chengdu, China,*Correspondence: Huan Zhou,
| | - Xiaogang Wang
- School of Education and Psychology, Southwest Minzu University, Chengdu, China
| | - Xiao Ma
- West China School of Public Health and West China Fourth Hospital, Sichuan University, Chengdu, China
| | - Qiaolan Liu
- West China School of Public Health and West China Fourth Hospital, Sichuan University, Chengdu, China
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13
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Abstract
Over the past 30 years, attentional bias for body shape and weight content has been implicated in the precipitation and maintenance of body dissatisfaction and eating disorders. Although the existence of this bias toward body stimuli is well-established in female populations, it is comparatively understudied in men. This review aimed to examine the nature of this visual attentional bias toward male bodies in male samples across a range of different attentional paradigms, including eye-tracking, dot-probe, and the visual search task. Results were heterogenous, finding some evidence that men with higher body dissatisfaction and eating disorder symptoms demonstrated an attentional bias toward desirable bodies of other men, and undesirable features of their own bodies. These results suggest that schematic cognitive models of body dissatisfaction and eating disorders body may also be applicable to men, however more research is needed.
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14
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Arkenau R, Bauer A, Schneider S, Vocks S. Gender differences in state body satisfaction, affect, and body-related attention patterns towards one’s own and a peer’s body: an Eye-Tracking Study with Women and Men. COGNITIVE THERAPY AND RESEARCH 2022. [DOI: 10.1007/s10608-022-10300-5] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/30/2022]
Abstract
Abstract
Background
Body-related attentional biases are assumed to contribute to the development and maintenance of body-related concerns or specific mental disorders such as eating disorders. However, while studies have indicated gender-specific differences in body-related concerns, less is known about gender-specific differences in body-related attention allocation.
Methods
An eye-tracking paradigm was used to assess women’s (n = 41) and men’s (n = 42) attention patterns towards their own and a peer’s body. Additionally, state body satisfaction and affect were examined.
Results
While both women and men showed higher state positive and negative affect after viewing one’s own body than after viewing a peer’s body, only women displayed worse state body satisfaction after viewing one’s own body than after viewing a peer’s body. Conversely, both genders showed a similar deficit-oriented attention pattern, irrespective of the presented body type.
Conclusions
The findings provide evidence of gender-specific differences in state body satisfaction after viewing one’s own and a peer’s body. However, these differences do not seem to be reflected by gender differences in body-related attention allocation. As both women and men showed a deficit-oriented attentional bias, they might benefit from interventions which aim to establish a functional or self-serving way of looking at one’s own body.
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15
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House T, Stephen ID, Penton-Voak IS, Brooks KR. The effect of attention on body size adaptation and body dissatisfaction. ROYAL SOCIETY OPEN SCIENCE 2022; 9:211718. [PMID: 35223063 PMCID: PMC8864361 DOI: 10.1098/rsos.211718] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/01/2021] [Accepted: 01/31/2022] [Indexed: 05/03/2023]
Abstract
Attentional bias to low-fat bodies is thought to be associated with body dissatisfaction-a symptom and risk factor of eating disorders. However, the causal nature of this relationship is unclear. In three preregistered experiments, we trained 370 women to attend towards either high- or low-fat body stimuli using an attention training dot probe task. For each experiment, we analysed the effect of the attention training on (i) attention to subsequently presented high- versus low-fat body stimuli, (ii) visual adaptation to body size, and (iii) body dissatisfaction. The attention training had no effect on attention towards high- or low-fat bodies in an online setting (Experiment 1), but did increase attention to high-fat bodies in a laboratory setting (Experiment 2). Neither perceptions of a 'normal' body size nor levels of body dissatisfaction changed as a result of the attention training in either setting. The results in the online setting did not change when we reduced the stimulus onset-asynchrony of the dot probe task from 500 to 100 ms (Experiment 3). Our results provide no evidence that the dot probe training task used here has robust effects on attention to body size, body image disturbance or body dissatisfaction.
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Affiliation(s)
- T. House
- School of Psychological Science, Faculty of Medicine, Health and Human Sciences, Macquarie University, Sydney, Australia
- Department of Psychology, University of Bristol, Bristol, UK
| | - I. D. Stephen
- Department of Psychology, Nottingham Trent University, Nottingham, UK
| | - I. S. Penton-Voak
- Department of Psychology, University of Bristol, Bristol, UK
- National Institute for Health Research Bristol Biomedical Research Centre, University Hospitals Bristol NHS Foundation Trust and University of Bristol, UK
| | - K. R. Brooks
- School of Psychological Science, Faculty of Medicine, Health and Human Sciences, Macquarie University, Sydney, Australia
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16
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La Marra M, Ilardi CR, Villano I, Polito R, Sibillo MR, Franchetti M, Caggiano A, Strangio F, Messina G, Monda V, Di Maio G, Messina A. Higher general executive functions predicts lower body mass index by mitigating avoidance behaviors. Front Endocrinol (Lausanne) 2022; 13:1048363. [PMID: 36440204 PMCID: PMC9681800 DOI: 10.3389/fendo.2022.1048363] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/20/2022] [Accepted: 10/20/2022] [Indexed: 11/11/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND The present study examines the relationship between obesity, executive functions, and body image in a nonclinical population from southern Italy. METHODS General executive functioning (Frontal Assessment Battery-15), and body image disturbances (Body Uneasiness Test) were assessed in a sample including 255 participants (138 females, M age = 43.51 years, SD = 17.94, range = 18-86 years; M body mass index (BMI) = 26.21, SD = 4.32, range = 18.03-38.79). FINDINGS Multiple Linear Regression Analysis indicated that age, years of education, FAB15 score, body image concerns, and avoidance predicted the variance of BMI. A subsequent mediation analysis highlighted that the indirect effect of FAB15 on BMI through avoidance was statistically significant. INTERPRETATION Our results suggest that more performing executive functioning predicts a decrease in BMI that is partially due to the mitigation of avoidance behaviors.
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Affiliation(s)
- Marco La Marra
- Department of Experimental Medicine, University of Campania “Luigi Vanvitelli”, Naples, Italy
| | - Ciro Rosario Ilardi
- Department of Experimental Medicine, University of Campania “Luigi Vanvitelli”, Naples, Italy
- Department of Psychology, University of Campania “Luigi Vanvitelli”, Caserta, Italy
| | - Ines Villano
- Department of Experimental Medicine, University of Campania “Luigi Vanvitelli”, Naples, Italy
- *Correspondence: Ines Villano,
| | - Rita Polito
- Department of Clinical and Experimental Medicine, University of Foggia, Foggia, Italy
| | - Maria Raffella Sibillo
- Department of Experimental Medicine, University of Campania “Luigi Vanvitelli”, Naples, Italy
| | - Marina Franchetti
- Department of Experimental Medicine, University of Campania “Luigi Vanvitelli”, Naples, Italy
| | - Angela Caggiano
- Department of Experimental Medicine, University of Campania “Luigi Vanvitelli”, Naples, Italy
| | - Francesca Strangio
- Department of Experimental Medicine, University of Campania “Luigi Vanvitelli”, Naples, Italy
| | - Giovanni Messina
- Department of Clinical and Experimental Medicine, University of Foggia, Foggia, Italy
| | - Vincenzo Monda
- Department of Movement Sciences and Wellbeing, University of Naples “Parthenope”, Naples, Italy
| | - Girolamo Di Maio
- Department of Experimental Medicine, University of Campania “Luigi Vanvitelli”, Naples, Italy
| | - Antonietta Messina
- Department of Experimental Medicine, University of Campania “Luigi Vanvitelli”, Naples, Italy
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17
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Brooks KR, Bell J, Boothroyd LG, Stephen ID. Editorial: Experimental Approaches to Body Image, Representation and Perception. Front Psychol 2021; 12:809385. [PMID: 34950094 PMCID: PMC8688355 DOI: 10.3389/fpsyg.2021.809385] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/04/2021] [Accepted: 11/16/2021] [Indexed: 12/03/2022] Open
Affiliation(s)
- Kevin R Brooks
- Body Image and Ingestion Group, Faculty of Medicine, Health and Human Sciences, Macquarie University, Sydney, NSW, Australia.,School of Psychological Sciences, Faculty of Medicine, Health and Human Sciences, Macquarie University, Sydney, NSW, Australia.,Perception in Action Research Centre, Faculty of Medicine, Health and Human Sciences, Macquarie University, Sydney, NSW, Australia
| | - Jason Bell
- School of Psychological Science, University of Western Australia, Perth, WA, Australia
| | | | - Ian D Stephen
- Body Image and Ingestion Group, Faculty of Medicine, Health and Human Sciences, Macquarie University, Sydney, NSW, Australia.,School of Psychological Sciences, Faculty of Medicine, Health and Human Sciences, Macquarie University, Sydney, NSW, Australia.,School of Social Sciences, Nottingham Trent University, Nottingham, United Kingdom
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18
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Berrisford-Thompson J, Sayers S, Bell J, Dondzilo L, Kennedy BL. Blinded by bodies: Elevated eating disorder symptomatology is associated with increased attentional priority for thin bodies. Body Image 2021; 39:237-247. [PMID: 34653925 DOI: 10.1016/j.bodyim.2021.09.003] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/19/2021] [Revised: 09/18/2021] [Accepted: 09/23/2021] [Indexed: 11/17/2022]
Abstract
Selective processing of female thin-ideal body imagery is associated with greater body dissatisfaction, and eating disorder-specific rumination has been shown to mediate this relationship. Across two studies, we employed a modified rapid serial visual presentation task (similar to that used within the emotion-induced blindness literature), such that participants searched for a task-relevant target that was sometimes preceded by a thin body, non-thin body, or neutral task-irrelevant distractor. Our first experiment (N = 372) revealed a "body-induced blindness" in an unselected female sample, such that bodies in general distracted attention more than neutral images, and non-thin bodies distracted more than thin-ideal bodies. In our second experiment, female participants were selected based on eating disorder symptomatology (N = 114). Females that exhibited elevated eating disorder symptoms were distracted more by thin bodies compared to those low in symptomatology, greater distraction from thin bodies was associated with greater body dissatisfaction, and this relationship was mediated by eating disorder-specific rumination. Altogether, our findings illustrate the persistent nature of attentional distortions that occur early in cognitive processing and across time for those high in eating disorder symptomatology.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Sarah Sayers
- School of Psychological Science, University of Western Australia, Perth, WA, Australia
| | - Jason Bell
- School of Psychological Science, University of Western Australia, Perth, WA, Australia
| | - Laura Dondzilo
- Elizabeth Rutherford Memorial Centre for the Advancement of Research on Emotion, School of Psychological Science, University of Western Australia, Perth, WA, Australia.
| | - Briana L Kennedy
- School of Psychological Science, University of Western Australia, Perth, WA, Australia
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19
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Ralph-Nearman C, Hooper MA, Filik R. An eye-tracking study examining the relationship between males' eating disorder symptomatology, body mass index, and expectations about character behaviour in text. Cogn Emot 2021; 35:1543-1558. [PMID: 34647853 DOI: 10.1080/02699931.2021.1987862] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/20/2022]
Abstract
Eating disorder prevalence is increasing in males, perhaps more rapidly than in females. Theorists have proposed that cognitive biases are important factors underpinning disordered eating, especially those related to food, body, and perfectionism. We investigated these factors in relation to males' eating disorder symptomatology in the general population by using eye-tracking during reading as a novel and implicit measure. 180 males' eye movements were monitored while they read scenarios (third-person in Experiment 1 (n = 90, 18-38(Mage = 21.50, SD = 3.65)); second-person in Experiment 2 (n = 90, 18-35(Mage = 20.50, SD = 2.22))) describing characters' emotional responses (e.g. upset) to food-, body image-, and perfectionism-related events. Participants' eating disorder symptomatology was then assessed, and body mass index (BMI) was calculated. Results showed processing of characters' emotional responses (detected via eye-tracking) to body- and perfectionism-related events for third-person scenarios was related to eating disorder symptomatology. Processing of characters' emotional responses to body-related events for second-person scenarios was related to males' BMI. The moment-to-moment processing of characters' emotional responses to food-related scenarios was not related to eating disorder symptomatology or BMI. Findings support theories that include body- and perfectionism-related cognitive biases as underlying mechanisms of eating disorder symptomatology and the use of implicit measures of cognitive processes underlying males' eating disorder symptomatology.
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Affiliation(s)
- Christina Ralph-Nearman
- School of Psychology, University of Nottingham, Nottingham, UK.,Department of Psychological and Brain Sciences, University of Louisville, Louisville, KY, USA
| | - Madison A Hooper
- Department of Psychology, Vanderbilt University, Nashville, TN, USA
| | - Ruth Filik
- School of Psychology, University of Nottingham, Nottingham, UK
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20
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Martino E, Fisher JP, Wink B, Smith D, Steele J. "Lift Big-Get Big": The Impact of Images of Hyper-Muscular Bodies and Training Information. RESEARCH QUARTERLY FOR EXERCISE AND SPORT 2021; 92:500-513. [PMID: 32633646 DOI: 10.1080/02701367.2020.1752357] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/02/2019] [Accepted: 03/22/2020] [Indexed: 06/11/2023]
Abstract
Purpose: It has been suggested that the media influence beliefs regarding ideal body appearance and drive for muscularity whilst also offering recommendations for achieving this; most commonly heavy load free weight resistance training (RT). However, evidence for media effects are inconsistent in the literature. This study investigated this "lift big-get big" culture and effects of imagery on males' beliefs regarding RT. Method: An online survey was conducted with male participants (N = 110) randomized to different images (hyper-muscular/lean/control) and RT information ("lift big-get big"/"evidence based RT"/control). Results: Descriptive data suggested belief in necessity of heavy loads and free weights was pervasive. There was a small significant effect of condition for multivariate analysis of beliefs regarding RT. Univariate analyses showed significant effects of condition regarding the importance of free weights and heavy loads for strength, and free weights for hypertrophy. Small to moderate effects were found comparing "evidence-based RT" with a hyper-muscular physique to "lift big-get big" conditions with both hyper-muscular and lean physiques, the latter more likely to agree free weights and heavy loads are necessary for strength. A small effect was found comparing "lift big-get big" conditions with both hyper-muscular and lean physiques and the control condition, the former more likely to agree free weights are necessary for hypertrophy. Conclusions: Although hyper-muscular bodies alone did not influence RT beliefs, new information, i.e., "evidence-based RT" combined with a hyper-muscular physique had a small effect. The "lift big-get big" culture is perhaps pervasive enough that most conditions merely reinforced existing beliefs.
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Affiliation(s)
| | | | | | - Dave Smith
- Ukactive Research Institute
- Manchester Metropolitan University
| | - James Steele
- Southampton Solent University
- Ukactive Research Institute
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21
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Dondzilo L, Basanovic J, Grafton B, Bell J, Turnbull G, MacLeod C. A serial mediation model of attentional engagement with thin bodies on body dissatisfaction: The role of appearance comparisons and rumination. CURRENT PSYCHOLOGY 2021. [DOI: 10.1007/s12144-021-01574-1] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/21/2022]
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22
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Body Image and Voluntary Gaze Behaviors towards Physique-Salient Images. INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF ENVIRONMENTAL RESEARCH AND PUBLIC HEALTH 2021; 18:ijerph18052549. [PMID: 33806533 PMCID: PMC7967371 DOI: 10.3390/ijerph18052549] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/01/2021] [Revised: 02/10/2021] [Accepted: 02/15/2021] [Indexed: 11/17/2022]
Abstract
The purpose of this study was to explore body image correlates of voluntary consumption of physique-salient media. A secondary aim was to assess changes in affect following media consumption. Young adult men (n = 47; mean age = 20.2 years) and women (n = 87; mean age = 19.5 years) were discretely exposed to images of same-sex models with idealized- and average-physiques while completing an irrelevant computer task. Voluntary gaze at the images was covertly recorded via hidden cameras. Participants also completed measures of affect before and after the computer task. Measures of body-related envy, body appreciation, and self-perceptions of attractiveness, thinness, and physical strength were completed. Men and women did not differ in how often nor for how long they looked at the images overall, but body image variables were differentially associated with their voluntary gaze behaviors. For men, higher body-related envy and lower body appreciation were correlated with more looks at the average-physique model. Although women reported higher body-related envy than men, envy and body appreciation were not significant correlates of gaze behaviors for women. Both men and women experienced a general affective decrease over time, but only for men was the change in negative affect associated with their time spent looking at the ideal-physique image. Overall, these findings suggest that body-related envy and body appreciation influence how men choose to consume physique-salient media, and that media consumption may have negative consequences for post-exposure affect. Body image factors appear to be more strongly associated with behavior in men, perhaps because men are generally less often exposed to physique-salient media and, in particular, to average-physique images.
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23
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Dondzilo L, Mills C, Rodgers RF. Attentional engagement, appearance comparisons, and rumination as predictors of body dissatisfaction: Evaluation of a serial mediation model in men. Body Image 2021; 36:180-184. [PMID: 33338781 DOI: 10.1016/j.bodyim.2020.11.008] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/28/2020] [Revised: 11/14/2020] [Accepted: 11/15/2020] [Indexed: 02/01/2023]
Abstract
Elevated body dissatisfaction is underpinned by an attentional bias towards images portraying appearance ideals. However, very little is known about the specific attentional mechanisms and mediating factors involved in this relationship in the context of male body dissatisfaction. The present study sought to replicate and extend on previous research among women showing that the relationship between attentional engagement bias and body dissatisfaction is sequentially mediated by appearance comparisons and rumination. Seventy undergraduate males completed an attentional task capable of independently assessing biased attentional engagement with images of muscular and non-muscular bodies followed by self-report measures of appearance comparisons, eating disorder-specific rumination, and body dissatisfaction. Results revealed that a heightened tendency to engage in appearance comparisons was associated with increased attentional engagement with muscular bodies, relative to non-muscular bodies. Moreover, a serial mediation analysis revealed that increased attentional engagement with muscular bodies was associated with appearance comparisons, which in turn were associated with eating disorder-specific rumination and, consequently, body dissatisfaction. The current findings replicate among men the serial mediation model of body dissatisfaction previously described among women and implicate heightened attentional engagement with idealized images as a potential pathway to body dissatisfaction in men.
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Affiliation(s)
- Laura Dondzilo
- Elizabeth Rutherford Memorial Centre for the Advancement of Research on Emotion, School of Psychological Science, University of Western Australia, Crawley, Western Australia, Australia.
| | - Caitlin Mills
- Elizabeth Rutherford Memorial Centre for the Advancement of Research on Emotion, School of Psychological Science, University of Western Australia, Crawley, Western Australia, Australia
| | - Rachel F Rodgers
- APPEAR, Department of Applied Psychology, Northeastern University, Boston, United States; Department of Psychiatric Emergency & Acute Care, Lapeyronie Hospital, CHRU Montpellier, France
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24
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Language evolution and ethnic group/dialect name affecting ethnic information processing: Three major Chinese dialects in Guangdong. ACTA PSYCHOLOGICA SINICA 2021. [DOI: 10.3724/sp.j.1041.2021.00944] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/25/2022]
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25
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Cai W, Wang L, Chen T, Zhao S, Feng C, Feng W. Auditory attentional biases in young males with physical stature dissatisfaction. Psychophysiology 2020; 57:e13635. [PMID: 32659054 DOI: 10.1111/psyp.13635] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/30/2020] [Revised: 04/25/2020] [Accepted: 06/15/2020] [Indexed: 11/28/2022]
Abstract
The attentional biases toward body-related information for individuals with weight concerns and eating disorders have been well documented. However, our knowledge of the attentional biases toward body-related information for subjects with physical stature concerns is only at the beginning. And the research on the auditory attentional biases for individuals with physical stature concerns is rare. The identification of attentional biases may provide an impetus for interventions to reduce distress among height dissatisfied individuals. Therefore, the present study investigated the neural mechanisms of attentional bias toward auditory physical stature-related words among height dissatisfied young males by using event-related potential recordings. Forty-four young male participants screened by Negative Physical Self Scale-Stature Concerns subscale (NPS-S) were assigned into an experimental group with high levels of height dissatisfaction (HHD) and a control group with low levels of height dissatisfaction (LHD). Task irrelevant auditory tall-related words, short-related words and neutral words were presented unilaterally to the participants as the cue in a cue-target paradigm. Participants were required to respond to the visual target preceded by the task-irrelevant auditory cue. The results found that significantly larger N2ac was elicited by tall-related words than short-related words and neutral words only for the HHD group, but not for the LHD group. LPCpc amplitudes did not differ significantly by the functions of word types and experimental groups. These results suggest an attentional orienting bias toward auditory tall-related words for young males with high levels of height dissatisfaction.
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Affiliation(s)
- Wenguan Cai
- Department of Psychology, School of Education, SooChow University, Suzhou, China
| | - Lili Wang
- School of Educational Science, Huaiyin Normal University, Huai'an, China
| | - Tingji Chen
- Department of Psychology, School of Education, SooChow University, Suzhou, China
| | - Song Zhao
- Department of Psychology, School of Education, SooChow University, Suzhou, China
| | - Chengzhi Feng
- Department of Psychology, School of Education, SooChow University, Suzhou, China
| | - Wenfeng Feng
- Department of Psychology, School of Education, SooChow University, Suzhou, China
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26
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Body-Related Attentional Bias among Men with High and Low Muscularity Dissatisfaction. J Clin Med 2020; 9:jcm9061736. [PMID: 32512745 PMCID: PMC7355895 DOI: 10.3390/jcm9061736] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/30/2020] [Revised: 05/26/2020] [Accepted: 06/02/2020] [Indexed: 12/20/2022] Open
Abstract
Previous studies have found gender differences in body-related attentional bias (AB), with women showing AB towards weight-related body parts. However, few studies have assessed the relationship between body-related AB and muscularity dissatisfaction (MD) in men. This study aimed to assess the presence of muscle-related AB in men, using a combination of a virtual reality (VR) embodiment-based technique and eye-tracking (ET) technology. Twenty men with high MD and 20 with low MD, owned a virtual avatar that had the same silhouette and body mass index as the participant. To analyze the gaze data, muscle-related areas of interest (M-AOIs) and nonmuscle-related areas of interest (NM-AOIs) were defined. The complete fixation time and the number of fixations on each AOI were recorded. Mixed between (group)-within (AOI_condition) analyses of variance showed a statistically significant interaction between group and time (p < 0.05) in both AB measures. Follow-up analyses revealed an AB towards M-AOIs only in men with high MD. Overall, men with high MD spent more time looking and displayed a higher number of fixations on M-AOIs, specifically the chest and shoulders, compared to men with low MD. This study provides new information about the relationship between MD and body-related AB in men. Combining VR with ET technologies presents interesting opportunities in the study of body image in men.
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27
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Brockmeyer T, Burdenski K, Anderle A, Voges MM, Vocks S, Schmidt H, Wünsch-Leiteritz W, Leiteritz A, Friederich HC. Approach and avoidance bias for thin-ideal and normal-weight body shapes in anorexia nervosa. EUROPEAN EATING DISORDERS REVIEW 2020; 28:536-550. [PMID: 32431093 DOI: 10.1002/erv.2744] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/11/2019] [Revised: 03/06/2020] [Accepted: 04/28/2020] [Indexed: 11/06/2022]
Abstract
OBJECTIVE The two studies aimed to examine implicit affective evaluations of thin-ideal and normal-weight body shapes in women with anorexia nervosa (AN), taking identification with body shapes into account. METHOD In study 1, approach-avoidance bias for thin-ideal and normal-weight bodies was assessed in 40 women with AN and 40 healthy women by using an Approach-Avoidance Task and female avatar bodies with a standard face as stimuli. In study 2, 39 women with AN and 38 healthy women underwent a similar task but identification with bodies was manipulated by presenting bodies once with the participant's own face and once with another woman's face. RESULTS In study 1, patients with AN did not differ from healthy participants in their automatic approach-avoidance tendencies towards thin-ideal and normal-weight bodies. In study 2, no definite approach bias for a thin self and no avoidance bias for thin other women or for a normal-weight self were found. However, as compared to healthy women, those with AN showed a less positive implicit evaluation of thin other women, and an implicit preference for thin bodies depicted as themselves over thin bodies depicted as another woman. CONCLUSIONS The findings suggest that intra-sexual competition for being slim is increased in AN.
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Affiliation(s)
- Timo Brockmeyer
- Department of Clinical Psychology and Psychotherapy, Institute of Psychology, University of Goettingen, Goettingen, Germany.,Department of Psychosomatic Medicine and Psychotherapy, Medical Faculty, Heinrich Heine University, Düsseldorf, Germany
| | - Kathrin Burdenski
- Department of Psychosomatic Medicine and Psychotherapy, Medical Faculty, Heinrich Heine University, Düsseldorf, Germany
| | - Alisa Anderle
- Department of Psychosomatic Medicine and Psychotherapy, Medical Faculty, Heinrich Heine University, Düsseldorf, Germany
| | - Mona M Voges
- Department of Clinical Psychology and Psychotherapy, Osnabrück University, Osnabrück, Germany
| | - Silja Vocks
- Department of Clinical Psychology and Psychotherapy, Osnabrück University, Osnabrück, Germany
| | | | | | | | - Hans-Christoph Friederich
- Department of Psychosomatic Medicine and Psychotherapy, Medical Faculty, Heinrich Heine University, Düsseldorf, Germany.,Center for Psychosocial Medicine, Department of General Internal Medicine and Psychosomatics, Heidelberg University Hospital, Heidelberg, Germany
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Abstract
AbstractFigural rating scales are tools used to measure male body dissatisfaction. The present review aimed to examine the design and psychometric properties of male figural rating scales and make recommendations based on findings. Relevant databases were systematically searched for studies that had developed and validated male figural rating scales. Twenty studies were included in this review. Figural rating scales differed in terms of the number of images represented and type of stimuli used (hand-drawn silhouettes, hand-drawn figures, computer-rendered figures, and photograph figures). Reliability and validity evidence varied greatly in strength across all scales. Four of the 20 scales included a correlational analysis between figural rating scale scores and eating disorder symptoms. Results showed the moderate to high positive correlations between eating disorder symptoms and figural rating scale perceived and index scores, suggesting that figural rating scales are sensitive to detecting eating disorder symptoms. Ideally, male figural rating scales should show strong validity and reliability, include variations in both body fat and muscularity, utilise realistic body stimuli, and be interval scales. No existing male figural rating scale meets these criteria. However, this review identifies five figural rating scales that meet the majority of the recommended criteria.
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29
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Examination of the Relationship Between Attentional Biases and Body Dissatisfaction: An Eye-Tracking Study. COGNITIVE THERAPY AND RESEARCH 2020. [DOI: 10.1007/s10608-020-10084-6] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/24/2022]
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30
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Cass J, Giltrap G, Talbot D. Female Body Dissatisfaction and Attentional Bias to Body Images Evaluated Using Visual Search. Front Psychol 2020; 10:2821. [PMID: 32038346 PMCID: PMC6987376 DOI: 10.3389/fpsyg.2019.02821] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/26/2019] [Accepted: 11/29/2019] [Indexed: 11/13/2022] Open
Abstract
One factor, believed to predict body dissatisfaction is an individual’s propensity to attend to certain classes of human body image stimuli relative to other classes. These attentional biases have been evaluated using a range of paradigms, including dot-probe, eye-tracking and free view visual search, which have yielded a range of – often contradictory – findings. This study is the first to employ a classic compound visual search task to investigate the relationship between body dissatisfaction and attentional biases to images of underweight and with-overweight female bodies. Seventy-one undergraduate females, varying their degree of body dissatisfaction and Body Mass Index (BMI), searched for a horizontal or vertical target line among tilted lines. A separate female body image was presented within close proximity to each line. On average, faster search times were obtained when the target line was paired with a uniquely underweight or with-overweight body relative to neutral (average weight only) trials indicating that body weight-related images can effectively guide search. This congruent search effect was stronger for individuals with high eating restraint (a behavioral manifestation of body image disturbance) when search involved a uniquely underweight body. By contrast, individuals with high BMIs searched for lines more rapidly when paired with with-overweight rather than underweight bodies, than did individuals with lower BMIs. For incongruent trials – in which a unique body was paired with a distractor rather than the target – search times were indistinguishable from neutral trials, indicating that the deviant bodies neither compulsorily “captured” attention nor reduced participants’ ability to disengage their attention from either underweight or with-overweight bodies. These results imply the existence of attentional strategies which reflect one’s current body and goal-directed eating behaviors.
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Affiliation(s)
- John Cass
- School of Psychology, Western Sydney University, Sydney, NSW, Australia.,School of Social Sciences and Psychology, Western Sydney University, Sydney, NSW, Australia
| | - Georgina Giltrap
- School of Social Sciences and Psychology, Western Sydney University, Sydney, NSW, Australia
| | - Daniel Talbot
- School of Social Sciences and Psychology, Western Sydney University, Sydney, NSW, Australia
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31
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Dondzilo L, Rodgers RF, Turnbull G, Bell J. The importance of motivational orientation towards the muscular ideal versus the stigmatised burdensome body in male body dissatisfaction. Body Image 2019; 31:81-87. [PMID: 31476658 DOI: 10.1016/j.bodyim.2019.08.010] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/26/2019] [Revised: 08/23/2019] [Accepted: 08/24/2019] [Indexed: 10/26/2022]
Abstract
Internalisation of the muscular ideal is a vulnerability factor for body dissatisfaction in males. It is unclear, however, whether body dissatisfaction results from approach towards the muscular ideal versus fear of the stigmatised burdensome body. The current study sought to address this gap by assessing both approach and avoidance motivation regarding muscular and non-muscular bodies, respectively, and evaluating the unique associations between approach-avoidance tendencies and body dissatisfaction. Eighty-three male undergraduate students completed an implicit measure of approach-avoidance tendencies, the Stimulus Response Compatibility task, and a self-report measure of trait body dissatisfaction. Results revealed that participants were quicker to approach than to avoid muscular bodies; however, there were no differences in approach vs. avoidance tendencies regarding non-muscular bodies. Furthermore, in a multiple regression model comprising motivational bias scores regarding muscular and non-muscular bodies, only an approach bias towards muscular bodies predicted unique variance in body dissatisfaction. These findings are novel in showing an implicit approach motivation towards the muscular ideal in male undergraduates. Furthermore, in this population, motivational orientation towards the muscular ideal, versus the stigmatised burdensome body, seems to be more tightly associated with body dissatisfaction.
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Affiliation(s)
- Laura Dondzilo
- School of Psychological Science, University of Western Australia, Perth, Western Australia, Australia.
| | - Rachel F Rodgers
- APPEAR, Department of Applied Psychology, Northeastern University, Boston, United States; Department of Psychiatric Emergency & Acute Care, Lapeyronie Hospital, CHRU Montpellier, France
| | - Georgia Turnbull
- School of Psychological Science, University of Western Australia, Perth, Western Australia, Australia
| | - Jason Bell
- School of Psychological Science, University of Western Australia, Perth, Western Australia, Australia
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32
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Brooks KR, Mond J, Mitchison D, Stevenson RJ, Challinor KL, Stephen ID. Looking at the Figures: Visual Adaptation as a Mechanism for Body-Size and -Shape Misperception. PERSPECTIVES ON PSYCHOLOGICAL SCIENCE 2019; 15:133-149. [PMID: 31725353 DOI: 10.1177/1745691619869331] [Citation(s) in RCA: 14] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/11/2022]
Abstract
Many individuals experience body-size and -shape misperception (BSSM). Body-size overestimation is associated with body dissatisfaction, anxiety, depression, and the development of eating disorders in individuals who desire to be thinner. Similar symptoms have been noted for those who underestimate their muscularity. Conversely, individuals with high body mass indices (BMI) who underestimate their adiposity may not recognize the risks of or seek help for obesity-related medical issues. Although social scientists have examined whether media representations of idealized bodies contribute to the overestimation of fat or underestimation of muscle, other scientists suggest that increases in the prevalence of obesity could explain body-fat underestimation as a form of renormalization. However, these disparate approaches have not advanced our understanding of the perceptual underpinnings of BSSM. Recently, a new unifying account of BSSM has emerged that is based on the long-established phenomenon of visual adaptation, employing psychophysical measurements of perceived size and shape following exposure to "extreme" body stimuli. By inducing BSSM in the laboratory as an aftereffect, this technique is rapidly advancing our understanding of the underlying mental representation of human bodies. This nascent approach provides insight into real-world BSSM and may inform the development of therapeutic and public-health interventions designed to address such perceptual errors.
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Affiliation(s)
- Kevin R Brooks
- Department of Psychology, Macquarie University.,Perception in Action Research Centre, Macquarie University
| | - Jonathan Mond
- Centre for Rural Health, University of Tasmania.,Translational Health Research Institute, School of Medicine, Western Sydney University
| | - Deborah Mitchison
- Department of Psychology, Macquarie University.,Translational Health Research Institute, School of Medicine, Western Sydney University.,Centre for Emotional Health, Department of Psychology, Macquarie University
| | - Richard J Stevenson
- Department of Psychology, Macquarie University.,Perception in Action Research Centre, Macquarie University
| | | | - Ian D Stephen
- Department of Psychology, Macquarie University.,Perception in Action Research Centre, Macquarie University
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33
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Alexi J, Dommisse K, Cleary D, Palermo R, Kloth N, Bell J. An Assessment of Computer-Generated Stimuli for Use in Studies of Body Size Estimation and Bias. Front Psychol 2019; 10:2390. [PMID: 31695661 PMCID: PMC6817789 DOI: 10.3389/fpsyg.2019.02390] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/22/2019] [Accepted: 10/07/2019] [Indexed: 12/20/2022] Open
Abstract
Inaccurate body size judgments are associated with body image disturbances, a clinical feature of many eating disorders. Accordingly, body-related stimuli have become increasingly important in the study of estimation inaccuracies and body image disturbances. Technological advancements in the last decade have led to an increased use of computer-generated (CG) body stimuli in body image research. However, recent face perception research has suggested that CG face stimuli are not recognized as readily and may not fully tap facial processing mechanisms. The current study assessed the effectiveness of using CG stimuli in an established body size estimation task (the “bodyline” task). Specifically, we examined whether employing CG body stimuli alters body size judgments and associated estimation biases. One hundred and six 17- to 25-year-old females completed the CG bodyline task, which involved estimating the size of full-length CG body stimuli along a visual analogue scale. Our results show that perception of body size for CG stimuli was non-linear. Participants struggled to discriminate between extreme bodies sizes and overestimated the size change between near to average bodies. Furthermore, one of our measured size estimation biases was larger for CG stimuli. Our collective findings suggest using caution when employing CG stimuli in experimental research on body perception.
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Affiliation(s)
- Joanna Alexi
- School of Psychological Science, University of Western Australia, Perth, WA, Australia
| | - Kendra Dommisse
- School of Psychological Science, University of Western Australia, Perth, WA, Australia.,Telethon Kids Institute, University of Western Australia, Perth, WA, Australia
| | - Dominique Cleary
- School of Psychological Science, University of Western Australia, Perth, WA, Australia.,Telethon Kids Institute, University of Western Australia, Perth, WA, Australia
| | - Romina Palermo
- School of Psychological Science, University of Western Australia, Perth, WA, Australia
| | - Nadine Kloth
- School of Psychological Science, University of Western Australia, Perth, WA, Australia
| | - Jason Bell
- School of Psychological Science, University of Western Australia, Perth, WA, Australia
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34
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Prnjak K, Pemberton S, Helms E, Phillips JG. Reactions to ideal body shapes. The Journal of General Psychology 2019; 147:361-380. [PMID: 31608821 DOI: 10.1080/00221309.2019.1676190] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/25/2022]
Abstract
Difficult-to-attain beauty standards that are promulgated by the media could contribute to body dissatisfaction, but their potential impact upon body image remains unclear. The present study examined reactions to thin-ideal and muscular-ideal images, and examined the effects of ideal image exposure on preferred body shape and time spent deliberating about ideal shape. In a 2 × 2 experimental design, 200 Internet users completed the Kessler psychological distress scale (K10) and were randomly assigned to view idealistic body images or houses (and rated them on semantic differential dimensions). Females viewed thin ideal images and males viewed muscular ideal images, while the control groups viewed images of houses. Between group measures analysis of variance revealed women reacted negatively to thinspirational images. Women were more driven for thinness and idealized a thinner shape for the female body than men. Psychologically distressed participants had a stronger drive for thinness and greater body dissatisfaction compared to low-distress participants. In addition, although beauty ideal imagery had no significant impact on males, females spent more time in choosing ideal body figure. Viewing thin bodies for females created a trend toward desiring a slimmer figure, as well as increased preoccupation with size as they spent more time deliberating over a photorealistic figure rating scale. Therefore, exposure to thinspiration promotes dissatisfaction with self and leads women to dwell more upon their body image.
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Porras-Garcia B, Ferrer-Garcia M, Ghita A, Moreno M, López-Jiménez L, Vallvé-Romeu A, Serrano-Troncoso E, Gutiérrez-Maldonado J. The influence of gender and body dissatisfaction on body-related attentional bias: An eye-tracking and virtual reality study. Int J Eat Disord 2019; 52:1181-1190. [PMID: 31301151 DOI: 10.1002/eat.23136] [Citation(s) in RCA: 22] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/29/2018] [Revised: 06/23/2019] [Accepted: 06/25/2019] [Indexed: 12/28/2022]
Abstract
OBJECTIVE In the attentional bias (AB) phenomenon, eating disorder (ED) patients show a tendency to pay more attention to self-attributed unattractive body parts than to other body parts. However, little research has focused on gender differences in body-related attention, controlling for body dissatisfaction (BD). This study aimed to assess gender differences in AB toward specific weight- or nonweight-related body parts using a virtual reality (VR)-based embodiment technique and an eye-tracking AB assessment. METHOD Forty-five women (23 with high BD and 22 with low BD) and 40 men (20 with high BD and 20 with low BD) were subsequently embodied in three virtual avatars, the first based on the participant's actual measurements, the second being larger than the participant, and the third being the same as the first avatar. The number of fixations and complete fixation time on weight-related areas of interest (W-AOIs) and nonweight-related areas of interest (NW-AOIs) were recorded for the three assessment time/avatars. RESULTS The results showed a statistically significant interaction between gender and time for total fixation time and number of fixations (p < .05). BD levels did not significantly affect the results. Overall, women paid more attention to the W-AOIs than men, who in turn paid more attention to the NW-AOIs. Furthermore, preliminary evidence was found for an AB toward muscular-related AOIs among men. CONCLUSIONS This study provides new information about gender differences and BD in gaze pattern behaviors. Future psychological ED assessments and treatments could take advantage of the possibilities of VR while real-time AB is objectively measured.
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Affiliation(s)
- Bruno Porras-Garcia
- Department of Clinical Psychology and Psychobiology, University of Barcelona, Barcelona, Spain
| | - Marta Ferrer-Garcia
- Department of Clinical Psychology and Psychobiology, University of Barcelona, Barcelona, Spain
| | - Alexandra Ghita
- Department of Clinical Psychology and Psychobiology, University of Barcelona, Barcelona, Spain
| | - Manuel Moreno
- Department of Cognition, Development and Education Psychology, University of Barcelona, Barcelona, Spain
| | - Laura López-Jiménez
- Department of Clinical Psychology and Psychobiology, University of Barcelona, Barcelona, Spain
| | - Alba Vallvé-Romeu
- Department of Clinical Psychology and Psychobiology, University of Barcelona, Barcelona, Spain
| | - Eduardo Serrano-Troncoso
- Child and Adolescent Psychiatry and Psychology Department, Hospital Sant Joan de Déu of Barcelona, Esplugues de Llobregat, Spain
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36
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Yarar N, Machiels CJ, Orth UR. Shaping up: How package shape and consumer body conspire to affect food healthiness evaluation. Food Qual Prefer 2019. [DOI: 10.1016/j.foodqual.2019.03.004] [Citation(s) in RCA: 16] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/26/2022]
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37
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Factors associated with body dissatisfaction among the Lebanese population. Eat Weight Disord 2019; 24:507-519. [PMID: 30656615 DOI: 10.1007/s40519-018-00634-z] [Citation(s) in RCA: 32] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/13/2018] [Accepted: 12/21/2018] [Indexed: 02/03/2023] Open
Abstract
OBJECTIVE To evaluate the factors associated with body dissatisfaction among the Lebanese population, including sociodemographic characteristics, self-esteem, stress, anxiety, depression, emotional regulation, emotional eating and the adult attachment style. METHODS This cross-sectional study, conducted between January and May 2018, enrolled 811 adult participants from all districts of Lebanon. The body dissatisfaction subscale of the eating disorder inventory version 2 (EDI-2) was used to measure body disturbance. RESULTS The mean age of the participants was 27.59 ± 11.76 years, with 66.5% females. The final model of the regression analysis showed that a higher binge eating score (Beta = 0.202), being married (Beta = 1.233), having a family history of eating disorders (Beta = 1.933), higher BMI (Beta = 0.076), dieting to lose weight (past 30 days) (Beta = 2.345), receiving comments from the family (Beta = 2.234) and pressure from TV/magazines to lose weight (Beta = 1.320), vomiting or taking laxatives to lose weight (past 30 days) (Beta = 1.861), higher depression (Beta = 0.103) and higher perceived stress (Beta = 0.107) were associated with a higher body dissatisfaction score. However, higher self-esteem (Beta = - 0.246), increased physical activity (Beta = - 0.022) and being divorced (Beta = - 4.226) were significantly associated with a lower body dissatisfaction score. CONCLUSION A significant association was found in this current study between the main variables: depression, self-esteem, social anxiety, eating disorders, family and television pressure and body image dissatisfaction. LEVEL OF EVIDENCE Level V, cross-sectional descriptive study.
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38
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Kou H, Mi H, Zhang L, Bi T, Wang T, Chen H. Selective attentional biases towards a self-related facial feature among orthognathic patients. Psych J 2019; 8:411-422. [PMID: 30977305 DOI: 10.1002/pchj.287] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/25/2018] [Revised: 12/26/2018] [Accepted: 03/14/2019] [Indexed: 11/07/2022]
Abstract
The present study aimed to determine what kind of face and which area of the face (eyes or mouth) rapidly capture attention among patients with dentomaxillofacial deformities (DDs). In the present experiments, faces were categorized as highly or lowly attractive (HA and LA, respectively) and as a face with dentomaxillofacial deformities (DD face). A dot-probe task and a change-detection task were utilized to examine the attentional bias to the faces and facial features, respectively. In Study 1, we found that DD patients showed an attentional bias to DD male faces compared with HA male faces, while controls showed an opposite attentional pattern. In Study 2, we found that patients responded faster to the changes in the mouths of DD male faces than those of HA and LA faces. Moreover, patients paid less attention to the mouths of HA faces than to the region of the eyes, and they paid less attention than did the controls. These results indicated that DD patients selectively directed their attention to DD male faces and the mouths of these faces. These findings were not evident in female faces. Furthermore, patients showed avoidance of the mouths of HA faces regardless of the gender of the faces.
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Affiliation(s)
- Hui Kou
- Key Laboratory of Cognition and Personality (Ministry of Education), Southwest University, Chongqing, China.,School of Management, Zunyi Medical University, Guizhou, China
| | - Huan Mi
- Department of Oral and Maxillofacial Surgery, College of Stomatology, Chongqing Medical University, Chongqing, China
| | - Lulu Zhang
- Key Laboratory of Cognition and Personality (Ministry of Education), Southwest University, Chongqing, China
| | - Taiyong Bi
- School of Management, Zunyi Medical University, Guizhou, China
| | - Tao Wang
- Department of Oral and Maxillofacial Surgery, College of Stomatology, Chongqing Medical University, Chongqing, China
| | - Hong Chen
- Key Laboratory of Cognition and Personality (Ministry of Education), Southwest University, Chongqing, China
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39
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Voges MM, Giabbiconi CM, Schöne B, Waldorf M, Hartmann AS, Vocks S. Gender Differences in Body Evaluation: Do Men Show More Self-Serving Double Standards Than Women? Front Psychol 2019; 10:544. [PMID: 30930819 PMCID: PMC6428027 DOI: 10.3389/fpsyg.2019.00544] [Citation(s) in RCA: 36] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/16/2018] [Accepted: 02/25/2019] [Indexed: 11/29/2022] Open
Abstract
Generally speaking, compared to women, men are less dissatisfied with their own body and consider themselves to be better-looking and less overweight. So far, however, it is unclear whether these divergent body ratings arise from the application of double standards. With the present study, we examined whether men apply different standards to their own body than to other men’s bodies and whether they differ from women in this regard. To this aim, we presented n = 104 women and n = 93 men with pictures of thin, average-weight, overweight, athletic and hypermuscular male and female bodies on a computer screen. To manipulate identification, we showed the bodies of the respective participant’s gender once with the participant’s own face and once with the face of another person. Identity cues, such as faces, might activate different body schemata, which influence body ratings and thus lead to the application of double standards. Participants were instructed to rate their emotional reaction to the bodies according to valence and arousal, and to rate the bodies with respect to attractiveness, body fat, and muscle mass. The application of double standards was determined by calculating the difference between the rating of a body presented with the participant’s face and the rating of the same body presented with another person’s face. Both women and men showed self-deprecating double standards in valence, body attractiveness, body fat and muscle mass for the overweight body. Men also revealed self-deprecating double standards for the thin, average-weight and hypermuscular bodies, but evaluated the athletic body as more attractive and with a higher positive feeling when it was presented with their own face. Women did not show any self-serving double standards and showed fewer self-deprecating double standards than men. The results indicate that men devalue non-ideal bodies and upvalue ideal bodies when they are self-related, whereas women more rate in a fair-minded manner. Thus, in contrast to women, an advantage for men may be that they are able to self-enhance in the case of desirable bodies. This ability to self-enhance regarding desirable features might be beneficial for men’s self-worth and body satisfaction.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mona M Voges
- Department of Clinical Psychology and Psychotherapy, Institute of Psychology, Osnabrück University, Osnabrück, Germany
| | - Claire-Marie Giabbiconi
- Department of Clinical Psychology and Psychotherapy, Institute of Psychology, Osnabrück University, Osnabrück, Germany
| | - Benjamin Schöne
- Department of Experimental Psychology I, Institute of Psychology, Osnabrück University, Osnabrück, Germany
| | - Manuel Waldorf
- Department of Clinical Psychology and Psychotherapy, Institute of Psychology, Osnabrück University, Osnabrück, Germany
| | - Andrea S Hartmann
- Department of Clinical Psychology and Psychotherapy, Institute of Psychology, Osnabrück University, Osnabrück, Germany
| | - Silja Vocks
- Department of Clinical Psychology and Psychotherapy, Institute of Psychology, Osnabrück University, Osnabrück, Germany
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40
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Voges MM, Giabbiconi CM, Gruber T, Andersen SK, Hartmann AS, Vocks S. Sustained hypervigilance for one's own body in women with weight and shape concerns: Competition effects in early visual processing investigated by steady-state visual evoked potentials (SSVEP). Biol Psychol 2019; 143:74-84. [PMID: 30802480 DOI: 10.1016/j.biopsycho.2019.02.010] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/06/2018] [Revised: 08/09/2018] [Accepted: 02/18/2019] [Indexed: 10/27/2022]
Abstract
This study aimed to analyze the covert attentional time course in early body processing areas in women with high body concerns. Therefore, we assessed the effect of pictures of one's own body and other bodies as distractions from a demanding dot detection task in 24 women with low and 20 women with high body concerns. Participants were instructed to attend to flickering dots eliciting steady-state visual evoked potentials (SSVEP) measured by EEG. Both groups showed a sustained SSVEP amplitude reduction, which was more pronounced for average-weight or thin bodies than for overweight bodies. For women with high body concerns, SSVEP amplitudes decreased more in the case of pictures of their own body. The results indicate covert vigilance and maintenance patterns for body stimuli, especially for bodies representing the thin ideal. Moreover, women with high body concerns attend more to information about their own body, which might maintain body dissatisfaction.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mona M Voges
- Department of Clinical Psychology and Psychotherapy, Osnabrück University, Knollstraße 15, 49069 Osnabrück, Germany.
| | - Claire-Marie Giabbiconi
- Department of Clinical Psychology and Psychotherapy, Osnabrück University, Knollstraße 15, 49069 Osnabrück, Germany.
| | - Thomas Gruber
- Department of Experimental Psychology I, Osnabrück University, Seminarstraße 20, 49074 Osnabrück, Germany.
| | - Søren K Andersen
- School of Psychology, University of Aberdeen, William Guild Building, Aberdeen, AB24 3FX, United Kingdom.
| | - Andrea S Hartmann
- Department of Clinical Psychology and Psychotherapy, Osnabrück University, Knollstraße 15, 49069 Osnabrück, Germany.
| | - Silja Vocks
- Department of Clinical Psychology and Psychotherapy, Osnabrück University, Knollstraße 15, 49069 Osnabrück, Germany.
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41
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Stephen ID, Hunter K, Sturman D, Mond J, Stevenson RJ, Brooks KR. Experimental manipulation of visual attention affects body size adaptation but not body dissatisfaction. Int J Eat Disord 2018; 52:79-87. [PMID: 30565277 DOI: 10.1002/eat.22976] [Citation(s) in RCA: 14] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/06/2018] [Revised: 10/05/2018] [Accepted: 10/05/2018] [Indexed: 12/28/2022]
Abstract
OBJECTIVE Prolonged exposure to large/small bodies causes aftereffects in perceived body size. Outside the laboratory, individuals repeatedly exposed to small (large) bodies tend to over- (under-) estimate their size and exhibit increased (decreased) body dissatisfaction. Why, among individuals exposed to approximately equivalent distributions of body sizes, only some develop body size and shape misperception and/or body dissatisfaction is not yet fully understood. METHOD We exposed 61 women to high and low adiposity bodies simultaneously, instructing half to attend to high, and half to low adiposity bodies. RESULTS Participants in the high adiposity attention condition's perception of "normal" body size significantly increased in adiposity, and vice versa. DISCUSSION This suggests that visual attention moderates body size aftereffects. Interventions encouraging visual attention to more realistic ranges of bodies may therefore reduce body misperception. No change in body dissatisfaction was found, suggesting that changes in the perceptual component (misperception) may not necessarily affect the attitudinal component (dissatisfaction) of body image distortion.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ian D Stephen
- Department of Psychology, Macquarie University, Sydney, Australia
- Perception in Action Research Centre, Macquarie University, Sydney, Australia
- ARC Centre of Excellence in Cognition and its Disorders, Macquarie University, Sydney, Australia
| | - Katie Hunter
- Department of Psychology, Macquarie University, Sydney, Australia
| | - Daniel Sturman
- Department of Psychology, Macquarie University, Sydney, Australia
| | - Jonathan Mond
- Centre for Rural Health, University of Tasmania, Launceston, Australia
- Translational Health Research Institute, Western Sydney University, Sydney, Australia
| | - Richard J Stevenson
- Department of Psychology, Macquarie University, Sydney, Australia
- Perception in Action Research Centre, Macquarie University, Sydney, Australia
| | - Kevin R Brooks
- Department of Psychology, Macquarie University, Sydney, Australia
- Perception in Action Research Centre, Macquarie University, Sydney, Australia
- ARC Centre of Excellence in Cognition and its Disorders, Macquarie University, Sydney, Australia
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42
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Rivière J, Rousseau A, Douilliez C. Effects of induced rumination on body dissatisfaction: Is there any difference between men and women? J Behav Ther Exp Psychiatry 2018; 61:1-6. [PMID: 29803779 DOI: 10.1016/j.jbtep.2018.05.005] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/21/2017] [Revised: 05/16/2018] [Accepted: 05/18/2018] [Indexed: 12/12/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND AND OBJECTIVES Rumination is a factor in the development and maintenance of body dissatisfaction. However, no study has yet investigated the impact of the type of rumination on body image. The first aim of this study was to examine whether the induction of analytic-abstract vs. concrete-experiential rumination affects body dissatisfaction following an induction of negative body image. The second objective was to examine gender differences in these effects. METHODS Following induction of negative body image, 102 university undergraduates were randomly assigned to one of three experimental conditions-distraction, concrete rumination or abstract rumination. RESULTS As expected, there were significant main effects of gender and condition, and a significant interaction between gender and condition on change in body dissatisfaction. In women abstract rumination predicted the highest increase in body dissatisfaction, whereas concrete rumination predicted the highest increase in body dissatisfaction in men. LIMITATIONS Given that our sample consisted of undergraduate students, our findings cannot be generalized to clinical sample suffering from eating disorder. CONCLUSIONS The different types of rumination seem to impact differentially body dissatisfaction in men and women.
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Affiliation(s)
- Julie Rivière
- Univ. Lille, EA 4072 - PSITEC - Psychologie: Interactions Temps Émotions Cognition, F-59000 Lille, France.
| | - Amélie Rousseau
- Univ. Lille, EA 4072 - PSITEC - Psychologie: Interactions Temps Émotions Cognition, F-59000 Lille, France
| | - Céline Douilliez
- Univ. Lille, EA 4072 - PSITEC - Psychologie: Interactions Temps Émotions Cognition, F-59000 Lille, France.
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Dondzilo L, Rieger E, Palermo R, Bell J. The causal role of selective attention for thin-ideal images on negative affect and rumination. J Behav Ther Exp Psychiatry 2018; 61:128-133. [PMID: 30077036 DOI: 10.1016/j.jbtep.2018.07.006] [Citation(s) in RCA: 17] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/29/2017] [Revised: 07/05/2018] [Accepted: 07/27/2018] [Indexed: 10/28/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND AND OBJECTIVES Attentional bias towards thin-ideal body images has been implicated as a vulnerability factor for eating disorder symptomatology. However, the nature and causal basis of its relationship with other cognitive vulnerability factors, namely, eating disorder-specific rumination and negative mood, remains unclear. Accordingly, the current study investigated the causal influence of attentional bias towards thin-ideal images on emotional and ruminative vulnerability, in response to a body image-related stressor. METHODS An established attentional bias modification (ABM) procedure, the modified dot probe task, was used for the assessment and manipulation of attentional bias. Female undergraduate students (N = 110) aged between 17 and 24 years were randomly assigned to either 'attend' towards or 'avoid' thin-ideal images. Pre- and post-attentional training, participants completed the dot probe task, as well as state measures of rumination and negative mood. Additionally, following post-ABM assessment of attentional bias, participants were given a body image-related stressor. RESULTS Results showed that participants trained to attend to thin bodies reported heightened negative mood, in response to the stressor, compared with participants trained to avoid thin bodies. On the other hand, groups did not demonstrate a differential increase in eating disorder-specific rumination in response to the stressor. LIMITATIONS The current findings will require replication with clinical samples. Additionally, state rumination and negative mood were assessed via single items. CONCLUSIONS These results provide the first causal evidence for the role of attentional bias towards thin-ideal images in negative emotional vulnerability. Importantly, these results suggest attentional bias may serve as a risk factor for mood reactivity and a potential target for strategies designed to enhance emotional resilience.
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Affiliation(s)
- Laura Dondzilo
- ARC Centre of Excellence in Cognition and its Disorders, Australia; School of Psychological Science, University of Western Australia, Perth, Western Australia, Australia.
| | - Elizabeth Rieger
- Research School of Psychology, Australian National University, Canberra, Australian Capital Territory, Australia
| | - Romina Palermo
- ARC Centre of Excellence in Cognition and its Disorders, Australia; School of Psychological Science, University of Western Australia, Perth, Western Australia, Australia
| | - Jason Bell
- ARC Centre of Excellence in Cognition and its Disorders, Australia; School of Psychological Science, University of Western Australia, Perth, Western Australia, Australia
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Mazzurega M, Marisa J, Zampini M, Pavani F. Thinner than yourself: self-serving bias in body size estimation. PSYCHOLOGICAL RESEARCH 2018; 84:932-949. [PMID: 30467818 DOI: 10.1007/s00426-018-1119-z] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/17/2018] [Accepted: 11/07/2018] [Indexed: 11/30/2022]
Abstract
The self-serving bias is the tendency to consider oneself in unrealistically positive terms. This phenomenon has been documented for body attractiveness, but it remains unclear to what extent it can also emerge for own body size perception. In the present study, we examined this issue in healthy young adults (45 females and 40 males), using two body size estimation (BSE) measures and taking into account inter-individual differences in eating disorder risk. Participants observed pictures of avatars, built from whole body photos of themselves or an unknown other matched for gender. Avatars were parametrically distorted along the thinness-heaviness dimension, and individualised by adding the head of the self or the other. In the first BSE task, participants indicated in each trial whether the seen avatar was thinner or fatter than themselves (or the other). In the second BSE task, participants chose the best representative body size for self and other from a set of avatars. Greater underestimation for self than other body size emerged in both tasks, comparably for women and men. Thinner bodies were also judged as more attractive, in line with standard of beauty in modern western society. Notably, this self-serving bias in BSE was stronger in people with low eating disorder risk. In sum, positive attitudes towards the self can extend to body size estimation in young adults, making own body size closer to the ideal body. We propose that this bias could play an adaptive role in preserving a positive body image.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mara Mazzurega
- Center for Mind/Brain Sciences (CIMeC), University of Trento, Corso Bettini 31, 38068, Rovereto (Trento), Italy.
| | - Jlenia Marisa
- Department of Psychology and Cognitive Science, University of Trento, Rovereto (Trento), Italy
| | - Massimiliano Zampini
- Center for Mind/Brain Sciences (CIMeC), University of Trento, Corso Bettini 31, 38068, Rovereto (Trento), Italy
- Department of Psychology and Cognitive Science, University of Trento, Rovereto (Trento), Italy
| | - Francesco Pavani
- Center for Mind/Brain Sciences (CIMeC), University of Trento, Corso Bettini 31, 38068, Rovereto (Trento), Italy
- Department of Psychology and Cognitive Science, University of Trento, Rovereto (Trento), Italy
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Uusberg H, Peet K, Uusberg A, Akkermann K. Attention biases in preoccupation with body image: An ERP study of the role of social comparison and automaticity when processing body size. Biol Psychol 2018; 135:136-148. [DOI: 10.1016/j.biopsycho.2018.03.007] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/01/2017] [Revised: 02/15/2018] [Accepted: 03/16/2018] [Indexed: 11/26/2022]
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Visual attention mediates the relationship between body satisfaction and susceptibility to the body size adaptation effect. PLoS One 2018; 13:e0189855. [PMID: 29385137 PMCID: PMC5791942 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0189855] [Citation(s) in RCA: 24] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/06/2017] [Accepted: 12/04/2017] [Indexed: 12/16/2022] Open
Abstract
Body size misperception–the belief that one is larger or smaller than reality–affects a large and growing segment of the population. Recently, studies have shown that exposure to extreme body stimuli results in a shift in the point of subjective normality, suggesting that visual adaptation may be a mechanism by which body size misperception occurs. Yet, despite being exposed to a similar set of bodies, some individuals within a given geographical area will develop body size misperception and others will not. The reason for these individual difference is currently unknown. One possible explanation stems from the observation that women with lower levels of body satisfaction have been found to pay more attention to images of thin bodies. However, while attention has been shown to enhance visual adaptation effects in low (e.g. rotational and linear motion) and high level stimuli (e.g., facial gender), it is not known whether this effect exists in visual adaptation to body size. Here, we test the hypothesis that there is an indirect effect of body satisfaction on the direction and magnitude of the body fat adaptation effect, mediated via visual attention (i.e., selectively attending to images of thin over fat bodies or vice versa). Significant mediation effects were found in both men and women, suggesting that observers’ level of body satisfaction may influence selective visual attention to thin or fat bodies, which in turn influences the magnitude and direction of visual adaptation to body size. This may provide a potential mechanism by which some individuals develop body size misperception–a risk factor for eating disorders, compulsive exercise behaviour and steroid abuse–while others do not.
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Jin X, Jin Y, Zhou S, Yang SN, Chang S, Li H. Attentional biases toward body images in males at high risk of muscle dysmorphia. PeerJ 2018; 6:e4273. [PMID: 29362698 PMCID: PMC5774299 DOI: 10.7717/peerj.4273] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/18/2017] [Accepted: 12/28/2017] [Indexed: 12/20/2022] Open
Abstract
Objective Although research on muscle dysmorphia (MD), a body dysmorphic disorder subtype, has recently increased, the causes and mechanisms underlying this disorder remain unclear. Results from studies examining disorders associated with body image suggest the involvement of self-schema in biasing attention toward specific body information. The present study examined whether individuals at higher risk of MD also display attentional biases toward specific types of body images. Methods The validated Chinese version of the Muscle Appearance Satisfaction Scale was used to distinguish men at higher and lower risk of MD. Sixty-five adult Chinese men at higher (HRMD, n = 33) and lower risk of MD (LRMD, n = 32) performed a visual probe task. Initially, an image of a bodybuilder with either larger or smaller musculature was presented on one side of a central point, with a neutral image of a car exterior presented on the other side along the horizontal plane for 2,000 ms. The paired images were removed, and a visual target (a dot) was displayed in the location of one of the previously shown images. Participants were asked to indicate the location of the target, and their eye movements were recorded during the entire visual presentation. Participant reaction time and three eye movement measurements (gaze direction, first saccade latency, and first fixation duration) were recorded for use in determining attentional bias. Results The HRMD group revealed biases in orienting and maintaining their attention on images of bodybuilders with larger musculatures. Participants in this group consequently had a shorter reaction time in identifying the target that appeared at the location in which an image of a bodybuilder with a larger musculature had been previously displayed. They also directed their initial gaze more frequently, had shorter saccade latency, and had longer first fixation duration on images of bodybuilders with larger musculatures (all p < .0001). In comparison, the LRMD group had longer reaction times, slower attention orientation toward body images, and shorter fixation duration for images of bodybuilders with larger musculatures (all p < .0001), indicating weaker or mixed responses. Discussion Adult Chinese men at higher risk of MD displayed biases in orienting and maintaining their visual attention toward images of bodybuilders with larger musculatures, and these biases facilitated their information processing. These results suggest that development of MD may be due in part to attentional biases associated with established negative self-schema of specific body information. These findings provide insight into understanding and identifying the cognitive characteristics of MD in an Asian population.
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Affiliation(s)
- Xinhong Jin
- General Sport Administration of China's Key Laboratory of Sports Psychological and Physiological Regulation, School of Education and Psychology, Tianjin University of Sport, Tianjin, People's Republic of China.,Department of Sport Psychology, School of Kinesiology, Shanghai University of Sport, Shanghai, People's Republic of China
| | - Yahong Jin
- General Sport Administration of China's Key Laboratory of Sports Psychological and Physiological Regulation, School of Education and Psychology, Tianjin University of Sport, Tianjin, People's Republic of China
| | - Shi Zhou
- School of Health and Human Sciences, Southern Cross University, Lismore, NSW, Australia
| | - Shun-Nan Yang
- Vision Performance Institute, College of Optometry, Pacific University, Forest Grove, OR, USA
| | - Shuzhi Chang
- General Sport Administration of China's Key Laboratory of Sports Psychological and Physiological Regulation, School of Education and Psychology, Tianjin University of Sport, Tianjin, People's Republic of China
| | - Hui Li
- General Sport Administration of China's Key Laboratory of Sports Psychological and Physiological Regulation, School of Education and Psychology, Tianjin University of Sport, Tianjin, People's Republic of China
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Esposito L, Villaseñor A. Relative deprivation: Measurement issues and predictive role for body image dissatisfaction. Soc Sci Med 2017; 192:49-57. [PMID: 28961482 DOI: 10.1016/j.socscimed.2017.09.029] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/02/2017] [Revised: 08/30/2017] [Accepted: 09/18/2017] [Indexed: 10/18/2022]
Abstract
The study of how relative standing in the socioeconomic hierarchy affects health outcomes faces a number of challenges. Two critical issues are the choice of the indicator quantifying relative standard of living and the collinearity which typically arises when absolute standard of living is controlled for. We address these issues by taking into examination linear and concave measures of relative deprivation and by showing that collinearity can be lessened through manipulations of the measures' formulae. Importantly, we argue that the two issues are intertwined and should be jointly considered by researchers. We illustrate the points above using nationally representative data from Mexico (N = 44,214) and studying relative deprivation as a predictor of body image dissatisfaction - a growing public health concern whose effects go well beyond eating disorders. Controlling for several individual characteristics, binary and multinomial logit regressions indicate relative deprivation as a risk factor for body image dissatisfaction. By conducting subsample analyses and by introducing an interaction term between gender and relative deprivation, we show evidence of a gender-based heterogeneity in the role of relative deprivation - which predicts feeling smaller than desired for both females and males and feeling larger than desired for females but not for males. This heterogeneity is discussed in the light of the different social pressures females and males face for slenderness and muscularity. Our evidence enriches the literature on socioeconomic gradients in health, pointing to an additional domain in which a low position in the socioeconomic ladder translates into greater likelihood of developing health problems and adopting health-compromising behaviors.
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Affiliation(s)
- Lucio Esposito
- School of International Development, University of East Anglia, UK.
| | - Adrián Villaseñor
- School of International Development, University of East Anglia, UK; Millennium Nucleus Centre for the Socioeconomic Impact of Environmental Policies (CESIEP), Pontifical Catholic University of Chile, Campus San Joaquín, Avenida Vicuña Mackenna 4860, Santiago, Chile.
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Lane BR, Mulgrew KE, Mahar D, White MJ, Loughnan SA. The effects of priming in a cued dot-probe task on appearance-related attentional biases in women. Int J Eat Disord 2017; 50:817-825. [PMID: 28252801 DOI: 10.1002/eat.22699] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/08/2016] [Revised: 02/13/2017] [Accepted: 02/14/2017] [Indexed: 11/07/2022]
Abstract
The dot-probe task (DPT) is a reaction time measure of attentional bias. Research using this task has found inconsistent patterns of appearance-related attentional biases in women. This study examined the effects of a novel priming variation of the DPT, which incorporated additional cues into each trial of the task, on measurement of such biases. The study also examined associations between these biases and body image, a component of eating disorder symptomatology. A convenience sample of women from the general community (N = 103) completed body image measures online and attended a laboratory session to complete one of four DPTs: (1) an appearance-cued DPT containing images of thin-ideal models between each trial; (2) neutral-cued DPT containing images of forests; (3) time-delayed DPT controlling for time in place of an image; or (4) typical DPT containing only word stimuli. Women who completed the appearance-cued DPT demonstrated a stronger attentional bias for positive, but not negative, appearance words than women who completed the other DPT versions. Furthermore, for the appearance-cued and time-delayed DPTs, this bias correlated with poorer body image across several indicators (appearance evaluation, body dissatisfaction, self-evaluative salience of appearance, and state body satisfaction). Although it was unexpected that no attentional bias for negative-appearance words was found, the attentional bias for positive-appearance words may suggest that effects were driven by the ego-threat of positive-appearance words. Further research is warranted to determine whether such biases contribute to and maintain body image disturbance and disordered eating.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ben R Lane
- School of Social Sciences, University of the Sunshine Coast, Locked Bag 4, Maroochydore DC, QLD, 4558, Australia
| | - Kate E Mulgrew
- School of Social Sciences, University of the Sunshine Coast, Locked Bag 4, Maroochydore DC, QLD, 4558, Australia
| | - Doug Mahar
- School of Social Sciences, University of the Sunshine Coast, Locked Bag 4, Maroochydore DC, QLD, 4558, Australia
| | - Melanie J White
- School of Psychology and Counselling, Institute of Health and Biomedical Innovation, Queensland University of Technology, 170 Victoria Park Rd, Kelvin Grove, QLD, 4059, Australia
| | - Siobhan A Loughnan
- School of Social Sciences, University of the Sunshine Coast, Locked Bag 4, Maroochydore DC, QLD, 4558, Australia
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50
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Cordes M, Vocks S, Düsing R, Waldorf M. Effects of the exposure to self- and other-referential bodies on state body image and negative affect in resistance-trained men. Body Image 2017; 21:57-65. [PMID: 28286330 DOI: 10.1016/j.bodyim.2017.02.007] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/02/2016] [Revised: 02/20/2017] [Accepted: 02/21/2017] [Indexed: 11/19/2022]
Abstract
Previous body image research suggests that first, exposure to body stimuli can negatively affect men's body satisfaction and second, body concerns are associated with dysfunctional gaze behavior. To date, however, the effects of self- vs. other-referential body stimuli and of gaze behavior on body image in men under exposure conditions have not been investigated. Therefore, 49 weight-trained men were presented with pictures of their own and other bodies of different builds (i.e., normal, muscular, hyper-muscular) while being eye-tracked. Participants completed pre- and post-exposure measures of body image and affect. Results indicated that one's own and the muscular body negatively affected men's body image to a comparable degree. Exposure to one's own body also led to increased negative affect. Increased attention toward disliked own body parts was associated with a more negative post-exposure body image and affect. These results suggest a crucial role of critical self-examination in maintaining body dissatisfaction.
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Affiliation(s)
- Martin Cordes
- Department of Clinical Psychology and Psychotherapy, Osnabrück University, Knollstraße 15, 49069 Osnabrück, Germany.
| | - Silja Vocks
- Department of Clinical Psychology and Psychotherapy, Osnabrück University, Knollstraße 15, 49069 Osnabrück, Germany.
| | - Rainer Düsing
- Department of Experimental Psychology I, Osnabrück University, Seminarstraße 20, 49074 Osnabrück, Germany.
| | - Manuel Waldorf
- Department of Clinical Psychology and Psychotherapy, Osnabrück University, Knollstraße 15, 49069 Osnabrück, Germany.
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