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Oswald F, Samra SK. A scoping review and index of body stimuli in psychological science. Behav Res Methods 2023:10.3758/s13428-023-02278-z. [PMID: 38030921 DOI: 10.3758/s13428-023-02278-z] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 10/20/2023] [Indexed: 12/01/2023]
Abstract
Naturalistic body stimuli are necessary for understanding many aspects of human psychology, yet there are no centralized databases of body stimuli. Furthermore, there are a high number of independently developed stimulus sets lacking in standardization and reproducibility potential, and a general lack of organization, contributing to issues of both replicability and generalizability in body-related research. We conducted a comprehensive scoping review to index and explore existing naturalistic whole-body stimuli. Our research questions were as follows: (1) What sets of naturalistic human whole-body stimuli are present in the literature? And (2) On what factors (e.g., demographics, emotion expression) do these stimuli vary? To be included, stimulus sets had to (1) include human bodies as stimuli; (2) be photographs, videos, or other depictions of real human bodies (not computer generated, drawn, etc.); (3) include the whole body (defined as torso, arms, and legs); and (4) could include edited images, but still had to be recognizable as human bodies. We identified a relatively large number of existing stimulus sets (N = 79) which offered relative variability in terms of main manipulated factors and the degree of visual information included (i.e., inclusion of heads and/or faces). However, stimulus sets were demographically homogenous, skewed towards White, young adult, and female bodies. We identified significant issues in reporting and availability practices, posing a challenge to the generalizability, reliability, and reproducibility of body-related research. Accordingly, we urge researchers to adopt transparent and accessible practices and to take steps to diversify body stimuli.
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Affiliation(s)
- Flora Oswald
- Department of Psychology, The Pennsylvania State University, University Park, PA, USA.
- Department of Women's, Gender, and Sexuality Studies, The Pennsylvania State University, University Park, PA, USA.
- Department of Psychological Sciences, University of Connecticut, Storrs, CT, USA.
- Department of Psychology, University of Denver, Denver, CO, USA.
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2
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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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3
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Cardelli A, Matera C, Policardo GR, Di Gesto C, Nerini A. Not All That Glitters Is Gold: Attractive Partners Provide Joys and Sorrows. INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF ENVIRONMENTAL RESEARCH AND PUBLIC HEALTH 2022; 19:13526. [PMID: 36294106 PMCID: PMC9602849 DOI: 10.3390/ijerph192013526] [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: 09/20/2022] [Revised: 10/14/2022] [Accepted: 10/17/2022] [Indexed: 06/16/2023]
Abstract
Through a 2 × 2 experimental vignette design, we tested if partner perceived attractiveness in interaction with appearance-related comments from one's partner might affect women and men's body dissatisfaction, body shame, acceptance of cosmetic surgery, and perceived relationship quality. Participants were 154 women and 157 men living in Italy (mean age = 30.97; all of them were in a couple relationship), who read a vignette describing the purchase of a swimsuit, through which partner attractiveness (poor versus high) and partner commentary (negative versus positive) were manipulated. Some ANCOVAs were performed on women and men separately. For men, partner commentary affected body dissatisfaction with low body fat. Moreover, the main effect of partner attractiveness was found in their consideration of undergoing cosmetic procedures. Among women, a significant partner attractiveness X partner commentary interaction effect emerged on acceptance of cosmetic surgery for social reasons. As regards relationship quality, for women, there was a main effect of partner attractiveness on relational communication, while a marginally significant interaction effect between partner attractiveness and partner commentary emerged for men's self-disclosure. Our findings suggest that partner attractiveness is generally beneficial, but when combined with negative feedback concerning the appearance, it might lose its advantages. These findings should be considered for planning interventions aimed at both preventing body dissatisfaction and acceptance of cosmetic surgical procedures for not medical reasons and promoting relationship satisfaction among women and men.
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Affiliation(s)
- Anna Cardelli
- School of Psychology, University of Florence, 50137 Florence, Italy
| | - Camilla Matera
- Department of Education, Languages, Intercultures, Literatures and Psychology, University of Florence, 50135 Florence, Italy
| | | | - Cristian Di Gesto
- Department of Education, Languages, Intercultures, Literatures and Psychology, University of Florence, 50135 Florence, Italy
| | - Amanda Nerini
- Department of Education, Languages, Intercultures, Literatures and Psychology, University of Florence, 50135 Florence, Italy
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Naumann E, Werthmann J, Vocks S, Svaldi J, Hartmann AS. Die Spiegelkonfrontationstherapie zur Behandlung von Körperbildstörungen bei Essstörungen – Evidenz, Wirkmechanismen und Vorgehensweise. PSYCHOLOGISCHE RUNDSCHAU 2022. [DOI: 10.1026/0033-3042/a000558] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/04/2022]
Abstract
Zusammenfassung. Körperbildprobleme sind ein Kernmerkmal von Essstörungen. Daher gilt eine Verbesserung des Körperbildes bei der Behandlung von Essstörungen als zentrales Therapieziel. Verschiedene empirische Befunde weisen auf die Spiegelkonfrontation als wirksame Methode zur Reduktion von Körperbildstörungen hin. Ziel dieses Übersichtsartikels ist es, den aktuellen Stand der wissenschaftlichen Literatur zum Thema Spiegelkonfrontationstherapie bei Essstörungen darzulegen. Insbesondere sollen die Wirksamkeitsstudien getrennt für nicht-klinische, körperunzufriedene Gruppen mit und ohne Übergewicht sowie die verschiedenen Essstörungsgruppen systematisiert und unterschiedliche Vorgehensweisen beschrieben werden. Der Übersichtsartikel liefert Hinweise dafür, dass die Spiegelkonfrontationstherapie bei Hochrisikogruppen mit erhöhter Körperunzufriedenheit sowie bei Essstörungen zu positiven Veränderungen hinsichtlich der kognitiv-affektiven und behavioralen Komponente des Körperbildes führt. Jedoch mangelt es insgesamt an randomisiert-kontrollierten Studien, die die Wirksamkeit der Spiegelkonfrontationstherapie mit ausreichend großen Stichproben gezielt untersuchen – vor allem bei der Anorexia nervosa. Der Übersichtsartikel schließt mit einer Diskussion über mögliche Wirkmechanismen, (Kontra–)Indikationen und einem Ausblick für zukünftige Forschung ab.
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Affiliation(s)
- Eva Naumann
- Abteilung Klinische Psychologie und Psychologie, Institut für Psychologie, Eberhard Karls Universität Tübingen, Deutschland
| | - Jessica Werthmann
- Abteilung Klinische Psychologie und Psychologie, Institut für Psychologie, Albert-Ludwigs-Universität Freiburg, Deutschland
| | - Silja Vocks
- Fachgebiet Klinische Psychologie und Psychologie, Institut für Psychologie, Universität Osnabrück, Deutschland
| | - Jennifer Svaldi
- Abteilung Klinische Psychologie und Psychologie, Institut für Psychologie, Eberhard Karls Universität Tübingen, Deutschland
| | - Andrea S. Hartmann
- Fachgebiet Klinische Psychologie und Psychologie, Institut für Psychologie, Universität Osnabrück, Deutschland
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5
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Associations among weight-based teasing distress, impulsive emotion regulation, and loss of control eating in racially and ethnically diverse young men. Eat Behav 2021; 43:101543. [PMID: 34399304 DOI: 10.1016/j.eatbeh.2021.101543] [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: 09/08/2020] [Revised: 07/14/2021] [Accepted: 07/21/2021] [Indexed: 11/22/2022]
Abstract
According to affect regulation models, distress associated with weight-based teasing may be related to loss of control (LOC) eating. Maladaptive coping strategies may further exacerbate this association, but such hypotheses have not been evaluated in men. The purpose of the current study was to examine the association between distress from weight-based teasing and LOC eating in racially and ethnically diverse young men. The degree to which men engage in impulsive behavior when distressed was investigated as a moderating variable. Exploratory analyses examined the proposed associations within racial/ethnic identity groups. The current study included 1011 young men (18-30 years, Mage = 23.9 ± 3.6 y, 28.3% non-Hispanic White; 23.4% African American; 24.3% Hispanic/Latino; 23.8% Asian/Asian American). Participants completed an online survey with measures of weight-based teasing, LOC eating frequency, engagement in impulsive behavior when distressed, and demographics. After adjusting for age, race/ethnicity, and body mass index, there was a positive association between distress from weight-based teasing and LOC eating frequency (p < .001). In the full sample, the tendency to engage in impulsive behavior when distressed exacerbated this link (p < .01). Exploratory analyses revealed the moderating effect of impulsive coping on distress from teasing was significant in non-Hispanic White men, but was not significant for all others. These findings suggest that men are not immune to the negative correlates of weight-based teasing. LOC eating may function as a maladaptive coping mechanism, or may be an artifact of the disordered eating symptoms that can emerge during extreme efforts to obtain a thinner physique.
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6
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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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7
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Williamson G, Guidinger C, Kelly NR. Low body mass and ethnic identity exploration exacerbate the association between body image concerns and loss of control eating in Hispanic/Latino men. Int J Eat Disord 2020; 53:180-190. [PMID: 31490573 DOI: 10.1002/eat.23168] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/24/2019] [Revised: 08/19/2019] [Accepted: 08/21/2019] [Indexed: 11/09/2022]
Abstract
OBJECTIVE Although Hispanic/Latino populations have some of the highest rates of obesity in the United States, little is known about their loss of control (LOC) eating, a robust predictor of excess weight gain. This study examined the association between body image concerns and LOC eating frequency in a sample of young Hispanic/Latino men. Body mass index (BMI), ethnic identity, and acculturation were examined as potential moderators. METHOD The sample included 271 Hispanic/Latino men between the ages of 18 and 30 years (Mage = 23.89 ± 3.54; MBMI = 26.46 ± 5.82). Participants completed an online survey and reported on height, weight, and demographic characteristics; concerns with muscularity and body fat; LOC eating frequency in the last 28 days; ethnic identity; and perceived acculturation. RESULTS Negative binomial regression models were conducted, adjusting for BMI, income, education, and presence of a psychiatric diagnosis. Concerns with muscularity and body fat were positively associated with LOC eating frequency (ps < .001). Low BMI exacerbated the link between concerns with body fat and LOC eating frequency (p = .03). The positive association between concerns with muscularity and LOC eating frequency was exacerbated among those who reported low ethnic identity exploration (p = .01). While acculturation did not function as a moderator (ps = .14-.27), it was inversely associated with LOC eating frequency (p < .001). DISCUSSION BMI and ethnic identity are important individual factors to consider in the link between body image concerns and LOC eating among young Hispanic/Latino men.
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Affiliation(s)
- Gina Williamson
- Counseling Psychology and Human Services, University of Oregon, Eugene, Oregon.,The Prevention Science Institute, University of Oregon, Eugene, Oregon
| | - Claire Guidinger
- Counseling Psychology and Human Services, University of Oregon, Eugene, Oregon.,The Prevention Science Institute, University of Oregon, Eugene, Oregon
| | - Nichole R Kelly
- Counseling Psychology and Human Services, University of Oregon, Eugene, Oregon.,The Prevention Science Institute, University of Oregon, Eugene, Oregon
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8
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Tanck JA, Vocks S, Riesselmann B, Waldorf M. Gender Differences in Affective and Evaluative Responses to Experimentally Induced Body Checking of Positively and Negatively Valenced Body Parts. Front Psychol 2019; 10:1058. [PMID: 31156502 PMCID: PMC6530359 DOI: 10.3389/fpsyg.2019.01058] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/15/2018] [Accepted: 04/24/2019] [Indexed: 12/18/2022] Open
Abstract
Body checking (BC) is defined as behavior aimed at gaining information on body shape, size, or weight. Besides its occurrence as a transdiagnostic symptom in eating disorders (EDs), BC is widespread in non-clinical populations. It is associated with body dissatisfaction and the development of body image disturbances and ED. Males and females differ in terms of body dissatisfaction and associated BC strategies. However, the question of a gender-related intensity of negative affect and state body satisfaction as reactions to BC remains open. Therefore, the present experimental study aimed to examine gender differences in affective and evaluative responses to BC. We tested n = 60 women and n = 60 men in a crossover design, implementing two experimental conditions and one control condition. In the negative body checking condition (NBC), participants received standardized instructions to check negatively valenced body parts. In the positive body checking condition (PBC), by contrast, participants were asked to check positively valenced body parts. The control condition (CBC) consisted of playing a computer game. Before and after checking of one’s own body, participants rated negative body-related affect, i.e., guilt, shame, and disgust, and state body satisfaction. The results indicate that both NBC and PBC led to an increase in negative affect for men and women. Eating pathology predicted negative affect after checking in NBC for both genders. Men reported a significantly higher state body satisfaction in all conditions, whereas only women showed decreased body satisfaction in NBC. These findings suggest that BC of any body part (i.e., positively or negatively valenced) leads to increased negative affect for both genders. Eating pathology significantly influences the affective responses to BC for both genders. Changes in state body satisfaction, however, only occur in females. An explanation might be that men generally report higher body satisfaction, resulting in a more stable body image. Females and males with pathological eating behavior seem to be more vulnerable to changes in negative affect. As negative affect is equally increased after NBC and PBC for both genders, BC might play a central role in the maintenance of body image disturbances in males and females.
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Affiliation(s)
- Julia A Tanck
- 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
| | - Bettina Riesselmann
- Department of Clinical Psychology and Psychotherapy, Institute of Psychology, Osnabrück University, Osnabrück, Germany
| | - Manuel Waldorf
- Department of Clinical Psychology and Psychotherapy, Institute of Psychology, Osnabrück University, Osnabrück, Germany
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9
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Bodner E, Bergman YS. The Utility of a Positive Body Image Among Community-Dwelling Older Adults Who Perceive Death to Be Near and Fear It. Res Aging 2019; 41:751-771. [PMID: 31030622 DOI: 10.1177/0164027519845115] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/15/2022]
Abstract
Physical changes are an inevitable part of the aging process. However, research has demonstrated inconclusive findings with regard to body image among older adults. This study attempts to clarify the utility of body image among this age-group, by adopting the framework of terror management theory. It is suggested that a positive body image may moderate the connection between two types of death concerns and psychological distress: subjective nearness-to-death and death anxiety. A convenience sample of 386 community-dwelling older adults, aged 60-97, filled scales measuring subjective nearness-to-death, positive body image, psychological distress, and death anxiety. A significant negative association was found between a positive body image and distress. Moreover, positive body image moderated the connection between distress and both subjective nearness-to-death and death anxiety. Thus, holding a positive image of the body seems to be an important resource for older adults when death is perceived to be near.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ehud Bodner
- 1 Interdisciplinary Department of Social Sciences, Bar-Ilan University, Ramat-Gan, Israel
- 2 Department of Music, Bar-Ilan University, Ramat-Gan, Israel
| | - Yoav S Bergman
- 3 School of Social Work, Ariel University, Ariel, Israel
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10
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de Pinho Ferreira Guiné R. Study of Consumer Acceptance by Means of Questionnaire Survey Towards Newly Developed Yogurts with Functional Ingredients. CURRENT NUTRITION & FOOD SCIENCE 2019. [DOI: 10.2174/1573401313666171004150928] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/22/2022]
Abstract
Background:
Presently, consumers are becoming very much aware of the benefits of allying
the concepts of pleasant food with health promoting properties. Hence, the market for healthier
foods, functional foods or even nutraceuticals has risen in the past decades.
Objective:
This work was designed to assess the consumers’ possible acceptance of newly developed
yogurts with functional ingredients.
Methods:
A descriptive cross-sectional study was undertaken on a non-probabilistic sample of 347
participants. The data were collected from October to December 2015 in the Central Region of Portugal.
The questionnaires were applied by direct interview after verbally informed consent only to participants
aged 18 or over.
Results:
The results obtained showed that more than 90% of the participants liked yogurts and consumed
yogurts regularly (∼73%), either in the solid or liquid forms. The participants consumed functional
yogurts, specifically for regulation of intestinal transit (∼46%) and for weight control (∼44%).
When asked about the new yogurts with functional and detox properties, the participants indicated that
they might be potential consumers of yogurts with the ability to eliminate toxins from the body
(∼69%). In spite of recognizing the importance of adding ingredients with certain functionalities, like
parsley, watercress or celery, the consumers manifested some doubts that those ingredients might
combine well in yogurts. A regression model was deduced relating the possible consumption of detox
yogurts with some behavioural aspects like physical exercise, consumption of functional foods and detox
products.
Conclusion:
This work showed that selling yogurts with detox properties might be a good strategy because
there might be a market for that type of product. However, without trying the samples and verifying
the real taste of the products, the possible consumers have some doubts about the incorporation
of certain ingredients, even though recognizing their roles as important.
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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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12
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Groves V, Cornelissen P, McCarty K, Mohamed S, Maalin N, Tovée MJ, Cornelissen K. How Does Variation in the Body Composition of Both Stimuli and Participant Modulate Self-Estimates of Men's Body Size? Front Psychiatry 2019; 10:720. [PMID: 31649565 PMCID: PMC6794946 DOI: 10.3389/fpsyt.2019.00720] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/08/2019] [Accepted: 09/09/2019] [Indexed: 12/21/2022] Open
Abstract
When measured in units of body mass index (BMI), how much variation in men's self-estimates of body size is caused by i) variation in participants' body composition and ii) variation in the apparent muscle mass and muscle tone of the stimuli being judged? To address this, we generated nine sets of male CGI bodies representing low, mid, and high muscle mass rendered at low, mid, and high muscle tone, from 18.75 to 40 BMIhse units. BMIhse units in this study are estimates of BMI derived from calibration equations predicting BMI from waist and hip circumference, age, sex, height, and ethnicity in the Health Survey for England databases. Forty-five healthy adult men estimated their body size using a yes-no paradigm for each combination of muscle mass/tone. We also measured participants' body composition with Harpenden callipers and their body concerns with psychometric questionnaires. We show that stimulus variation in apparent muscle mass/tone can introduce differences up to ∼2.5 BMIhse units in men's self-estimates of body size. Moreover, men with the same actual BMI, but different body composition, showed up to ∼5-7 BMIhse unit differences in self-estimates of body size. In the face of such large errors, we advocate that such judgments in men should be made instead by simultaneously manipulating both the adiposity and the muscle mass of stimuli which are appropriately calibrated for body composition, so that the participant can match the body size and shape they believe themselves to have to the stimulus they see.
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Affiliation(s)
- Vicki Groves
- Department of Psychology, Northumbria University, Newcastle upon Tyne, United Kingdom
| | - Piers Cornelissen
- Department of Psychology, Northumbria University, Newcastle upon Tyne, United Kingdom
| | - Kristofor McCarty
- Department of Psychology, Northumbria University, Newcastle upon Tyne, United Kingdom
| | - Sophie Mohamed
- School of Psychology, University of Lincoln, Lincoln, United Kingdom
| | - Nadia Maalin
- School of Psychology, University of Lincoln, Lincoln, United Kingdom
| | | | - Katri Cornelissen
- Department of Psychology, Northumbria University, Newcastle upon Tyne, United Kingdom
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13
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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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