Chuah J, Suendermann O. The effect of self-focused attention during mirror gazing on body image evaluations,
appearance-related imagery, and urges to mirror gaze.
J Behav Ther Exp Psychiatry 2024;
84:101952. [PMID:
38489951 DOI:
10.1016/j.jbtep.2024.101952]
[Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/01/2022] [Revised: 12/07/2023] [Accepted: 02/19/2024] [Indexed: 03/17/2024]
Abstract
BACKGROUND AND OBJECTIVES
Mirror gazing has been linked to poor body image. Cognitive-behavioral models propose that mirror gazing induces self-focused attention. This activates appearance-related imagery, increases body dissatisfaction, and promotes further mirror gazing. However, evidence for these relationships remains scarce. Our study experimentally investigated how self-focused attention impacts overall and facial appearance satisfaction, perceived attractiveness, distress about appearance and disliked features, vividness and emotional quality of appearance-related imagery, and urges to mirror gaze. Baseline body dysmorphic concerns were studied as a moderator.
METHODS
Singaporean undergraduates (Mage = 21.22, SDage = 1.62; 35 females, 28 males) were randomly assigned to high or low self-focused attention during a mirror gazing task. Dependent variables were measured with visual analogue scales, and body dysmorphic concerns with the Body Image Disturbance Questionnaire (BIDQ). Analysis of variance and moderation analyses were conducted.
RESULTS
Self-focused attention lowered overall and facial appearance satisfaction. Perceived attractiveness decreased only in individuals with high baseline body dysmorphic concerns. Contrary to predictions, distress, appearance-related imagery, and urges to mirror gaze were unaffected.
LIMITATIONS
This study used a non-clinical sample. The BIDQ has not been psychometrically validated in Singaporean samples.
CONCLUSIONS
Self-focused attention during mirror gazing lowers positive body image evaluations. Individuals with higher body dysmorphic concerns are particularly vulnerable to low perceived attractiveness.
Collapse