The nature and functions of appearance‐related comparisons in body dysmorphic disorder

Bibliographic Data

ID21391790
AuthorsMark A Turner (0009-0008-8210-1011, The Institute of Psychiatry, Psychology and Neuroscience, King's College London London UK, corresponding author), David Veale (0000-0002-1717-4766, The Institute of Psychiatry, Psychology and Neuroscience, King's College London London UK), Martin Anson (The Institute of Psychiatry, Psychology and Neuroscience, King's College London London UK)
Year2024
Volume65
Issue6
Pages1066-1074
Publication date2024-12-01
Open AccessYes
TypeARTICLE
VenueScandinavian Journal of Psychology (JOURNAL)
Journal identifiersISSN: 0036-5564 • E-ISSN: 1467-9450
PublisherWiley (PUBLISHER • GB)
DOI10.1111/sjop.13043
PMID38982183
OpenAlexW4400514762
LanguageEN
References cited39

Appearance‐related comparisons (A‐RCs) in body dysmorphic disorder (BDD) are under researched despite their probable role in disorder maintenance. The present study therefore aimed to explore the nature (frequency, direction and automaticity), and functions of A‐RCs in BDD. N = 43 including people with BDD ( n = 23) and controls ( n = 20) matched approximately on age and sex were recruited. A mixture of standardized and devised questionnaires on body image and A‐RCs were completed. A‐RCs were significantly more frequent, generally more upward (to more attractive standards of comparison), and more automatic in people with BDD relative to the control group. People with BDD also held significantly stronger agreement with beliefs about A‐RCs as serving functions of: self‐evaluation, self‐improvement, self‐enhancement, and in particular, self‐loathing (a way to confirm beliefs about physical unattractiveness) and social threat management. This research presents evidence that the nature and functions of A‐RCs in BDD have a role in this disorder's maintenance. Clinical implications, limitations, and future directions for research are discussed

Automaticity · Body dysmorphic disorder · Cognition · Developmental psychology · Human physical appearance · Psychiatry · Social comparison theory · Body Image and Dysmorphia Studies · Clinical Psychology · Consumer Behavior in Brand Consumption and Identification · Evolutionary Psychology and Human Behavior · Psychology

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