The Frequency, Nature, and Effects of Naturally Occurring Appearance-Focused Social Comparisons

Tricia M. Leahey, Janis H. Crowther, Kristin D. Mickelson

Research output: Contribution to journalArticlepeer-review

128 Scopus citations

Abstract

This research examined the effects of naturally occurring appearance-focused social comparisons on women's affect, body satisfaction, and weight-related cognitions. During their daily activities, women reporting body dissatisfaction (n = 53) and women reporting body satisfaction (n = 34) recorded their reactions to comparison information. Body-dissatisfied women engaged in more comparisons and a greater proportion of upward comparisons than body-satisfied women. Upward comparisons were associated with an increase in negative affect, body dissatisfaction, and thoughts of exercising for both groups; however, body-dissatisfied women experienced a greater increase in thoughts of dieting following upward comparisons. The daily effects of comparison information on body-dissatisfied women were examined; upward comparisons were associated with increases in daily negative affect, body dissatisfaction, and weight-related cognitions.

Original languageEnglish (US)
Pages (from-to)132-143
Number of pages12
JournalBehavior Therapy
Volume38
Issue number2
DOIs
StatePublished - Jun 2007
Externally publishedYes

ASJC Scopus subject areas

  • Clinical Psychology

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