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This study examined the prospective association between self-concept clarity and sociocultural appearance processes (internalization of the thin-body ideal and appearance-based social comparisons). Adolescent girls (n = 153; mean age = 15.76 years) completed measures at two separate timepoints, three months apart. Path analysis showed that lower self-concept clarity prospectively predicted higher thin-ideal internalization and appearance comparisons. In contrast, the reverse model showed that thin-ideal internalization and appearance comparisons did not prospectively predict self-concept clarity. Finally, including self-esteem in the model showed that self-concept clarity, but not self-esteem, prospectively predicted thin-ideal internalization and appearance comparisons. These findings suggest that low self-concept clarity may increase vulnerability to sociocultural appearance processes that increase the risk for body dissatisfaction. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Abstract Background Adolescent girls appear more vulnerable to experiencing mental health difficulties from social media use than boys. The presence of sexualized images online is thought to contribute, through increasing body dissatisfaction among adolescent girls. Sexual objectification through images may reinforce to adolescent girls that their value is based on their appearance. This study explored how sexualized images typically found on social media might influence adolescent girls’ mental health, in positive and/or negative ways. Methods In-depth interviews were conducted with girls aged 14–17 years (n = 24) in Perth, Western Australia. Data were analyzed using thematic analysis. Results Participants identified body image as a major concern, reporting negative appearance comparisons when viewing images on social media. Appearance comparisons were perceived to exacerbate adolescent girls’ appearance-based concerns. Comparisons also influenced adolescent girls’ efforts to change their appearance and seek validation on social media. The importance of awareness and education from a younger age about social media and its influence on body image was emphasized, as was the need for strategies to promote positive body image and counteract negative body image. Conclusion The findings of this study have important implications for professionals working with adolescent girls and for the development of health promotion programs addressing social media use and body image concerns.

Individuals who lack a clear sense of their own identity tend to make more appearance-based comparisons and experience more body dissatisfaction, but previous research in this domain has primarily relied on cross-sectional data reflecting people's retrospective recall of their general appearance-comparison tendencies. In this study, we examined the association between trait self-concept clarity and the frequency and impact of appearance comparisons in women's everyday lives. Participants (146 women) completed a trait measure of self-concept clarity, and then participated in an ecological momentary assessment study in which they were signaled 5 times per day for 5 days and reported any appearance comparisons they made as well as their body image, affect, dieting/exercising thoughts, and dieting/exercise behavior. Self-concept clarity was negatively associated with the total number of signals at which an appearance comparison was reported, and with the number of upward (but not downward or lateral) comparisons made. However, self-concept clarity did not moderate the impact of making an appearance comparison on any of the outcomes (body image, affect, dieting/exercising thoughts, dieting/exercise behavior). These findings suggest that the increased risk associated with low self-concept clarity comes from the fact that these individuals are more frequently making (upward) appearance comparisons in their daily lives, the cumulative effects of which may result in greater body dissatisfaction over time., Competing Interests: Declaration of Competing Interest The authors declare that they have no known competing financial interests or personal relationships that could have appeared to influence the work reported in this paper., (Copyright © 2024 The Authors. Published by Elsevier Ltd.. All rights reserved.)

Objective: The COVID‐19 pandemic led to a transition to the utilization of video chatting services as the main form of communication for work, family, and friends. However, the repercussions of this change are not fully known, and issues regarding appearance satisfaction are particularly salient. The purpose of the current study was to examine the relationship between video chatting and appearance satisfaction in a sample of men and women. Method: The current study utilizes cross‐sectional data from 618 participants (Age: M = 33.2; 54.1% women) to evaluate whether average video chat usage predicts appearance satisfaction, and whether this association is dependent upon appearance comparison or self‐objectification. Results: Results indicated that individuals who spent more time video chatting reported higher appearance satisfaction. Additionally, appearance comparison and self‐objectification were not significant moderators, and the association between video chat usage and appearance satisfaction did not differ based on gender. Usage of the touch‐up feature, gallery view, and amount of time spent looking at oneself were associated with appearance comparisons, while adjusting lighting and camera angles and amount of time spent looking at oneself were associated with self‐objectification. Discussion: The results may indicate that while overall time spent video chatting may be associated with lower appearance concerns, examination of the usage of specific features on video chatting platforms may be important to assess in the future. Public Significance: This study demonstrates that overall time spent video chatting may be associated with lower appearance concerns. The usage, however, of specific features on video chatting platforms, such as touch‐up feature, gallery view, and amount of time spent looking at oneself were associated with appearance comparisons. Additionally, adjusting lighting and camera angles, and amount of time spent looking at oneself are associated with self‐objectification. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Adolescent girls appear more vulnerable to experiencing mental health difficulties from social media use than boys. The presence of sexualized images online is thought to contribute, through increasing body dissatisfaction among adolescent girls. Sexual objectification through images may reinforce to adolescent girls that their value is based on their appearance. This study explored how sexualized images typically found on social media might influence adolescent girls' mental health, in positive and/or negative ways.Methods: In-depth interviews were conducted with girls aged 14-17 years (n = 24) in Perth, Western Australia. Data were analyzed using thematic analysis.Results: Participants identified body image as a major concern, reporting negative appearance comparisons when viewing images on social media. Appearance comparisons were perceived to exacerbate adolescent girls' appearance-based concerns. Comparisons also influenced adolescent girls' efforts to change their appearance and seek validation on social media. The importance of awareness and education from a younger age about social media and its influence on body image was emphasized, as was the need for strategies to promote positive body image and counteract negative body image.Conclusion: The findings of this study have important implications for professionals working with adolescent girls and for the development of health promotion programs addressing social media use and body image concerns. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Although body-positive content is associated with increased positive body image, concerns regarding the continued focus on appearance have emerged. Therefore, the purpose of this study was to examine whether self-compassion text-only content provided benefits beyond traditional photo-based body positivity content. Undergraduates (n = 283; 179 women, 104 men) were randomly assigned to view body positive photos, self-compassion text-only content, or architectural images (control condition). Participants assigned to both experimental conditions demonstrated a significant increase in measures of state body appreciation, state body satisfaction, and state self-compassion, however they did not differ significantly from each other. The self-compassion condition also differed significantly from the control condition. Trait appearance comparisons moderated the relationship between experimental condition and state body appreciation and state body satisfaction, and gender did not affect the relationship between condition and the outcome measures. Results of this study support the inclusion of body-positivity images and self-compassion text-only content in social media interventions for improving body image for men and women. • Viewing photo-based body positivity content was associated with positive outcomes. • Viewing self-compassion text-only content was associated with positive outcomes. • No significant differences were found between body positivity and self-compassion content. • Appearance comparisons moderated relationship between condition and body satisfaction and appreciation. • No significant gender differences were found. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Research indicates that men use social comparisons as a mechanism to evaluate their body image (e.g., Schaefer, 2018). The present study investigated literature utilizing Social Comparison Theory (Festinger, 1954) as a framework for explaining male body image outcomes. To achieve the study's purpose, the authors conducted a scoping systematic review of peer-reviewed literature on body image in men, yielding 27 relevant articles. Tabular analysis and line coding of each article uncovered four emergent themes: 1) sociocultural ideals of body image set by peers, friends, and media initiated social comparisons; 2) social comparisons led to men's internalization of body ideals, resulting in both positive and negative physical and psychological outcomes; 3) comparison implications depended on target (e.g., friend, peer), and direction of comparison (e.g., upward or downward); and 4) comparison activity was influenced by protective and contributing factors which included age, ethnicity, race, and social involvement. Although it is clear that men experience body image and conduct social comparisons differently than women, sources of body related influence remain consistent across genders. Findings from this review support the continued application of theoretical frameworks in body image inquiry as they enhance the rigor of research findings. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

• Results provide support for the Tripartite Influence Model among men. • Thinness/muscularity pressures predicted thin/muscular internalization and comparisons. • Thin/muscular internalization and comparisons predicted disordered eating. Studies of the Tripartite Influence Model conducted with female samples suggest that thinness-oriented pressures, internalization, and appearance comparisons may be risk factors for disordered eating. However, limited work has investigated this model among men utilizing measures specifically designed to assess both muscularity- and thinness-oriented processes, which characterize male body image concerns. To address this gap, the current study examined the Tripartite Influence Model of disordered eating among men using a battery of such measures. A convenience sample of 265 male undergraduates completed validated, self-report measures of disordered eating, muscularity- and thinness-oriented appearance pressures, internalization, and appearance comparisons. Path analyses supported a slightly modified version of the Tripartite Influence Model, indicating direct and indirect paths from sociocultural pressures to disordered eating via internalization and appearance comparisons. These results provide support for a version of the Tripartite Influence Model among men. Specifically, muscularity- and thinness-oriented pressures appear to be related to disordered eating among college men via indirect pathways involving thin internalization, muscular internalization, and appearance comparisons. Future work is needed, however, to examine whether the model would generalize to muscularity-oriented disordered eating. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

• We replicated and extended a serial mediation model of body dissatisfaction with men. • Attentional engagement with muscular bodies was the antecedent. • Attentional engagement was indirectly associated with male body dissatisfaction. • Mediators were appearance comparisons and eating disorder-specific rumination. 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. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Research suggests that body dissatisfaction is common among children. However, it remains largely unknown how body dissatisfaction occurs on a daily basis and which environmental factors are linked to this. The purpose of this study was to examine (1) state body dissatisfaction, dietary restraint, compensatory exercise and loss of control eating among children and its association with upward comparisons via social media and (2) whether trust in parents may attenuate this association. Children from 10 to 12 years old (N = 50) were assessed three times a day during a two-week period. Trust was examined via a baseline questionnaire. State body dissatisfaction, dietary restraint, compensatory exercise, loss of control eating and upward comparisons were examined via Ecological Momentary Assessment (EMA). Multilevel analyses indicated that an a higher level of upward comparison is associated with a higher level of state body dissatisfaction, compensatory exercise and loss of control eating. Trust in father significantly moderated the association between appearance comparison and body dissatisfaction. No evidence was found for the protective role of trust in mother. Future research is necessary to enhance our understanding of state body dissatisfaction among children and of environmental factors that may protect children from the adverse effects of social media. • Body dissatisfaction in children fluctuates over time. • A higher level of upward comparison is associated with a higher level of state body dissatisfaction. • A higher level of upward comparison is associated with a higher level of compensatory exercise and loss of control. • Trust in father moderates the association between upward comparisons and state body dissatisfaction. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Highlights • We explored appearance-related predictors of state body dissatisfaction. • Upward appearance comparisons predicted increased dissatisfaction. • This effect remained after controlling for appearance comments and self-monitoring. • Appearance comments also emerged as predictors of state body dissatisfaction. Abstract Although appearance comparisons, self-monitoring, and appearance-related comments have been linked to body dissatisfaction in prior studies, the combined and unique influences of these variables on state body dissatisfaction in daily life has yet to be explored. The present study addressed this gap, and also evaluated whether these state-based effects were stronger for individuals with trait-level body image disturbances (internalization and body dissatisfaction). Eighty-four women completed baseline measures of trait internalization and body dissatisfaction, and then reported momentary experiences of body dissatisfaction, appearance self-monitoring, appearance-related comments, and appearance-based comparisons at up to 10 random times daily for seven days. Multilevel analyses confirmed that both appearance comparisons and commentary (both negative and positive) were predictive of changes in state body dissatisfaction when modelled individually as well as in a combined (full) model. Appearance self-monitoring was not a significant predictor, either individually or in the full model. These within-person relationships were not moderated by individual differences in trait body dissatisfaction and internalization of appearance standards. Accordingly, experiences of body dissatisfaction in daily life may be a common reaction to negative appearance comments and unflattering comparisons, yet positive comments and/or efforts to avoid appearance-based comparisons may have a positive effect on one's body image. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This study used a novel intervention grounded in social mentalities theory to compare the effects of cultivating a caregiving versus competitive mentality when intervening with appearance comparisons. For 48 hours, 120 female undergraduates were randomly assigned to use one of three strategies whenever they made unfavorable appearance comparisons: cultivating compassion and loving-kindness toward the comparison target (Caregiving); comparing themselves favorably to the target in non-appearance domains of superiority (Competition); or distracting themselves (Control). Although there was no main effect of condition, trait social comparison orientation interacted with condition to predict outcomes. Among women engaging more frequently in social comparison, the Caregiving condition was more effective than the Competition condition at reducing body dissatisfaction, restrained eating, and body, eating, and exercise-related comparisons. Findings suggest that cultivating a compassion-focused, caregiving mentality when threatened by appearance comparisons could be beneficial to women who engage more frequently in social comparison. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Much research looking into social networking sites (SNS) and body image has taken a focus on weight or shape concerns or eating disorder such as anorexia and bulimia. However, there is little research that explores the role of SNS in those living with body dysmorphic disorder (BDD). This study aimed to explore how individuals experience using SNS whilst living with BDD, with a focus on the platform Instagram. Methods: A total of eight participants who identified as living with BDD were interviewed about their experiences of using SNS and Instagram. Results and conclusions: Interpretative phenomenological analysis (IPA) resulted in three themes being developed from the data. The first theme, 'Agency online' revealed the value placed on appearance in BDD, highlighting a loss of control when viewing images of others, and the need to regain a sense of control of Instagram use. The second theme 'comprehending appearance comparisons as an individual with BDD' encompassed appearance comparisons online and the desire for 'normality'. This theme also indicated comparisons as a protective role in the context of being negatively evaluated by others. The third theme, 'The value of others' perceptions online' revealed the experiences of anxiety of judgement online due to fear of negative evaluation of appearance. These findings are discussed in the context of informing the future research and development of therapeutic interventions, and how to better support those with BDD in managing their SNS use. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

While the frequency of weight-based teasing during childhood/adolescence has been linked to eating disturbance, limited research has examined the impact of negative appearance commentary experienced in young adulthood. Appearance comparisons have been shown to mediate the relationship between weight-based teasing frequency in childhood/adolescence and eating disturbance; however, less is known about the impact of other forms of negative appearance commentary and binge eating symptoms. The current study examined appearance comparisons to others as a mediator of the relationship between the impact of negative appearance commentary from interpersonal sources and binge eating symptoms in college women. Three hundred and seventeen young adult women from universities in the southwest and midsouth U.S. completed measures of appearance-related commentary, physical appearance comparisons, and binge eating symptoms. Controlling for body mass index, the mediation effect of appearance comparisons was tested using the PROCESS macro for SPSS. Appearance comparisons was a significant mediator of the relationship between the impact of negative appearance comments and binge eating symptoms, F(3,312)=40.256, p<0.001, R2=0.279. There was no direct effect of the impact of negative appearance comments on binge eating symptoms. Study findings indicate that appearance comparisons play a role in the extent to which the impact of negative appearance commentary influences binge eating symptoms. Results also suggest the need to address the impact of negative appearance commentary and appearance comparisons simultaneously in interventions for eating disorder psychopathology among college women. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Although the influence of stable, trait-like factors (such as trait body dissatisfaction and appearance internalization) on instances of appearance comparison has been well documented, the additive and interactive influence of contextual factors (such as one's current body satisfaction) on comparison behaviors is unknown. Therefore, the present study tested a Person×Situation model in which both state and trait body image variables interacted to predict engagement in various forms of comparison (upward, downward, and lateral). Participants included 161 women who completed a baseline measure of trait body dissatisfaction and internalization, and then completed, via an iPhone app, an ecological momentary assessment phase in which they reported momentary experiences of mood and comparison behaviors at up to 6 random times per day for 7days. Multilevel analyses revealed that upward comparisons (comparisons against more attractive people) were more likely for individuals with heightened trait and/or state negative body image, but these predictive effects of state and trait on appearance comparisons appear largely independent of each other. Furthermore, neither state nor trait body image variables were related to the other forms of comparison, and time lag at the state-level between predictor and outcome did not seem to influence the strength of these associations. Present findings are consistent with the notion that how an individual feels in the moment about their appearance may influence engagement in deleterious appearance behaviors. However, further testing is needed to confirm these causal hypotheses. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

ABSTRACT Objective Etiological models of disordered eating are limited in their consideration of racial/ethnic differences in risk factors. Appearance comparisons are consistent predictors of disordered eating outcomes, but research predominantly examines these associations among White women and overlooks the potential differential impact of upward (comparing to someone perceived as better off) versus downward comparisons (comparing to someone perceived as worse off). This study investigated race/ethnicity as a moderator of the associations between upward and downward appearance comparisons and disordered eating outcomes and body satisfaction of young adult women. Method Measures of upward and downward appearance comparisons, body satisfaction, and disordered eating were administered to 1,014 young adult women. A multiple group (by race/ethnicity) path analysis was estimated using maximum likelihood estimation for each disordered eating and body satisfaction outcome, controlling for age and BMI. Results Upward comparisons were associated with higher levels of disordered eating behaviors and lower body satisfaction for women of all racial/ethnic groups. Downward appearance comparisons emerged as detrimental for Hispanic/Latina women, but were protective for Asian and White women. Discussion Findings challenge the belief that appearance comparisons impact all women similarly and that downward comparisons are universally protective, a position often promulgated by clinical treatment approaches. © 2015 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. (Int J Eat Disord 2016; 49:519-523). [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: The use of image-laden social media is hypothesized as being implicated in psychological distress in individuals with conditions affecting their appearance. However, relatively little is known about the mechanisms involved in this relationship., Objective: This cross-sectional study examined the relationship between photo-orientated social media use and feelings of stigmatization in adults with acne, and tested whether upward skin comparisons mediate and self-compassion moderates this relationship., Methods: Adults (N=650) with acne symptoms completed web-based measures of social media use (daily Facebook or Instagram use, Facebook function use), self-compassion, skin appearance comparisons, and internalized stigmatization., Results: Moderated-mediation and mediation analyses indicated that there was a significant indirect effect of Facebook photo use on stigmatization, mediated by upward appearance comparisons (estimation of indirect effect 11.03, SE 5.11, 95% CI 1.19-21.12). There was no significant relationship between Instagram use and feelings of stigmatization (estimation of indirect effect 0.0002, SE 0.005, 95% CI -0.011 to 0.009), yet upward appearance comparisons predicted feelings of stigmatization (B=0.99, P<.001). Self-compassion did not moderate the indirect or direct relationships between photo-orientated social media use and stigma. However, self-compassion was negatively correlated with upward appearance comparisons and feelings of stigmatization in both Facebook and Instagram users., Conclusions: The way that individuals engage with social media, and in particular make appearance comparisons, should be considered when working with individuals with skin-related distress. Interventions aimed at boosting self-compassion and reducing appearance comparisons may provide avenues for protecting against feelings of stigma., (©Kate Adkins, Paul G Overton, Julia Moses, Andrew Thompson. Originally published in JMIR Dermatology (http://derma.jmir.org), 12.04.2023.)

Abstract: This study examined in young adolescent girls the fit of a theoretical model of the contribution of media literacy to body dissatisfaction via the mediating influences of internalisation of media ideals and appearance comparisons. Female Grade 7 students (N =469) completed self-report assessments of media literacy, internalisation, appearance comparisons, body dissatisfaction, and media exposure. Strong, significant inverse associations between media literacy and body dissatisfaction, internalisation, and appearance comparisons were observed. Path analysis revealed that a slightly modified revision of the model provided a good fit to the data. Specifically, body dissatisfaction was influenced directly by appearance comparisons, internalisation, and body mass index, and indirectly by media literacy and media exposure. Indirect pathways were mediated by appearance comparisons and internalisation. Thus, a relationship between media literacy and eating disorder risk factors was observed. Findings may explain positive outcomes of media literacy interventions in eating disorder prevention. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

Abstract: Despite good theoretical and empirical rationale for assessing tendencies to make upward and downward physical appearance comparisons no measure for these specific constructs exists. The present work developed and tested the psychometric properties of upward and downward physical appearance comparison scales. The scales were administered to participants (N =224) along with measures of general appearance comparison tendencies, body image, disordered eating, Antifat and Antigay attitudes. The scales displayed good psychometric properties. Importantly, the upward but not downward physical appearance comparison scale predicted lower Appearance Evaluation and higher EAT-26 scores. Conversely, the downward but not upward physical appearance comparison scale predicted higher Appearance Evaluation and greater Antifat Attitudes (Dislike). The scales were unrelated to a nonappearance related construct. These new measures fill a gap in the literature and may be of benefit to researchers interested in body image, appearance concerns, eating disorders, social comparison, and obesity prejudice. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]