Body image ups and downs: prediction of intra-individual level and variability of women's daily body image experiences

Susan E Melnyk; Thomas F Cash; Louis H Janda

doi:10.1016/j.bodyim.2004.03.003

Body image ups and downs: prediction of intra-individual level and variability of women's daily body image experiences

Body Image. 2004 Sep;1(3):225-35. doi: 10.1016/j.bodyim.2004.03.003.

Authors

Susan E Melnyk¹, Thomas F Cash, Louis H Janda

Affiliation

¹ Department of Psychology, Old Dominion University, Old Dominion University, Norfolk, VA 23529, USA.

PMID: 18089155
DOI: 10.1016/j.bodyim.2004.03.003

Abstract

This investigation assessed body image states in the context of everyday life among 108 college women. Participants initially completed measures of body image traits and eating attitudes and subsequently called an automated telephonic response system twice daily for 6 days to convey current body image experiences on the Body Image States Scale. The research examined the extent to which selected pretest variables predicted the level and variability of body image states. As hypothesized, less favorable body image state levels were associated with lower trait body image satisfaction, more body image dysphoria, more dysfunctional investment in appearance, more disturbed eating attitudes, and the use of less adaptive and more maladaptive body image coping strategies. Also as expected, body image variability was predicted by psychological investment in one's appearance, disturbed eating attitudes, and appearance-fixing coping strategies. Implications of the results and future research directions are discussed.