The effects of figure size feedback (positive vs. negative) and target comparison group (particularistic vs. universalistic) on body image disturbance
✍ Scribed by Leslie J. Heinberg; J. Kevin Thompson
- Book ID
- 102676880
- Publisher
- BioMed Central
- Year
- 1992
- Tongue
- English
- Weight
- 592 KB
- Volume
- 12
- Category
- Article
- ISSN
- 2050-2974
No coin nor oath required. For personal study only.
✦ Synopsis
The effect of negative versus positive informational feedback regarding body size on subjects' overall body dissatisfaction was assessed in female college students. The target of the appearance comparison was also manipulated-subjects' figure size was in comparison to a universalistic group (average USA citizen) or a particularistic sample (college student peers). The results revealed a main effect for target comparison group, but no influence of information type (positive vs. negative). Specifically, subjects' whose size feedback was in reference to a particularistic group evidenced greater body image anxiety and distress than subjects whose figures were compared to a universalistic target. The findings are discussed in light of social comparison theory (Festinger, L. f19541. Human Relations, 7 , 117-140) and the possible role of feedback, target group, and comparison processes (i.e., upward and downward comparisons). 0 1992 ) o h Wiley & Sons, hc. , continues to generate considerable research interest (Kruglanski & Mayseless, 1990; Wood, 1989). This drive to socially compare may cause individuals to be quite sensitive to external influences in the form of feedback. If the comparison or feedback is in terms of one's body-for example, teasing about appearance or when one receives information that one is larger than average-an individual's body image may be affected . For instance, found that comparing oneself to others was one of five factors correlated with body dissatisfaction. Because body image is a malleable construct that has been shown to be affected by many factors (Thompson, 1990; Thompson, Penner, & Altabe, 1990), it is possible that an experimental manipulation of comparison feedback may also affect subjects' ratings of their body.
Social comparison theory, originally proposed by