Body image, social comparison, and eating disturbance: a covariance structure modeling investigation.
OBJECTIVE
To evaluate the role of appearance-based social comparison processes as a possible mediational link between developmental factors (negative social feedback, i.e., teasing about appearance; biological status, i.e., early physical maturation) and levels of body dissatisfaction, eating disturbance, and global psychological functioning.


METHODS
In this study of 173 female undergraduates, covariance structure modeling (CSM) was used to examine direct and mediational relationships among these variables.


RESULTS
Appearance-based social comparison mediated the effect of appearance-related teasing on body image and eating disturbance; body image mediated the effect of teasing on eating disturbance; eating disturbance had a direct effect on overall psychological functioning.


CONCLUSIONS
Implications for devising and testing other theoretical models are discussed.
Thompson
J K
JK
Department of Psychology, University of South Florida, Tampa 33620-8200, USA. jthompso@chuma1.cas.usf.edu
Coovert
M D
MD
Stormer
S M
SM
D000293:Adolescent; D000328:Adult; D001828:Body Image; D001068:Feeding and Eating Disorders / Q000523:psychology*; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D012649:Self Concept; D012938:Social Perception; D011795:Surveys and Questionnaires