Emotional expression and body dissatisfaction.
OBJECTIVE
The purpose of this study was to examine the relation between emotional expression and body dissatisfaction in a sample of young women.


METHODS
Participants were 141 female undergraduates. They were assessed for emotional expression, body dissatisfaction, nonassertiveness, and depressive symptoms. The unique relation between emotional expression and body dissatisfaction was analyzed using hierarchical multiple regression.


RESULTS
Emotional expression was related inversely to body dissatisfaction. This association was significant after controlling for body mass index, nonassertiveness, and depressive symptoms.


CONCLUSIONS
This is the first study to examine the link between emotional expression and body dissatisfaction. Findings are discussed in terms of possible strategies for modifying shape- and weight-related concerns in women.
Hayaki
Jumi
J
Department of Psychology, Rutgers, The State University of New Jersey, Piscataway, New Jersey, USA.
Friedman
Michael A
MA
Brownell
Kelly D
KD
D000293:Adolescent; D000328:Adult; D001242:Assertiveness; D001828:Body Image; D015992:Body Mass Index; D003863:Depression / Q000523:psychology; D004644:Emotions; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D007389:Internal-External Control; D007398:Interpersonal Relations; D010549:Personal Satisfaction; D010555:Personality Inventory / Q000706:statistics & numerical data*; D011594:Psychometrics; D012044:Regression Analysis; D013334:Students / Q000523:psychology