Body size estimation: testing a new mirror-based assessment method.
OBJECTIVE
The aim of the current study was to compare a new ecologically valid method of body size estimation with an existing, commonly used method.


METHODS
The new method uses a "mirror-sized" image and measures perception rather than memory of body size. Fifty-five healthy women participated in the study.


RESULTS
Body size estimations with the new method were significantly larger than with the existing method (p <.001). This difference was specific to body size and was not seen for estimation of neutral images.


CONCLUSIONS
The results of the study show that different body size estimations are made with the new more ecologically valid method compared with the existing method. This finding has important implications for research into the factors influencing the perception of body size.
Farrell
Clare
C
Department of Psychiatry, Oxford University, Oxford, United Kingdom.
Shafran
Roz
R
Fairburn
Christopher G
CG
D000328:Adult; D001824:Body Constitution; D001828:Body Image; D015992:Body Mass Index; D006801:Humans; D012649:Self Concept; D013001:Somatoform Disorders / Q000175:diagnosis* / Q000523:psychology; D011795:Surveys and Questionnaires