The effect of attentional bias toward shape- and weight-related information on body dissatisfaction.
OBJECTIVE
The objective of this study was to investigate the causal role of selective attention to shape/weight-related information in terms of intensifying body dissatisfaction.


METHODS
The participants were 70 female first-year psychology students aged 17-28 years. An attentional probe task was used to induce attention toward either negative shape/weight-related words, neutral words, or negatively valenced emotion words. Thereafter vulnerability toward the development of body dissatisfaction was assessed in the three groups after being exposed to a body image challenge.


RESULTS
The induction of an attentional bias toward shape/weight-related information resulted in higher body dissatisfaction compared with both control groups.


CONCLUSIONS
The results support the notion that an attentional bias toward shape/weight-related information plays a causal role in body dissatisfaction, suggesting that such biases may prove to be a useful target in interventions designed to improve body image.
Smith
Evelyn
E
School of Psychology, University of Sydney, Sydney, Australia.
Rieger
Elizabeth
E
D000293:Adolescent; D000328:Adult; D000339:Affect; D001007:Anxiety; D001288:Attention; D001828:Body Image; D005247:Feeding Behavior; D001068:Feeding and Eating Disorders / Q000175:diagnosis / Q000523:psychology*; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D011287:Prejudice