title: An examination of body tracing among women with high body dissatisfaction.
abstract: Within eating disorder treatment programs, a body tracing activity is often used to address body dissatisfaction and overestimation of body size; however, the effects of this activity have never been empirically evaluated. This research examined the effects of body tracing on body dissatisfaction and mood among 56 female participants assigned to either a body tracing or control group. Scores were collected on trait body dissatisfaction and a series of Visual Analogue Scales (VAS). Results showed that trait body dissatisfaction moderated the relationship between group and levels of state appearance dissatisfaction and anxiety. These results suggest that individuals experiencing higher levels of trait body dissatisfaction demonstrated greater state body dissatisfaction following participation in the body tracing activity. Individuals with lower trait body dissatisfaction experienced greater anxiety after drawing a human body. These findings have potential implications for the use of this strategy in the treatment of eating disorder patients.
authors: Kent State University, Department of Psychology, 600 Hilltop Drive, Kent, OH 44242, United States; Missouri State University, Department of Psychology, 901 South National Avenue, Springfield, MO 65897, United States. Electronic address: gwilli18@kent.edu.
authors: Gail A
authors: GA
authors: Williams
authors: Missouri State University, Department of Psychology, 901 South National Avenue, Springfield, MO 65897, United States.
authors: Danae L
authors: DL
authors: Hudson
authors: Missouri State University, Department of Psychology, 901 South National Avenue, Springfield, MO 65897, United States.
authors: Brooke L
authors: BL
authors: Whisenhunt
authors: Kent State University, Department of Psychology, 600 Hilltop Drive, Kent, OH 44242, United States.
authors: Janis H
authors: JH
authors: Crowther
mesh_terms: D000328:Adult; D001828:Body Image / Q000523:psychology*; D001068:Feeding and Eating Disorders / Q000523:psychology* / Q000628:therapy*; D005260:Female; D018594:Human Body; D006801:Humans; D010549:Personal Satisfaction; D013334:Students / Q000523:psychology; D055815:Young Adult
keywords: Body dissatisfaction; Body image; Body tracing; Eating disorders; Mood