title: Appearance comparison in individuals with body dysmorphic disorder and controls.
abstract: Research investigating appearance comparison in body dysmorphic disorder (BDD) remains very limited, despite the fact that this is one of the most commonly observed behaviors in individuals with the disorder. The present study investigated the self-reported extent and nature of appearance comparison in 35 BDD participants relative to 45 controls using a newly devised and a standardized appearance comparison measure. The results showed that BDD participants reported significantly higher levels of appearance comparison than controls. Individuals with BDD also reported greater levels of comparing in terms of the specific feature(s) of their appearance they were most concerned about as compared to overall appearance, whilst controls showed the opposite pattern. Levels of comparing in BDD participants increased as targets increased in terms of attractiveness, and individuals with BDD rated themselves as being markedly less attractive than targets, and feeling markedly less satisfied with their appearance after comparing. Cognitive-behavioral treatment implications are discussed.
authors.affiliation: The Institute of Psychiatry, Psychology and Neuroscience, King's College London, 16 De Crespigny Park, London SE5 8AF, UK; Maudsley Hospital, South London and Maudsley NHS Foundation Trust, Denmark Hill, London SE5 8AZ, UK. Electronic address: martin.anson@canterbury.ac.uk.
authors.forename: Martin
authors.initials: M
authors.lastname: Anson
authors.affiliation: The Institute of Psychiatry, Psychology and Neuroscience, King's College London, 16 De Crespigny Park, London SE5 8AF, UK; Maudsley Hospital, South London and Maudsley NHS Foundation Trust, Denmark Hill, London SE5 8AZ, UK.
authors.forename: David
authors.initials: D
authors.lastname: Veale
authors.affiliation: The Institute of Psychiatry, Psychology and Neuroscience, King's College London, 16 De Crespigny Park, London SE5 8AF, UK.
authors.forename: Sarah
authors.initials: S
authors.lastname: Miles
mesh_terms: D000328:Adult; D057215:Body Dysmorphic Disorders / Q000523:psychology*; D001828:Body Image / Q000523:psychology*; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D008297:Male; D010549:Personal Satisfaction; D000067029:Physical Appearance, Body; D012649:Self Concept; D057566:Self Report
keywords: Appearance comparison; Body dysmorphic disorder; Body image; Cognitive behavior therapy; Social comparison