title: Relationship between self-discrepancy and worries about penis size in men with body dysmorphic disorder.
abstract: We explored self-discrepancy in men with body dysmorphic disorder (BDD) concerned about penis size, men without BDD but anxious about penis size, and controls. Men with BDD (n=26) were compared to those with small penis anxiety (SPA; n=31) and controls (n=33), objectively (by measuring) and investigating self-discrepancy: actual size, ideal size, and size they felt they should be according to self and other. Most men under-estimated their penis size, with the BDD group showing the greatest discrepancy between perceived and ideal size. The SPA group showed a larger discrepancy than controls. This was replicated for the perceptions of others, suggesting the BDD group internalised the belief that they should have a larger penis size. There was a significant correlation between symptoms of BDD and this discrepancy. This self-actual and self-ideal/self-should discrepancy and the role of comparing could be targeted in therapy.
authors.affiliation: Institute of Psychiatry, Psychology, and Neurosciences, Kings College London and South London and Maudsley NHS Foundation Trust, London, United Kingdom. Electronic address: David.Veale@kcl.ac.uk.
authors.forename: David
authors.initials: D
authors.lastname: Veale
authors.affiliation: Institute of Psychiatry, Psychology, and Neurosciences, Kings College London and South London and Maudsley NHS Foundation Trust, London, United Kingdom.
authors.forename: Sarah
authors.initials: S
authors.lastname: Miles
authors.affiliation: Institute of Psychiatry, Psychology, and Neurosciences, Kings College London and South London and Maudsley NHS Foundation Trust, London, United Kingdom.
authors.forename: Julie
authors.initials: J
authors.lastname: Read
authors.affiliation: King's College Medical School, King's College London, London, United Kingdom.
authors.forename: Sally
authors.initials: S
authors.lastname: Bramley
authors.affiliation: Institute of Psychiatry, Psychology, and Neurosciences, Kings College London and South London and Maudsley NHS Foundation Trust, London, United Kingdom.
authors.forename: Andrea
authors.initials: A
authors.lastname: Troglia
authors.affiliation: King's College Hospital NHS Foundation Trust, London, United Kingdom.
authors.forename: Lina
authors.initials: L
authors.lastname: Carmona
authors.affiliation: King's College Hospital NHS Foundation Trust, London, United Kingdom.
authors.forename: Chiara
authors.initials: C
authors.lastname: Fiorito
authors.affiliation: King's College Hospital NHS Foundation Trust, London, United Kingdom.
authors.forename: Hannah
authors.initials: H
authors.lastname: Wells
authors.affiliation: Porterbrook Clinic, Sheffield Health and Social Care NHS Foundation Trust, Sheffield, United Kingdom.
authors.forename: Kevan
authors.initials: K
authors.lastname: Wylie
authors.affiliation: King's College Hospital NHS Foundation Trust, London, United Kingdom.
authors.forename: Gordon
authors.initials: G
authors.lastname: Muir
mesh_terms: D000328:Adult; D057215:Body Dysmorphic Disorders / Q000523:psychology*; D001828:Body Image / Q000523:psychology*; D006801:Humans; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged; D010413:Penis / Q000033:anatomy & histology*; D012649:Self Concept
keywords: Body dysmorphic disorder; Penis size; Self-discrepancy