Examining Psychobiological Responses to an Anticipatory Body Image Threat in Women

摘要

The present study extended the applicability of social self-preservation theory (SSPT) to an anticipatory body image threat. Women (n = 80) were randomized into either a control or threat group (anticipating having a body composition assessment). Participants completed measures of body shame and social physique anxiety (self-conscious outcomes), and body dissatisfaction (a non-self-conscious outcome), and provided a sample of saliva (to assess cortisol levels) at baseline and immediately following their condition. Findings showed that for the threat condition, body image variables were significantly more negative pre- to post-condition. Findings also showed that self-conscious outcomes were more sensitive than the non-self-conscious outcome. There was not a significant group-by-time interaction for cortisol. Findings support SSPT's applicability to the anticipation of a social-evaluative body-related threat.