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The nature and functions of appearance‐related comparisons in body dysmorphic disorder

Turner, Mark A., Veale, David, Anson, Martin (2024) The nature and functions of appearance‐related comparisons in body dysmorphic disorder. Scandinavian Journal of Psychology, . ISSN 0036-5564. E-ISSN 1467-9450. (doi:10.1111/sjop.13043) (KAR id:106531)

Abstract

Appearance‐related comparisons (A‐RCs) in body dysmorphic disorder (BDD) are under researched despite their probable role in disorder maintenance. The present study therefore aimed to explore the nature (frequency, direction and automaticity), and functions of A‐RCs in BDD. N = 43 including people with BDD (n = 23) and controls (n = 20) matched approximately on age and sex were recruited. A mixture of standardized and devised questionnaires on body image and A‐RCs were completed. A‐RCs were significantly more frequent, generally more upward (to more attractive standards of comparison), and more automatic in people with BDD relative to the control group. People with BDD also held significantly stronger agreement with beliefs about A‐RCs as serving functions of: self‐evaluation, self‐improvement, self‐enhancement, and in particular, self‐loathing (a way to confirm beliefs about physical unattractiveness) and social threat management. This research presents evidence that the nature and functions of A‐RCs in BDD have a role in this disorder's maintenance. Clinical implications, limitations, and future directions for research are discussed.

Item Type: Article
DOI/Identification number: 10.1111/sjop.13043
Additional information: For the purpose of open access, the author has applied a CC BY public copyright licence to any Author Accepted Manuscript version arising from this submission.
Uncontrolled keywords: appearance‐related comparisons (A‐RCS), functions, Body dysmorphic disorder (BDD)
Subjects: B Philosophy. Psychology. Religion
B Philosophy. Psychology. Religion > BF Psychology
Divisions: Divisions > Division of Human and Social Sciences > School of Psychology
Funders: National Institute for Health Research (https://ror.org/0187kwz08)
South London and Maudsley NHS Foundation Trust (https://ror.org/015803449)
King's College London (https://ror.org/0220mzb33)
SWORD Depositor: JISC Publications Router
Depositing User: JISC Publications Router
Date Deposited: 12 Jul 2024 15:17 UTC
Last Modified: 12 Jul 2024 21:16 UTC
Resource URI: https://kar.kent.ac.uk/id/eprint/106531 (The current URI for this page, for reference purposes)

University of Kent Author Information

Anson, Martin.

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