Examining Psychobiological Responses to an Anticipatory Body Image Threat in Women |
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Authors: | Larkin Lamarche Kimberley L Gammage Panagiota Klentrou Gretchen Kerr Guy Faulkner |
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Institution: | 1. Graduate Department of Exercise Sciences, University of Toronto;2. Department of Kinesiology, Brock University;3. Faculty of Kinesiology & Physical Education, University of Toronto |
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Abstract: | 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. |
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