Toward understanding body image importance: individual differences in a Canadian sample of undergraduate students

Eat Disord. 2013;21(2):117-29. doi: 10.1080/10640266.2013.761083.

Abstract

This study examined the relationships between body image importance (BII) and perfectionism and body satisfaction in a Canadian sample of undergraduate students. Specifically, perfectionism was conceptualized as a common cause of BII and body satisfaction. Furthermore, gender-schematic processing was examined as a moderator of sex differences in BII, which have been inconsistently found. As hypothesized, there was no significant partial correlation between BII and body satisfaction, controlling for perfectionism. Also, a significant Sex × Gender Schematicity interaction indicated that gender schematicity moderates sex differences in BII. Implications for understanding individual differences in, and elevated levels of BII are discussed.

MeSH terms

  • Adolescent
  • Adult
  • Body Image*
  • Canada
  • Female
  • Humans
  • Individuality*
  • Male
  • Personal Satisfaction*
  • Personality
  • Self Concept
  • Sex Factors
  • Students / psychology
  • Surveys and Questionnaires