Self-Reported and Physiological Reactions to Thin and Non-Thin Bodies: Understanding Motivational Processes Associated with Disordered Eating

Abstract

Background

The present study examined the relative roles of approach and avoidance motivation in eating pathology using a multi-method approach combining self-report and physiological measures. The potential effect of internalized ideals and fears was also investigated.

Methods

Fifty-seven undergraduate women completed a picture-viewing task in which they viewed images of women’s bodies (thin and non-thin) and affective images. Self-report ratings of valence and arousal were measured along with physiological indicators of approach (postauricular reflex) and avoidance (startle blink reflex) motivation.

Results

Greater eating pathology was associated with more negative valence ratings of both thin and non-thin images. There was a significant interaction between valence ratings of non-thin bodies and fear of the unattractive self in relation to eating pathology, such that eating pathology was highest in those who rated non-thin images as more unpleasant and internalized fears of being/becoming unattractive. Thin-ideal internalization did not significantly interact with ratings of thin images to predict eating pathology. There were no significant findings when examining physiological data.

Conclusions

Results from self-report measures suggest that eating pathology is associated with avoidant reactions to both thin and non-thin bodies and highlight the importance of internalized appearance-related fears.