Body dissatisfaction and affect : the effects of mode of mind induction and three dimensional body shape exposure

Abstract

The purpose of the present study was to investigate how specific mode of mind inductions, in conjunction with 3D and 2D body image exposure, impact body dissatisfaction (BD) and affect in 81 female undergraduates. The two mode of mind inductions examined were mindfulness-based focused breathing and rumination/worry. Participants were randomly assigned to either a focused breathing or rumination/worry induction, followed by life-sized body image exposure in either 2D or 3D. Results indicated that the most adversely affected individuals were those in the 3Drumination/ worry group. Participants in this group experienced significant increases in BD and negative affect (NA) as well as a significant reduction in positive affect (PA). While participants in general found body exposure to be aversive, those with high dispositional body dissatisfaction expressed significantly higher levels of NA. Exploratory correlational analysis indicated that a possible link exists between BD and the subsequent increase in NA following body exposure. Findings of the present study suggest that being in a state of rumination/worry may exacerbate the negative reactions to body exposure. This phenomenon may be more pronounced in females high in dispositional BD.