Examining the person X situation interactions of internalized traits, state body affect and upward comparison behaviour

Abstract

Objective

Although the influence of trait internalization and state body satisfaction on appearance comparisons has been well documented, their interactive influence on comparison behaviours is unknown. Therefore, the present study thus tested a person X situation model in which both mood state and trait internalization interacted to predict engagement in upward comparisons.

Method

One hundred and forty-eight women aged 18 to 40 completed baseline measures of trait internalization, and then completed via iPhone app an experience sampling phase in which they reported momentary experiences of mood and comparison behaviours at up to 6 random times daily for 7 days.

Results

Multilevel analyses revealed that although upward comparisons were more likely for individuals who internalized the thin ideal (t = 3.27, P < .001), this effect was minimized in instances when a participant was satisfied with her appearance (t = –1.90, P = .031). Further exploratory analyses showed that state body satisfaction was a stronger predictor than trait internalization of comparison behaviours (R² = .14 vs. R² = .11) when the time lag between state body satisfaction and comparison event was less than 2 hours, but this pattern reversed as the time lag between state level predictor and outcome increased beyond 2 hours (R² = .09 vs. R² = .12).

Conclusions

Present findings suggest that bolstering one's body satisfaction in the moment may be as clinically important as reducing a client's interest in the thin ideal for alleviating occurrence of unhealthy body comparisons.

Disclosure of interest

The authors have not supplied their declaration of competing interest.