The effects of self-generated comparison targets, BMI, and social comparison tendencies on body image appraisal

Abstract Previous studies examining the association between social comparison processes and body image dissatisfaction have yielded inconsistent findings. This study examined whether such discrepancies are due to either the use of identical comparison targets for all subjects or variability in body mass. Specifically, 216 subjects were randomly assigned to one of three experimental conditions: self-generated upward comparison group, self-generated downward comparison group, or control group. Dependent variables were measures of body image. Results indicated that increasing body mass and trait comparison tendencies were associated with increased body dissatisfaction. However, the experimental manipulation did not affect body image ratings. Results suggest that social comparison processes may operate similarly over a range of body mass index (BMI) values.