Abstract
The purpose of this study was to test a mediating model whereby competitiveness among females for mates affects body dissatisfaction and dysfunctional diet and exercise through its influence on social comparison and fear of being negatively evaluated by others. The hypothesized model draws from several empirical models, including the sexual competition hypothesis and the tripartite influence model. Approximately 218 female college students completed an online survey. Most participants were heterosexual, White, and between the ages of 19 and 20. The proposed model was tested with MPlus 8.0 using maximum likelihood estimation (MLE). The hypothesized model was a good fit to the data, revealing both direct and indirect paths that were positive and statistically significant. The results suggest that body dissatisfaction may be intensified in environments such as schools wherein peer competition for mates is high and where adolescent females may feel that they cannot successfully compete. They may experience feelings of inadequacy about their bodies, which may result in the adoption of dysfunctional diets, exercise, or other practices that may be unhealthy and potentially life threatening in an effort to change their physical appearance.
Highlights
It has been estimated that approximately one-third to one-half of adolescent and young adult women engage in unhealthy eating or weight management practices, including various forms of food restriction, purging, or harmful dieting [1,2,3]
To determine whether the high correlations between variables may be cause for concern, the social comparison variable was regressed onto the other variables and the variance inflation factors (VIFs) were evaluated using SPSS 25.0
A general rule is that VIF coefficients over 4.0 may be a cause for concern [26]
Summary
It has been estimated that approximately one-third to one-half of adolescent and young adult women engage in unhealthy eating or weight management practices, including various forms of food restriction, purging, or harmful dieting [1,2,3]. These behaviors are often associated with an increased risk of eating disorders [4], depression and low selfworth [2], substance use [5], and other negative health consequences. Some individuals may replace engagement in unhealthy eating behaviors with excessive exercise, which may place them at even greater risk for developing eating disorders [13]
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