Parameters of visual processing abnormalities in adults with body image concerns.

Sakshi Dhir,Erin L. McKay,Matthew E. Mundy,Hamish S. Ryan,Mariella Pazzaglia

doi:10.1371/journal.pone.0207585

Abstract

Body dysmorphic disorder (BDD), at the extreme end of the body image concern (BIC) spectrum, is thought to be associated with a local (detail-focussed) visual processing bias. Given that the inversion of a stimulus disrupts holistic processing and demands detail-specific attention, this perceptual bias is characterised by superior processing of such inverted stimuli. This study examined the processing bias, via a body-inversion discrimination task, of 26 participants with non-clinical, high-BIC (Dysmophic Concern Questionnaire (DCQ) scores between 11–19) and 26 participants with low-BIC (DCQ scores between 0–4). This study also explored the impact of varying stimuli presentation durations and discrimination difficulties during the inversion task on visual processing. As hypothesised, compared to those with low-BIC, participants with high-BIC demonstrated superior accuracy when discriminating between images of inverted bodies, indicating a local processing bias. Also as hypothesised, this local processing bias selectively manifested only when stimuli were presented for longer durations and at higher discrimination difficulties, revealing the parameters of this, potentially conscious, processing tendency. Consistent with previous research, this study identified a local processing bias in those with high BIC, which may be a predisposing factor for developing BDD. In turn, identifying the parameters (stimulus exposure and stimulus complexity) in which the local bias manifests has implications for future interventions aiming to reverse this perceptual abnormality.

Highlights

Body image concernBody image concern (BIC) is becoming increasingly problematic in Western societies and is a common stressor among young adults [1]
At the extreme end of this processing fixation, individuals may view their appearance with such scrutiny that they become completely preoccupied with imagined and/or exaggerated flaws. This maladaptive perception may result in an extreme level of body image concern (BIC) and a potential diagnosis of body dysmorphic disorder (BDD). As this current study found the presence of a local processing bias in a non-clinical, ‘at-risk’ sample of those with high BIC, it adds to the body of evidence that a visual processing bias may potentially precede a clinical diagnosis of BDD
This was evident as they showed diminished inversion effects, indicative of the local bias, as soon as stimuli gained any level of complexity above ‘very easy’. As compared to those with low BIC, individuals with high BIC may have a greater sensitivity to process locally and a greater tolerance against global processing demands. These findings suggest that the local processing bias in those with high BIC is more of a conscious effort, rather than an all-encompassing underlying tendency

Summary

Introduction

Body image concern (BIC) is becoming increasingly problematic in Western societies and is a common stressor among young adults [1]. Body image can be defined as a multi-dimensional phenomenon involving an individual’s subjective and malleable perceptions and feelings about their physical appearance [2,3,4]. Given that individuals vary in their level of body dissatisfaction, body image exists on a continuum ranging from healthy to unhealthy [5,6]. At the extreme end of the body image concern continuum, where an individual potentially experiences intense appearance disturbances, exists a clinical diagnosis of body dysmorphic disorder (BDD) [7].

Results

Discussion

Conclusion