Self–Esteem as a Moderator of the Effect of Social Comparison On Women’s Body Image

Abstract

Abstract The moderating effects of self–esteem on women’s reactions to social comparisons of attractiveness were investigated. After viewing a photograph of an attractive or unattractive peer, female college students completed measures of affect, body esteem, internalization of socio–cultural norms of appearance, and contingencies of self–worth. Self–esteem significantly moderated the effects of social comparison on body esteem. Whereas the low self–esteem group displayed a contrast effect, the high self–esteem group displayed an assimilation effect. The Self–Esteem ×Social Comparison interaction was significant even when controlling for differences in affect, internalization of norms, and contingencies of self–worth. Possible mediators of this interaction are discussed in the article.