Size estimation versus figural ratings of body image disturbance: Relation to body dissatisfaction and eating dysfunction

Abstract

The current investigation compared several different measures of body image disturbance in college males and females. Measures of perceptual size overestimation, figure rating preferences, and questionnaire indices of body dissatisfaction and eating disturbance were collected. Subjects also rated body sizes based on ideal, affective, and cognitive/rational rating protocols. The results revealed little connection between indices of perceptual overestimation and body dissatisfaction or eating dysfunction. Alternatively, figural ratings were strongly associated with these measures. Regression analyses revealed that body dissatisfaction and figural discrepancy measures were highly related to eating disturbance for both males and females. In addition, discrepancies based on affective versus cognitive/rational rating protocols explained unique variance associated with eating disturbance. The findings are discussed with regard to the need to conduct a multifaceted assessment of body image disturbance.