Body Image Discrepancy and Negative Affect in Women's Everyday Lives: An Ecological Momentary Assessment Evaluation of Self-Discrepancy Theory

Abstract

Discrepancies in self-image occur when individuals hold conflicting beliefs about personal characteristics and those one would ideally like to have (actual:ideal [A:I] discrepancy) or believes one should possess (actual:ought [A:O] discrepancy). Self-discrepancy Theory (SDT; Higgins, 1987) predicts A:I and A:O discrepancies are uniquely associated with depressed and anxious affect, respectively. This study provided the first empirical test of these relationships within individuals in daily life. Body image discrepancy and depressed and anxious affect were assessed in college women (n = 63) using Ecological Momentary Assessment. Women were signaled by, and completed assessments on, a palmtop computer five times daily for one week. The predictions of SDT were supported; momentary A:I and A:O discrepancies differentially predicted concurrent depressed and anxious affect in women's everyday lives. These findings are the first to evaluate the predictions of SDT as within-person processes using a real-time assessment methodology. This study investigated the real world experience of body dissatisfaction and negative mood, and thus, also has implications for understanding the development, maintenance, and treatment of body dissatisfaction and clinical and subclinical eating disorders.

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