Is appearance-related social comparison a causal mechanism underlying appearance-related psychopathology among young adult women? An experimental test.

Behav Res TherSep 15, 2026 (epub)
Clinical ResearchPsychiatry

Tapan A Patel, Jesse R Cougle

✦ AI-curated · Sources linked

In 30 seconds

This randomized controlled trial examined the impact of appearance-related social comparison (ARSC) fading on young adult women with high appearance concerns. Among 100 participants, those in the ARSC fading group reported lower levels of appearance concerns, body dysmorphic disorder (BDD) symptoms, eating disorder (ED) symptoms, and trait anxiety compared to the control group. Changes in ARSCs mediated these effects.

Key findings

  • ARSC fading resulted in lower appearance concerns and BDD symptoms compared to control.
  • Participants in the ARSC fading group showed reduced ED symptoms and trait anxiety.
  • The ARSC fading group had less reactivity to in vivo appearance-related stressors.
  • Changes in ARSCs mediated the effects on appearance concerns and psychopathology symptoms.

Why it matters

Understanding the role of ARSCs in appearance-related psychopathology can inform interventions aimed at reducing symptoms of body dysmorphic disorder, social anxiety, and eating disorders, potentially improving patient outcomes.

Source

PubMed · PMID 42748514

Published in Behav Res Ther. This summary was written by xxcode from the publication's abstract and metadata. It is not peer reviewed and is not a substitute for the original article. For clinical decisions, review the original publication.

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