Buschman, I. R. and Elskamp, D. and Lortz, S. and Lange, N. and Stroemer, E. (2023) Disentangling the relationship between neuroticism, upward social comparison frequency, body-shame and weight-loss dieting in college women: A moderated mediation analysis. Bachelor thesis, Psychology.
|
Text
S4380169_Buschman_Bachelor_Thesis.pdf Download (614kB) | Preview |
Abstract
Abstract Weight-loss dieting has been identified as a strong predictor for eating pathology. Previous research has established a link between upward social comparison, body image concerns and weight-loss dieting. Additionally, some studies have touched upon the role of neurotic personality traits and its effect on weight-loss dieting. The present study aims to explore the mediating relationship between body-shame on upward social comparison frequency and weight-loss dieting across greater levels of neuroticism among college women. We propose that in a moderated mediation model, the emotion body-shame resulting from upward social comparison frequency will positively predict the motivation to engage in weight-loss dieting among college women, and that the mediating effect of body-shame will be stronger for women with higher levels of neuroticism. A sample of 251 female college students (N = 251) was recruited and participated by completing an online questionnaire with measures of upward social comparison frequency, body-image shame, weight-loss dieting, neuroticism, and trait body dissatisfaction using Qualtrics. Bootstrapping inference via PROCESS in SPSS was used to test the moderated mediation model. Contrary to expectations, the proposed moderated mediation model was not supported by significant findings. However, exploratory analysis revealed two significant independent mediation models. Body-shame was found to positively mediate the relationship between upward comparison frequency and weight-loss dieting, as well as between neuroticism and weight-loss dieting. Specifically, more frequent upward social comparison tendency increased episodes of body-shame which subsequently positively predicted engagement in weight-loss dieting. Similarly, higher levels of neuroticism increased episodes of body-shame which in turn positively predicted increased engagement in weight-loss dieting. The findings suggest that women who frequently engage in upward social comparison, and women who experience body-shame due to having higher levels of neuroticism are vulnerable to significant engagement in weight-loss dieting. Theoretical and practical implications are discussed. Keywords: neuroticism, upward social comparison tendency, body-shame, weight-loss dieting
| Item Type: | Thesis (Bachelor) |
|---|---|
| Supervisor name: | Dalley, S.E. |
| Degree programme: | Psychology |
| Differentiation route: | None [Bachelor Psychology] |
| Date Deposited: | 06 Sep 2023 09:39 |
| Last Modified: | 06 Sep 2023 09:39 |
| URI: | http://gmwpublic.studenttheses.ub.rug.nl/id/eprint/2868 |
Actions (login required)
 |
View Item |