Emotional expression and body dissatisfaction.

The purpose of this study was to examine the relation between emotional expression and body dissatisfaction in a sample of young women.Participants were 141 female undergraduates. They were assessed for emotional expression, body dissatisfaction, nonassertiveness, and depressive symptoms. The unique relation between emotional expression and body dissatisfaction was analyzed using hierarchical multiple regression.Emotional expression was related inversely to body dissatisfaction. This association was significant after controlling for body mass index, nonassertiveness, and depressive symptoms.This is the first study to examine the link between emotional expression and body dissatisfaction. Findings are discussed in terms of possible strategies for modifying shape- and weight-related concerns in women.

Duke Scholars

Author Kelly D. Brownell Sanford School of Public Policy