Exploring Drive for Thinness as a Perfectionistic Strategy to Escape from Shame Experiences

Abstract

Perfectionistic self-presentation defines the attempt at presenting the self as perfect through the public concealment of personal defects and/or through the display of attributes perceived as capable to gather positive attention of others. Although perfectionism has long been considered a central aspect of eating psychopathology mediational studies between this construct and these conditions are scarce. This study aimed at examining the mediational role of body image-related perfectionistic self-presentation in the effects of external shame and internal shame on drive for thinness, in a sample of young women. Results revealed body image-related perfectionistic self-presentation as a significant mediator (p < .05) of the relationships between external and internal shame, and drive for thinness. Furthermore, 86% and 69% of the effects of external shame and internal shame, respectively, were explained by their indirect effects through body image-related perfectionistic self-presentation on drive for thinness (95% CI). These results highlight that the control over eating may emerge as a maladaptive strategy to deal with shame when mediated by an endorsement in the belief that presenting a perfect body image is crucial to be accepted and valued by others. Study findings suggest that this perfectionistic strategy should be targeted while treating eating psychopathology.

Seeking a perfect body look: feeding the pathogenic impact of shame?

“…This process resulted in the final sample of 487 female participants. [Ferreira et al, 2015]. This scale evaluates the need to present a perfect body image to others, by displaying a flawless physical appearance and occulting perceived body imperfections.…”

“…In fact, several studies have shown that eating disorders' patients, when compared to nonclinical groups, report higher levels of shame even after treatment [16,19,21,22]. Additionally, literature suggests that pathological dieting and drive for thinness can function as a threat regulation strategy used to face shame [15,23]. Moreover, Ferreira et al [16] suggest that the control over weight or body shape may emerge as strategy to compete for social acceptance on women who present higher levels of external shame, and feel under pressure to attend to the social group's demands.…”

“…Physical appearance may be the women's preferred domain to invest in when dealing with body dissatisfaction and when pursuing the purpose of being accepted and valued by others [23]. However, such investment may entail extreme control over eating habits, in order to reach perfection concerning body shape and weight [23;Ferreira, Duarte, Pinto-Gouveia, & Lopes, 2015].…”

“…However, such investment may entail extreme control over eating habits, in order to reach perfection concerning body shape and weight [23;Ferreira, Duarte, Pinto-Gouveia, & Lopes, 2015]. This need to present a perfect physical appearance -body image-related perfectionistic self-presentation -seems particularly relevant due to its paradoxical effects, namely the increase of body dissatisfaction and drive for thinness [23]. Specifically, a recent study [23] revealed that the relationship between shame and weight control behaviours is mediated by increased levels of body image-related perfectionistic self-presentation.…”

“…This need to present a perfect physical appearance -body image-related perfectionistic self-presentation -seems particularly relevant due to its paradoxical effects, namely the increase of body dissatisfaction and drive for thinness [23]. Specifically, a recent study [23] revealed that the relationship between shame and weight control behaviours is mediated by increased levels of body image-related perfectionistic self-presentation. In fact, this study showed that 86% and 69% of the effects of shame, external and internal respectively, were explained by their indirect effects on drive for thinness, through the perception of needing to present a perfect body image.…”