Perfectionism and selective attention predict dysmorphic concern in an Australian university population

Abstract

Objective There is a paucity of research investigating the underlying aetiological mechanisms contributing to dysmorphic concern. In the present study, we used a multidimensional measure of perfectionism and a dot‐probe task, borrowed from the dysmorphic concern and body dysmorphic disorder literature, to assess associations between subtypes of perfectionism (i.e., concerns and strivings), selective attention towards target word stimuli (i.e., DC‐body, DC‐negative, and DC‐positive words), and dysmorphic concern. This was the first study to simultaneously examine these predictors and to investigate specific underlying selective attention mechanisms using probes and stimuli relevant to dysmorphic concern. Informed by current theories, we hypothesised that perfectionistic concerns and/or strivings and attention bias to target stimuli would be significantly associated with dysmorphic concern. Method Fifty‐seven students recruited from an Australian university completed the dot‐probe task and self‐report measures for perfectionism and dysmorphic concern. Results Doubts about actions (perfectionistic concerns), or a perfectionistic need to check details, and attention bias towards the DC‐positive words (e.g., pretty, attractive, chiselled) predicted dysmorphic concern in men and women. Perfectionism predicted most of the variance. Conclusions Perfectionism and selective attention predicted dysmorphic concern, which may serve to inform the development of future dot‐probe paradigms and early intervention programs targeting at‐risk populations endorsing clinically significant dysmorphic concerns.

Social media pressure and the body dysmorphic disorder tendency in women: The mediating role of perfectionism

“…Therefore, these two dimensions of adaptive perfectionism can encourage someone to become obsessed with achieving a perfect appearance. S. Johnson et al (2020) showed that perfectionism and selective attention can predict dysmorphia concerns in both adult men and women. Perfectionism and body image issues have also been found to be positively related to the appearance of BDD symptoms (Arji et al, 2016).…”

“…Although previous studies have found an association between social media pressure and body dissatisfaction and eating disorders (Perloff, 2014;Sukamto et al, 2019), no study has been made which links it to BDD. Furthermore, there is a lack of research that examines the relationship between perfectionism and BDD tendencies in Indonesia, even though research has been conducted in several other countries, such as Iran, the US, and Australia (Arji et al, 2016;Foroughi et al, 2019;S. Johnson et al, 2020;Phillips, 2009) shows that perfectionism can play an important role in a person's tendency to experience BDD.…”