BODY SHAME: CULTURAL DIFFERENCES, AVOIDANT BEHAVIOURS, AND INSIGHT

Abstract

Background: Body shame is a deeply painful emotion commonly experienced by those who worry about their appearance, and in particular among people with body dysmorphic concerns. Despite its pervasiveness, body shame is under-researched. Little is known about cross-cultural experiences of body shame, and how body shame relates to coping behaviours and insight into body dysmorphic concerns. Aims: To investigate different types of body shame and its relationship with body dysmorphic concerns, cross-cultural differences and its link with avoidant coping behaviours, and insight. Method: Using a cross-sectional design, participants (n= 393) completed web-based self-report measures on body shame, body dysmorphic concerns, avoidant coping behaviours, insight, and depression. Hierarchical multiple regression analyses tested hypothesized relationships between the variables. Results: The results revealed no significant cross-cultural differences in body shame experiences. External body shame (shame from the others) significantly predicted social withdrawal while internal body shame (shame from self) significantly predicted distraction as a coping behaviour, though the regression model was not significant for the latter. Lastly, participants' conviction of appearance-related beliefs predicted total body shame experienced. Conclusion: The findings highlight potential implications for the theoretical understanding and treatment of body dysmorphic disorder.