Morning Momentary Appearance Dissatisfaction Predicts Daily Increases in Momentary Appearance‐Focused Self‐Concept Among Female University Students: An Experience Sampling Study

Objective Theory and research indicate that appearance‐focused self‐concept—the tendency to base one's self‐worth and self‐definition heavily on physical appearance—plays a key role in the development and maintenance of disordered eating in daily life. Herein, we examined whether momentary appearance dissatisfaction at the start of the day predicts steeper within‐day increases in momentary appearance‐focused self‐concept. Method Female undergraduate students ( N = 61; M age = 18.95, SD = 2.22) completed six momentary assessments per day for 14 days, measuring appearance‐focused self‐concept and appearance dissatisfaction‐satisfaction. End‐of‐day surveys assessed daily dietary restraint. Latent growth curve models were used to examine within‐day changes and test appearance dissatisfaction‐satisfaction as a moderator. Results Appearance‐focused self‐concept increased linearly from 9 a.m. to 3 PM ( b = 0.05, z = 3.64, p < 0.001). Greater within‐day increases in appearance‐focused self‐concept were associated with higher daily dietary restraint ( b = 2.29, z = 3.22, p = 0.001). Appearance dissatisfaction‐satisfaction at 9 a.m. moderated the trajectory ( b = −0.03, z = −2.27, p = 0.02): appearance‐focused self‐concept increased on days when participants felt more appearance‐dissatisfied at 9 a.m. ( b = 0.08, z = 3.52, p < 0.001) but remained stable on days when they felt more appearance‐satisfied at 9 a.m. ( b = 0.02, z = 1.20, p = 0.23). Discussion Findings suggest that morning‐appearance dissatisfaction may set in motion increases in appearance‐focused self‐concept during the day. Findings highlight the importance of targeting appearance dissatisfaction in the morning to prevent the daily buildup of appearance concerns linked to disordered eating.