Emotionally versus intellectually based estimates of body size

Experimental instructions were manipulated in the assessment of body size overestimation in 34 asymptomatic white females. Subjects read a description of the difference between “emotional” and “intellectual” beliefs and then rated six body sites with both instructional formats. No order (instructions were counterbalanced) or instructions effect emerged for non-weight-relevant body sites. Emotional ratings elicited higher body distortion scores only for the thighs measure, but an order effect was also found for this site. The need to clearly specify experimental procedures in body image research is discussed.