In vivo social comparison to a thin-ideal peer promotes body dissatisfaction: A randomized experiment

OBJECTIVE: Although social comparison with media-portrayed thin-ideal images has been found to increase body dissatisfaction and negative affect, research has not yet tested whether social comparison with attractive peers in the real world produces similar effects. METHOD: We randomly assigned 119 young women to interact either with a confederate who conformed to the thin ideal or one who conformed to the average body dimensions of women, within the context of an ostensive dating study. RESULTS: Exposure to the thin-ideal confederate resulted in an increase in body dissatisfaction but not negative affect or heart rate. Initial thin-ideal internalization, perceived sociocultural pressure, self-esteem, and observer-rated attractiveness did not moderate these effects. DISCUSSION: Results suggest that social comparative pressure to be thin fosters body dissatisfaction but may not promote negative affect.