Narrative induction of self-disgust alters body image satisfaction

Introduction: Although self-disgust, the profound revulsion at one's own character or actions, is implicated in eating disorders, available studies are based largely on self-report questionnaires. Accordingly, this study examines whether experimentally induced self-disgust alters body image perception and satisfaction. Participants high in eating disorder symptoms (N = 89) provided ratings of current levels of disgust, sadness, fear, and happiness. They then completed a body image rating task that assessed body perception and satisfaction. Methods: Participants were then randomized to a self-disgust or positive affect narrative mood induction condition, after which they again provided affect ratings and completed the body image rating task. Results: As predicted, the self-disgust induction increased disgust but also sadness and fear, whereas the positive affect induction increased happiness. Although changes within each group in body perception were not statistically significant, the significant interaction suggests that the two conditions show a differential pattern of change in opposite directions that is consistent with predictions. Those in the self-disgust induction also reported significantly lower body satisfaction after the induction compared to those in the positive affect condition. Furthermore, the increase in only disgust after the narrative induction mediated the group differences in body dissatisfaction. Discussion: These findings suggest that experiencing self-disgust may alter body image satisfaction, and the implications for etiological models of eating disorders are discussed.