Factors Associated with Appearance-based Social Comparison in Brazilian College Women

Objective. The aim of this paper was to examine the association between appearance-based social comparison and eating disorder symptoms, body satisfaction, depressive symptoms, drive for muscularity, self-esteem, and physical activity in Brazilian college women. Method. The participants were 542 college women aged 18 to 30. A questionnaire was used to collect information on appearance comparisons, eating disorders symptoms, body satisfaction, depressive symptoms, drive for muscularity, self-esteem, and physical activity. A multiple linear regression was conducted adjusted by age, marital status, body mass index, and economic level. Results. The model that best explained the appearance comparisons scores variation included eating disorders symptoms (β= .385; p< .001), body satisfaction (β= -.200; p< .001), depressive symptoms (β= .169; p< .001), and drive for muscularity (β= .091; p< .05). Conclusion. Eating disorders, depressive symptoms, drive for muscularity, and body satisfaction were associated with appearance comparisons.