Is Body Surveillance Trivial? A Model of Body Dissatisfaction in Women based on the Sociocultural Model, Self-Determination Theory and Objectification Theory

The presented study is based on three theoretical approaches: the sociocultural model of eating disorders, self- determination theory and objectification theory. The study has two aims. Firstly, to test a model of body dissatisfaction in women based on these theories and secondly, to experimentally examine the effect of low-intensity fat talk on body dissatisfaction and its related variables. The results showed that body surveillance and self-determination were directly associated with body dissatisfaction. There was an indirect effect of thin-ideal internalization on body dissatisfaction as well as an indirect effect of self-determination on body dissatisfaction, both through body surveillance. The experimental effect of this subtle form of fat talk was not confirmed. However, the content analysis of the participants’ short texts revealed that even this form of fat talk was associated with marked body dissatisfaction and negative emotions for some participants. In summary, body surveillance was a central variable in the model of body dissatisfaction in young women. This habit of constant monitoring of body appearance is not trivial and should be addressed in interventions.