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Exploring Drive for Thinness as a Perfectionistic Strategy to Escape from Shame Experiences

Published online by Cambridge University Press:  20 May 2015

Cláudia Ferreira ,
Inês A. Trindade  and
Luísa Ornelas
Cláudia Ferreira*
Affiliation:
Universidade de Coimbra (Portugal)
Inês A. Trindade
Affiliation:
Universidade de Coimbra (Portugal)
Luísa Ornelas
Affiliation:
Universidade de Coimbra (Portugal)
*
*Correspondence concerning this article should be addressed to Cláudia Ferreira. CINEICC. Faculdade de Psicologia e Ciências da Educação. Universidade de Coimbra. Rua do Colégio Novo. Apartado 6153. 3001–802. Coimbra (Portugal). Phone: +351–239851450. Fax: +351–239851462. E-mail: claudiaferreira@fpce.uc.pt
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Abstract

Perfectionistic self-presentation defines the attempt at presenting the self as perfect through the public concealment of personal defects and/or through the display of attributes perceived as capable to gather positive attention of others. Although perfectionism has long been considered a central aspect of eating psychopathology mediational studies between this construct and these conditions are scarce. This study aimed at examining the mediational role of body image-related perfectionistic self-presentation in the effects of external shame and internal shame on drive for thinness, in a sample of young women. Results revealed body image-related perfectionistic self-presentation as a significant mediator (p < .05) of the relationships between external and internal shame, and drive for thinness. Furthermore, 86% and 69% of the effects of external shame and internal shame, respectively, were explained by their indirect effects through body image-related perfectionistic self-presentation on drive for thinness (95% CI). These results highlight that the control over eating may emerge as a maladaptive strategy to deal with shame when mediated by an endorsement in the belief that presenting a perfect body image is crucial to be accepted and valued by others. Study findings suggest that this perfectionistic strategy should be targeted while treating eating psychopathology.

Keywords

Shameperfectionistic self-presentationbody dissatisfactiondrive for thinnessmediational study
Type
Research Article
Information
The Spanish Journal of Psychology , Volume 18 , 2015 , E29
Copyright
Copyright © Universidad Complutense de Madrid and Colegio Oficial de Psicólogos de Madrid 2015 

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