Intrasexual Competition Among Women and Unhealthy Weight Control Practices

Introduction

Young women, particularly in North America, have a disturbing preoccupation with body image and dieting (Salmon, et al., 2008). The belief that one’s “external appearance represents the inner self” (Guendouzi, 2004, p. 1636) is a persistent cultural belief associated with body dissatisfaction and is consequently contributing to unhealthy weight control practices and disordered eating patterns. A number of preventive interventions have been developed to address these risk factors, most notably dissonance-based interventions (Stice, et al., 2008). However, Ferguson, et al. (2011) argue that greater influences on body image and body dissatisfaction may result from other proximal influences such as female competitors for a desired partner. The purpose of this study was to examine whether the process of intrasexual competition for mates leads to negative comparison and unwarranted thoughts, forcing women’s attention to their perceived physical shortcomings and resulting in body dissatisfaction and unhealthy weight control practices.

Method

This study utilized a non-experimental, cross-sectional design. Data were collected using online questionnaire responses from 218, primarily white, female undergraduate students (ages 18 to 25). Assessments included the Female Competition for Mates Scale, Physical Appearance Comparison Scale, Negative Appearance Evaluation Scale, Body Shape Questionnaire, and Unhealthy Weight Control Behaviors.

Results

A structural equation model was used to test the relationship between variables. The hypothesized model was that female competition for mates is indirectly related in unhealthy weight control behaviors. The mediating pathways included physical appearance comparison and negative appearance evaluation, each mediated by body dissatisfaction. The model was tested using MPlus 8.0 and included BMI and dichotomous race (white/nonwhite) as control variables. Using the maximum likelihood estimator, the model was a good fit to the data (c² = 18.45, p = .02; CFI = .98, TLI = .96, RMSEA = .08). Standardized estimates were all positive and significant.

Conclusions

Historically, women have learned that value is placed on their appearance and to be discontent with their bodies. While it is known that the thin body ideal contributes to physical comparisons with others, this study suggests that physical comparisons may also be influenced by intrasexual competition. The implications for preventive intervention activities is two-fold. First, programs focused on body distortions could be enhanced by recognizing the influence of intrasexual competition on body image. Second, similar to deviancy training, intrasexual competition among female participants may contribute to an iatrogenic effect.