University of Sussex
Browse
1-s2.0-S1740144515300103-main.pdf (739.01 kB)

'I just feel so guilty': the role of introjected regulation in linking appearance goals for exercise with women’s body image

Download (739.01 kB)
Version 2 2023-06-12, 08:36
Version 1 2023-06-09, 04:31
journal contribution
posted on 2023-06-12, 08:36 authored by Megan HurstMegan Hurst, Helga Dittmar, Robin BanerjeeRobin Banerjee, Rod Bond
Appearance goals for exercise are consistently associated with negative body image, but research has yet to consider the processes that link these two variables. Self-determination theory offers one such process: introjected (guilt-based) regulation of exercise behavior. Study 1 investigated these relationships within a cross-sectional sample of female UK students (n = 215, 17-30 years). Appearance goals were indirectly, negatively associated with body image due to links with introjected regulation. Study 2 experimentally tested this pathway, manipulating guilt relating to exercise and appearance goals independently and assessing post-test guilt and body anxiety (n = 165, 18-27 years). The guilt manipulation significantly increased post-test feelings of guilt, and these increases were associated with increased post-test body anxiety, but only for participants in the guilt condition. The implications of these findings for self-determination theory and the importance of guilt for the body image literature are discussed.

History

Publication status

  • Published

File Version

  • Published version

Journal

Body Image

ISSN

1740-1445

Publisher

Elsevier

Volume

20

Page range

120-129

Department affiliated with

  • Psychology Publications

Full text available

  • Yes

Peer reviewed?

  • Yes

Legacy Posted Date

2017-01-03

First Open Access (FOA) Date

2017-03-08

First Compliant Deposit (FCD) Date

2017-01-03

Usage metrics

    University of Sussex (Publications)

    Categories

    No categories selected

    Licence

    Exports

    RefWorks
    BibTeX
    Ref. manager
    Endnote
    DataCite
    NLM
    DC