Body Image and Body Dysmorphia

New research reveals an indirect path from a mother's selfies to her teen's thoughts on cosmetic surgery. The study shows the influence is channeled through the adolescent’s imitation of these behaviors and their resulting body image concerns.

Researchers set out to investigate how physical traits like breast size might be connected to psychological factors such as body image and self-esteem. The study focused on adult women and considered both biological measurements and social characteristics.

Researchers have found that TikTok activity is linked to both body appreciation and dissatisfaction among young women. The findings suggest that different types of engagement on the app may shape how users view themselves and cosmetic surgery.

A bold theory has suggested that conservative Protestant men feel more insecure about their bodies, especially when it comes to penis size. A new study puts that idea to the test using national survey data from over 1,800 American men.

A trio of studies suggests self-objectification carries social consequences. Women focused on how they look, rather than who they are, tended to experience self-dehumanization, which predicted lower empathy and weaker understanding of others’ mental states.

Women who endured childhood trauma may be more prone to eating disorders if they struggle with mentalizing, new research indicates. The findings point to a potential mediating role for difficulties in understanding mental states in this relationship.

Researchers have found that appearance-related habits—like repeatedly checking mirrors or asking for reassurance—maintain anxiety in men. A month-long digital intervention helped participants reduce these behaviors, leading to improvements in body image, social anxiety, and depression.

Frequent use of platforms like TikTok and YouTube Shorts is linked to disordered eating symptoms among teens, according to new research. The study found that body comparisons and dissatisfaction may help explain this troubling association—especially among girls.

A recent study highlights how adult webcam platforms can foster body positivity for men. By allowing connections with performers and exposure to diverse body types, the research suggests that these digital spaces can play a role in building confidence and...

New findings reveal that men who fixate on gaining muscle and struggle with inflexible thoughts about their body and exercise are more prone to disordered workout patterns, suggesting a need for interventions that build mental adaptability and resilience.

Girls as young as eight show a unique sensitivity to numbers representing their body weight, a new study finds. The results highlight early gender differences in attention and raise questions about how body awareness develops and affects girls’ perceptions later...

Researchers have identified increased availability of opioid receptors in the brains of women with anorexia nervosa. The findings suggest that the brain's reward system may function differently in those with the disorder, contributing to restrictive eating patterns.

Women who use dating apps are more likely to support cosmetic surgery—and this connection is even stronger among those who present themselves deceptively online, according to new research.

New research highlights how women’s emotional experiences during masturbation are linked to sexual satisfaction and body image.

New research highlights the psychological tradeoffs of dating app use among young adults. People with social appearance anxiety and rejection sensitivity report greater perceived benefits—but also show higher levels of problematic use.