Body Image and Body Dysmorphia

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.

TikTok’s popular fitness hashtags are flooded with idealized bodies, objectifying imagery, and questionable health advice, according to a recent study.

Hours spent on video calls have fueled a new form of self-criticism, known as Zoom dysmorphia. A study finds that students with higher self-efficacy are less likely to experience it.

Muscle dysmorphia risk in men is tied to vulnerable narcissism and perfectionism, according to new research. Perfectionism appears to be the key factor linking insecurity to this body image issue.

In adolescent girls with anorexia, increased somatomotor cortex activation to fearful faces after weight recovery suggests heightened anxiety-driven motor preparation.