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Abstract
A variety of sociocultural factors have been recognized as important influences on appearance-related issues but little research has examined the intersection between romantic relationships and body image among adults. This study examined whether self-evaluative and motivational investment in appearance, overweight preoccupation, and body satisfaction differ between men and women who were involved (or not) in a romantic relationship. Moreover, we investigated the associations between relationship experiences (relationship type, relationship length, commitment, passion, and intimacy) and body image. To that, 423 men (Mage = 45.32 ± 13.86 years) and 505 women (Mage = 43.52 ± 13.07 years) completed an online survey through the SurveyMonkey Audience database in the United States, including several measures of body image and relationship functioning. Our results demonstrated that the importance given to appearance was lower among uninvolved (“single”) participants; overweight preoccupation did not differ between men and women who were involved or not in a romantic relationship; and that single men and women were more dissatisfied with their overall appearance than adults who were romantically involved but not currently cohabitating. For men and women, romantic involvement plays a pivotal role in promoting and maintaining a less negative body image. The type of relationship and its functioning are also important aspects related to body image. This study provides some context for understanding the importance of romantic situation on one’s body image.
PUBLIC INTEREST STATEMENT
Family, peers, and media influence how people see themselves, and their beliefs, feelings, and behaviors related to their physical appearance. Nevertheless, little is known about the impact of one’s romantic situation on appearance-related issues. Here, we examined the relationship between romantic relationships and several aspects of body image. Our results demonstrated that single people place less importance to their appearance than romantically committed individuals but are less satisfied with their appearance. We also found that the type of relationship (i.e. dating, cohabitation, or marriage) and several aspects of the relationship (e.g. levels of passion, commitment, intimacy, relationship satisfaction, and relationship duration) are tied to a more favorable body image. In sum, romantic relationship status is an important influence on one’s body image and, therefore, should be taken into account in the design and implementation of education and intervention efforts that address the development of a more positive body image and decreased weight concerns.
Competing interest
No conflicts of interests were declared.
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Notes on contributors
Maria Fernanda Laus
The present study is the result of a collaboration between two research groups. L.A.K. is the co-director of the “Body Weight & Shape Research Lab” (BWSRL) in the Department of Kinesiology at the University of Wisconsin-Milwaukee. The BWSRL explores questions regarding the interpretation of body weight and shape within various sociocultural contexts and populations. S.S.A. is the leader of the research group “Nutrition and Behavior” at the Department of Psychology, University of São Paulo in Ribeirão Preto, Brazil. The group has been investigating appearance-related issues for more than 10 years in the country. M.F.L. is a postdoctoral researcher from the group “Nutrition and Behavior”, who joined the BWSRL’s group to perform the study she conceived with the support from L.A.K. and S.S.A.