Body Dysmorphic Symptoms, Functional Impairment, and Depression: The Role of Appearance-Based Teasing

ABSTRACT

Body dysmorphic disorder is associated with elevated social and occupational impairment and comorbid depression, but research on risk factors for body dysmorphic symptoms and associated outcomes is limited. Appearance-based teasing may be a potential risk factor. To examine the specificity of this factor, the authors assessed self-reported appearance-based teasing, body dysmorphic, and obsessive-compulsive symptom severity, functional impairment (i.e., social, occupational, family impairment), and depression in a nonclinical sample of undergraduates. As hypothesized, appearance-based teasing was positively correlated with body dysmorphic symptoms. The correlation between teasing and body dysmorphic symptoms was stronger than that between teasing and obsessive-compulsive symptom severity. Last, body dysmorphic symptom severity and appearance-based teasing interacted in predicting functional impairment and depression. Specifically, appearance-based teasing was positively associated with depression and functional impairment only in those with elevated body dysmorphic symptoms. When a similar moderation was tested with obsessive-compulsive, in place of body dysmorphic, symptom severity, the interaction was nonsignificant. Findings support theory that appearance-based teasing is a specific risk factor for body dysmorphic symptoms and associated functional impairment.

Keywords:

• body dysmorphic disorder
• bullying
• depression
• obsessive-compulsive disorder
• teasing

Author Notes

Hilary Weingarden is a doctoral candidate at George Mason University. Her current research interests include the role of emotions and cognitions in anxiety disorders and obsessive compulsive related disorders. Keith D. Renshaw is an associate professor in the Department of Psychology at George Mason University. His current research interests include anxiety, stress and trauma, and romantic relationships.