Body-related envy: a social comparison perspective in sport and exercise

J Sport Exerc Psychol. 2014 Feb;36(1):93-106. doi: 10.1123/jsep.2013-0100.

Abstract

These three studies sought to better understand experiences of body-related envy and to examine the association with motivation and exercise behavior in young adult males and females. In an interview study, participants (N = 11) discussed body-related envy within a framework of social comparison. In Study 2, a thematic content analysis was conducted on self-reported narratives of body-related envy experiences reported by 288 participants. Themes of body-related envy triggers, cognitions, and cognitive and behavioral outcomes were identified. Findings from Studies 1 and 2 highlighted the possible link between body-related envy and exercise motivation and behavior. Study 3 tested these associations with males and females (N = 595) who completed a self-report questionnaire. In the structural equation model, body-related envy was positively associated with external, introjected, and identified regulations, and identified regulation was positively associated with exercise behavior. Taken together, the importance of body-related envy in the experience of cognitive, affective, and behavioral outcomes related to sport and exercise contexts is highlighted.

Publication types

  • Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't

MeSH terms

  • Adolescent
  • Adult
  • Body Image / psychology*
  • Cognition / physiology
  • Emotions / physiology*
  • Exercise / psychology*
  • Female
  • Health Behavior*
  • Humans
  • Male
  • Motivation / physiology
  • Self Concept
  • Social Behavior*
  • Sports / psychology*
  • Students / psychology
  • Surveys and Questionnaires
  • Young Adult