Volume 19, Issue 2 (12-2024)                   bjcp 2024, 19(2): 79-89 | Back to browse issues page

XML Persian Abstract Print

Investigating The Effect of Cognitive Bias Modification on Body Image Satisfaction and Social Physique- Anxiety in Overweight Women Attending Fitness Clubs
Ali Pakizeh *1 , Yousef Dehghani2 , Negar Owji3 , Reza Abbasi4
1- Associate Professor, Department of Psychology, Faculty of Humanities, Persian Gulf University, Bushehr, Iran , pakizeh@pgu.ac.ir
2- Associate Professor, Department of Psychology, Faculty of Humanities, Persian Gulf University, Bushehr, Iran
3- M.A student, Department of Psychology, Faculty of Humanities, Persian Gulf University, Bushehr, Iran
4- Department of Psychology, Faculty of Humanities, Persian Gulf University, Boushehr, Iran
Abstract:   (1347 Views)
The aim of this study was to investigate the effectiveness of cognitive bias modification in relation to physical appearance on body image satisfaction and social somatic anxiety in obese women attending to sports clubs. Cognitive bias refers to systematic errors in thinking or decision-making that can occur as a result of defects in the way information is processed. These biases can affect our perception, judgment, and decision-making in a variety of ways, often leading to distorted or inaccurate conclusions. To achieve this goal, the statistical population consisted of all overweight women attending six fitness clubs in Shiraz during the first six months of 2023. From this population, 40 individuals were randomly selected and allocated into two groups of 20 using random assignment. One group, referred to as the experimental group, underwent cognitive bias modification related to physical appearance, while the other group, as the control group did not receive any intervention. The findings from data analysis indicate that cognitive bias modification related to physical appearance leads to an increase in body image satisfaction (F = 5.56, P < 0.01) and a reduction in social physique anxiety (F = 31.91, P < 0.001) among overweight women attending fitness clubs. According to the findings of the present study, the implementation of interventions aimed at modifying the cognitive biases of obese people towards physical appearance can not only have a preventive role against psychological disorders, but also have a facilitating role in achieving a normal weight by increasing physical activities. New research focused on identifying other cognitive biases in overweight people, correcting cognitive biases using interpretation methods, as well as comparing the effectiveness of these methods will pave the way for more effective interventions.
Article number: 6
Keywords: Cognitive Bias Modification, Body Image, Social Physical- Anxiety
Full-Text [PDF 600 kb]   (1 Downloads)    
Type of Study: Research | Subject: Special
Received: 2025/01/28 | Revised: 2025/07/7 | Accepted: 2025/09/18 | ePublished ahead of print: 2025/10/5 | Published: 2025/12/31
References
1. Allen, L., Mulgrew, K. E., Rune, K., & Allen, A. (2018). Attention bias for appearance words can be reduced in women: Results from a single-session attention bias modification task. Journal of Behavior Therapy and Experimental Psychiatry, 61, 97-103. [DOI:10.1016/j.jbtep.2018.06.012] [PMID]
2. American Psychiatric Association. (2023). Understanding Mental Disorders: Your Guide to DSM-5-TR®. American Psychiatric Pub. [DOI:10.1176/appi.books.9781615375370]
3. Arsanjani, M., Hajebi, M. Z., & Mirzahosseini, H. (2020). The effectiveness of cognitive bias Modification intervention on reducing attention bias of students with test anxiety, Iranian Bimonthly of Education Strategies In Medical Sciences, 13(4), 325-334. http://edcbmj.ir/article-1-2107-fa.html ]In Persian[
4. Atalay, A. A., & Gençöz, T. (2008). Critical factors of social physique anxiety: Exercising and body image satisfaction. Behaviour change, 25(3), 178-188. [DOI:10.1375/bech.25.3.178]
5. Bou-Sospedra, C., Adelantado-Renau, M., Beltran-Valls, M. R., & Moliner-Urdiales, D. (2021). Independent and combined influence of physical fitness components on self-esteem in adolescents: DADOS study. Annals of Human Biology, 48(7-8), 550-556. [DOI:10.1080/03014460.2022.2032337] [PMID]
6. Brown, T. A., Cash, T. F., & Lewis, R. J. (1989). Body‐Image Disturbances in Adolescent Female Binge-Purgers: A Brief Report of the Results of a National Survey in the USA. Journal of Child Psychology and Psychiatry, 30(4), 605-613. https://doi.org/10.1111/j.1469-7610.1989.tb00272.x [DOI:10.1111/j.14697610.1989.tb00272.x] [PMID]
7. Cash, T. F. (1994). Body image and weight changes in a multisite comprehensive very-low-calorie diet program. Behavior Therapy, 25(2),239-254. [DOI:10.1016/S00057894(05)80282]
8. Cash, T. F., Counts, B., & Huffine, C. E. (1990). Current and vestigial effects of overweight among women: Fear of fat, attitudinal body image, and eating behaviors. Journal of Psychopathology and Behavioral Assessment, 12,157-167. http://dx.doi.org/10.1007/BF00960765 [DOI:10.1007/BF00960765]
9. Chandler, C. G., Grieve, F. G., Derryberry, W. P., & Pegg, P. O. (2009). Are anxiety and obsessive-compulsive symptoms related to muscle dysmorphia. International Journal of Men's Health, 8(2), 143-154. http://dx.doi.org/10.3149/jmh.0802143 [DOI:10.3149/jmh.0802.143]
10. Clerkin, E. M., Beard, C., Fisher, C. R., & Schofield, C. A. (2015). An attempt to target anxiety sensitivity via cognitive bias modification. PloS one, 10(2), e0114578. [DOI:10.1371/journal.pone.0114578] [PMID] []
11. Colman, A. M., & Busch, H. (2021). A contemporary definition of cognitive bias. Current Directions in Psychological Science, 30(1), 3-8.
12. Cox, A. E., Ullrich-French, S., Madonia, J., & Witty, K. (2011). Social physique anxiety in physical education: Social contextual factors and links to motivation and behavior. Psychology of Sport and Exercise, 12(5), 555-562. [DOI:10.1016/j.psychsport.2011.05.001]
13. Fardouly, J., & Vartanian, L. R. (2016). Social media and body image concerns: Current research and future directions. Current opinion in psychology, 9, 1-5. [DOI:10.1016/j.copsyc.2015.09.005] []
14. Fathi, Z., & Gorji, Y. (2023). Efficacy of body appreciation training on body image concerns in overweight adolescents. Heliyon, 9(10). https://doi.org/10.1016/j.heliyon.2023.e20374 [DOI:10.1016/j.heliyon.2023.e2034 ]In Persian[] [PMID] []
15. Gavin, A. R., Simon, G. E., & Ludman, E. J. (2010). The association between obesity, depression, and educational attainment in women: the mediating role of body image dissatisfaction. Journal of psychosomatic research, 69(6), 573-581. [DOI:10.1016/j.jpsychores.2010.05.001] [PMID] []
16. Ghanee, F., & Ghasemi, V. (2017). Investigating the Phenomenon of Obesity Stigma among 15-44 Year old women in Yazd, Journal of Applied Sociology the University of Isfahan, 28(3),41-60. [DOI:10.22108/jas.2017.21439 ]In Persian[]
17. Golabi, F., Alizadeh, M. A., Tavakkol, A., & Hobbi, A. (2021). Socio-Cultural Pressure, Social Comparison and the Notion of Obesity, Journal of Woman & Society, 12(1), 70-81. [DOI:10.30495/jzvj.2021.4565 ]In Persian[]
18. Hagger, M. S., Stevenson, A., Chatzisarantis, N. L., Gaspar, P. M. P., Ferreira, J. P. L., & Ravé, J. M. G. (2010). Physical self‐concept and social physique anxiety: Invariance across culture, gender and age. Stress and Health,26(4),304-329. [DOI:10.1002/smi.1299]
19. Hart, T. A., Flora, D. B., Palyo, S. A., Fresco, D. M., Holle, C., & Heimberg, R. G. (2008). Development and examination of the social appearance anxiety scale. Assessment, 15(1), 48-59. [DOI:10.1177/1073191107306673] [PMID]
20. Koyuncu, M., Tok, S., Canpolat, A. M., & Catikkas, F. (2010). Body image satisfaction and dissatisfaction, social physique anxiety, self-esteem, and body fat ratio in female exercisers and nonexercisers. Social Behavior and Personality: an international journal, 38(4),561-570. [DOI:10.2224/sbp.2010.38.4.561]
21. Kyle, T. K., Dhurandhar, E. J., & Allison, D. B. (2016). Regarding obesity as a disease: evolving policies and their implications. Endocrinology and metabolism clinics of North America, 45(3), 511. [DOI:10.1016/j.ecl.2016.04.004] [PMID] []
22. Lacroix, E., Smith, A. J., Husain, I. A., Orth, U., & von Ranson, K. M. (2023). Normative body image development: A longitudinal meta-analysis of mean-level change. Body Image, 45,238-264. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.bodyim.2023.03.003 [DOI:10.1016/j.bodyim.2023.03.03] [PMID]
23. Lee, J. K., & Orsillo, S. M. (2014). Investigating cognitive flexibility as a potential mechanism of mindfulness in generalized anxiety disorder. Journal of behavior therapy and experimental psychiatry, 45(1), 208-216. [DOI:10.1016/j.jbtep.2013.10.008] [PMID]
24. Lucibello, K. M., Pila, E., Pritchard, E. M., & Sabiston, C. M. (2022). Validation of the Body-Related Envy Scale (BREV) in adolescent girl athletes. Sport, Exercise, and Performance Psychology, 11(4), 477. https://psycnet.apa.org/doi/10.1037/spy000304 [DOI:10.1037/spy0000304]
25. MacLeod, C., Mathews, A., & Tata, P. (1986). Attentional bias in emotional disorders. Journal of abnormal psychology, 95(1), 15. https://psycnet.apa.org/doi/10.1037/0021843X.95.1.15 [DOI:10.1037/0021-843X.95.1.15] [PMID]
26. Mantilla, E. F., Bergsten, K., & Birgegård, A. (2014). Self-image and eating disorder symptoms in normal and clinical adolescents. Eating behaviors, 15(1), 125-131. [DOI:10.1016/j.eatbeh.2013.11.008] [PMID]
27. Mao, N., Li, T., Li, C., Ding, R., Zhang, Q., & Cui, L. (2023). Smartphone‐Based Training of Cognitive Bias Modification: Efficacy for Reducing Social Anxiety in Chinese Adolescents. Journal of Child and Family Studies, 32(8), 2394-2405. [DOI:10.1007/s10826-023-02619-8]
28. Mohammadabadi, G., Talepasand, S., & Rahimian, I. (2021). Comparison of the effect of transcranial direct current stimulation with ‎attentional bias modification method on reducing social anxiety disorder ‎syndrome, Journal of Neuropsychology, 7(2), 131-144. [DOI:10.30473/clpsy.2021.58877.608 ]In Persian[]
29. Mond, J., Van den Berg, P., Boutelle, K., Hannan, P., & Neumark-Sztainer, D. (2011). Obesity, body dissatisfaction, and emotional well-being in early and late adolescence: findings from the project EAT study. Journal of Adolescent Health, 48(4), 373-378. [DOI:10.1016/j.jadohealth.2010.07.022] [PMID] []
30. Monpellier, V. M., Antoniou, E. E., Mulkens, S., Janssen, I. M., van der Molen, A. B. M., & Jansen, A. T. (2018). Body image dissatisfaction and depression in postbariatric patients is associated with less weight loss and a desire for body contouring surgery. Surgery for Obesity and Related Diseases, 14(10), 1507-1515. [DOI:10.1016/j.soard.2018.04.016] [PMID]
31. Motl, R. W., & Conroy, D. E. (2000). Validity and factorial invariance of the Social Physique Anxiety Scale. Medicine and science in sports and exercise, 32(5), 1007-1017. https://doi.org/10.1097/00005768-200005000-00020 [DOI:10.1097/00005768200005000-00020] [PMID]
32. Mulgrew, K. E., & Boyer, S. (2024). A comparison of functionality, rumination, and distraction tasks on women's state body image and mood after idealised media exposure. Body Image, 51,101782. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.bodyim.2024.101782 [DOI:10.1016/j.bodyim.2024.10172] [PMID]
33. NCDRF Collaboration. (2016). Trends in adult body-mass index in 200 countries from 1975 to 2014: a pooled analysis of 1698 population-based measurement studies with 19· 2 million participants LK https://maastrichtuniversity. on. worldcat. org/oclc/8100887452 (https://maastrichtuniversity. on. worldcat. org/oclc/8100887452). The Lancet. [DOI:10.1016/s01406736(16)30054-x]
34. O'Brien, K. S., Caputi, P., Minto, R., Peoples, G., Hooper, C., Kell, S., & Sawley, E. (2009). Upward and downward physical appearance comparisons: Development of scales and examination of predictive qualities. Body image, 6(3), 201-206. http://dx.doi.org/10.1016/j.bodyim.2009.03.003 [DOI:10.1016/j.bodyim.2009.03.003] [PMID]
35. Pakizeh, A., Hekmatiyan Fard, S., & Bagheri, M. (2024). Investigating The Effect of Correcting Cognitive Bias on Physical Appearance on Desire for Cosmetic Surgery and Students' Self-Esteem., Journal of Health Psychology, 13(49),43-54. [DOI:10.30473/hpj.2024.64790.551 ]In Persian[]
36. Rafati, F., Pilevarzadeh, M., Salari, S., Mohamadi, M., & Pormehr, A. (2012). Relationship Between BMI and Mental Health in Nursing Students of Jiroft, Iranian Journal of Endocrinology and Metabolism, 14(2), 135-141.http://ijem.sbmu.ac.ir/article-1-1117 fa.html [In Persian]
37. Raspovic, A. M., Prichard, I., Yager, Z., & Hart, L. M. (2020). Mothers' experiences of the relationship between body image and exercise, 0-5 years postpartum: A qualitative study. Body image, 35, 41-52. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.bodyim.2020.08.003 [DOI:10.1016/j.bodyim.2020.08.03] [PMID]
38. Sabiston, C. M., Pila, E., Pinsonnault-Bilodeau, G., & Cox, A. E. (2014). Social physique anxiety experiences in physical activity: a comprehensive synthesis of research studies focused on measurement, theory, and predictors and outcomes. International Review of Sport and Exercise Psychology, 7(1),158-183. https://doi.org/10.1080/1750984X.2014.904392 [DOI:10.1080/1750984X.2014.9042]
39. Sabiston, C. M., Sedgwick, W. A., Crocker, P. R. E., Kowalski, K. C., & Mack, D. E. (2007). Social physique anxiety in adolescence: An exploration of influences, coping strategies, and health behaviors. Journal of Adolescent Research, 22(1), 78-101. [DOI:10.1177/0743558406294628]
40. Sadeghi, K., Gharraee, B., Fata, L., & Mazhari, S. Z. (2010). Effectiveness of Cognitive-Behavioral Therapy in Treating Patients with Obesity, Iraninan Psychiatry and Clinical Psychology, 16(2), 107. http://ijpcp.iums.ac.ir/article-1-1042-fa.html [In Persian[
41. Schaefer, L. M., & Thompson, J. K. (2014). The development and validation of the physical appearance comparison scale-revised (PACS-R). Eating behaviors, 15(2), 209-217. 1 [DOI:10.1016/j.eatbeh.2014.01.00] [PMID]
42. Shafiee, H., Zare, H., Alipor, A., & Hatami, J. (2014). Fear of Negative Evaluation and Selective Attention to Social Threat Words in Adolescents, Advances in Cognitive Science, 16(3), 42. http://icssjournal.ir/article-1-256-fa.html [In Persian]
43. Shafiei, H., & Zare, H. (2019). Effectiveness of attention bias modification by computerized attention training on reducing social anxiety of adolescents, Advances in Cognitive Science, 21(2), 108-120. http://icssjournal.ir/article-1-888-fa.html [In Persian] [DOI:10.30699/icss.21.2.108]
44. Sicilia, Á., Alcaraz-Ibáñez, M., Paterna, A., Gallardo, L. O., & Martín-Albo, J. (2023). Effects of Pubertal Timing and Pubertal Tempo on Social Physique Anxiety, Self-determined Motivation, and Exercise in Early Adolescent Girls. Journal of Adolescent Health,73(1),37-43. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.jadohealth.2023.01.025 [DOI:10.1016/j.jadohealth.2023.015] [PMID]
45. Steinfeldt, J. A., Zakrajsek, R., Carter, H., & Steinfeldt, M. C. (2011). Conformity to gender norms among female student-athletes: Implications for body image. Psychology of Men & Masculinity, 12(4), 401. https://psycnet.apa.org/doi/10.1037/a002364 [DOI:10.1037/a0023634]
46. Swami, V., Robinson, C., & Furnham, A. (2021). Associations between body image, social physique anxiety, and dating anxiety in heterosexual emerging adults. Body Image, 39,305-312. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.bodyim.2021.10.004 [DOI:10.1016/j.bodyim.2021.10.04] [PMID]
47. Taghavi, M. R., Tavoosi, A. R., & Goudarzi, M. A. (2017). The Effect of Attentional Bias Modification Towards Food Cues on Attention of Obese Women, Journal of Psychological Models and Methods, 7(25), 1-10. https://dorl.net/dor/20.1001.1.22285516.1397.25.1.5 [In Persian]
48. Webster, J., & Tiggemann, M. (2003). The relationship between women's body satisfaction and self-image across the life span: The role of cognitive control. The journal of genetic psychology, 164(2), 241-252. [DOI:10.1080/00221320309597980] [PMID]
49. Williamson, D. A., Walden, H. M., White, M. A., York‐Crowe, E., Newton Jr, R. L., Alfonso, A., ... & Ryan, D. (2006). Two‐year Internet‐based randomized controlled trial for weight loss in African‐American girls. Obesity, 14(7),1231-1243. [DOI:10.1038/oby.2006.140] [PMID]
50. World Health Organization. (2021). Obesity and overweight.
51. Yousefi, B. Hassani, Z. & Shokri, O (2009) «Reliability and factor validity of the 7-item of social physique anxiety scale (SPAS-7) among university students in Iran». World Journal of Sport Sciences. 2(3). pp: 201-204
Send email to the article author

Rights and permissions
Creative Commons License This work is licensed under a Creative Commons Attribution-NonCommercial 4.0 International License.