The effect of induced rumination on state body image distress

The current study investigated the potential for a causal relationship between cognitive rumination and state body image distress using an experimental design. The study examined whether participants induced to ruminate about an imagined body image event would report higher levels of body image dissatisfaction when compared to those induced to distract themselves. Ninety-nine undergraduate females completed two measures to assess depressive symptomology and trait body image distress. All participants then silently read a body image scenario intended to evoke negative, uncomfortable emotions. After reading the scenario, participants were randomized into one of two conditions: rumination or distraction. The researcher then administered self-report measures to assess state body image distress and eating disorder pathology. Statistical analyses revealed that the rumination group reported more state body image distress after the manipulation. The findings support the hypothesis that a ruminative response style, specifically within a body image domain, predicts more body image distress.