The interplay of gender role orientation and Type-D personality as predictors of body dissatisfaction in undergraduate women

Abstract

The importance of body image and its effects on psychological functioning and health behaviours has received much interest in recent decades; however its precursors are still unclear. The purpose of the present research was to focus attention on the associations between gender role orientation (agency-communion), Type-D personality and body image. Undergraduate women aged between 18 and 47 from Plymouth University School of Psychology (N = 120, n = 64 for non Type-D group, n = 56 for Type-D group) completed measures of gender role orientation (PAQ), Type-D personality classification (DS-14) and attitudes towards body image (MBRSQ). Results indicate that Type-D personality significantly lowered body image satisfaction. Regression analysis revealed agency as a predictor of body image, even as a function of Type-D classification. The clinical implications of agency as a potential protective factor against body dissatisfaction and scope for future research are discussed.