Life History Strategy as a Predictor of Body Image in a Large Arab Sample

Authors

• Marina Al-Matary, University of Plymouth
• Ray Garza, Texas A&M International University
• Farid Pazhoohi, School of Psychology

ORCID

• Farid Pazhoohi: 0000-0002-9184-5361

Document Type

Article

Abstract

Life-history theory provides an evolutionary framework for understanding how individuals allocate resources between mating, self-maintenance, and long-term investment, yet it has rarely been applied to body image outside Western contexts. This study examined body image among Arab young adults through a life-history lens, testing how fast–slow life-history strategies relate to appearance evaluation and appearance orientation, and how these associations are shaped by social media use, religiosity, gender, and age. Participants (N = 8,895) completed standardized measures of life-history strategy (Mini-K), body image, religiosity, and daily social media use. Results revealed that slower life-history strategies were associated with greater body satisfaction and higher appearance orientation, whereas faster strategies were linked to poorer appearance evaluations, consistent with greater mating-effort trade-offs. Social media use exerted a complementary effect, predicting lower appearance satisfaction and heightened appearance preoccupation. Gender moderated life-history effects on appearance evaluation, with slow-strategy women showing especially high body satisfaction. Religiosity and age were positively associated with both satisfaction and appearance orientation. Together, these findings extend life-history theory to a non-Western context, showing that body image reflects evolved strategic trade-offs shaped by digital and cultural ecologies.

DOI Link

10.1007/s40806-026-00485-3

Publication Date

2026-06-17

Publication Title

Evolutionary Psychological Science

Volume

12

Issue

3

Acceptance Date

2026-06-10

Deposit Date

2026-10-06

Embargo Period

2027-06-17

Funding

Not applicable.

Additional Links

https://www.scopus.com/pages/publications/105041981812

Keywords

Appearance evaluation, Appearance orientation, Arab population, Body image, Life-history strategy, Social media

First Page

343

Last Page

351

Recommended Citation

Al-Matary, M., Garza, R., & Pazhoohi, F. (2026) 'Life History Strategy as a Predictor of Body Image in a Large Arab Sample', Evolutionary Psychological Science, 12(3), pp. 343-351. Available at: 10.1007/s40806-026-00485-3