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Attentional and interpretative biases in appearance concern: An investigation of biases in appearance-related information processing

Rosser, Benjamin A.; Moss, Timothy; Rumsey, Nichola

Attentional and interpretative biases in appearance concern: An investigation of biases in appearance-related information processing Thumbnail


Authors

Benjamin A. Rosser

Tim Moss Tim.Moss@uwe.ac.uk
Director of PGR Studies and Associate Professor



Abstract

The present study examined associations between high levels of appearance concern and information processing biases in interpretation and attention. An opportunity sample (N = 79) categorised ambiguous stimuli as related or unrelated to appearance. Participants then responded to the same stimuli in a modified visual dot-probe task assessing attentional bias. Participant responses were assessed in relation to level of appearance concern. The results indicated a valence specific bias towards interpretation of ambiguous stimuli as negative and appearance-related in individuals with higher levels of concern. There was also evidence of attentional bias towards information perceived as appearance-related in participants with higher levels of appearance concern. The study findings suggest that association between appearance-orientated information processing biases and level of appearance concern; this association may lead to mutually reinforcing bias and concern. © 2010 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.

Journal Article Type Article
Publication Date Jun 1, 2010
Publicly Available Date Jun 8, 2019
Journal Body Image
Print ISSN 1740-1445
Publisher Elsevier
Peer Reviewed Peer Reviewed
Volume 7
Issue 3
Pages 251-254
DOI https://doi.org/10.1016/j.bodyim.2010.02.007
Keywords attention, appearance adjustment, concern, cognitive bias, information processing, visible difference, body image
Public URL https://uwe-repository.worktribe.com/output/978822
Publisher URL http://dx.doi.org/10.1016/j.bodyim.2010.02.007