Person x situation interactions in body dissatisfaction

Objective: The aim of the study was to investigate the interaction between personal and situational variables in the determination of body satisfactio n. Method: Participants were asked to imagine themselves in each of four hy pothetical scenarios while completing measures of body image. Results: A ma in effect for situation was found on both global body dissatisfaction and b ody esteem, whereby participants rated themselves as more dissatisfied in t he body-focused situations (Beach, Dressing room) than in the non-body-focu sed situations (Refectory, Home). In addition, there was a main effect of s elf-esteem. Of more interest, there were also significant Situation x Body Mass Index (BMI), Situation x Dietary Restraint, and Situation x BMI x Soci al Comparison interactions. Discussion: This study has demonstrated situati onal effects, person effects, and Person x Situation interactions within th e one framework. As such, it contributes to an increasingly complex and dyn amic view of body image. (C) 2000 by John Wiley & Sons, Inc.