Date of Award

Spring 2024

Document Type

Thesis

Degree Name

Master of Science (MS)

Department

Psychology

Committee Chairperson

Lauren Brumley, PhD

Committee Member

Jodi McKibben, PhD

Committee Member

Michael Gawrysiak, PhD

Abstract

Purpose: Body dysmorphia (BDD) has been shown to possibly result from multiple environmental factors. However, the exact mechanism by which these environmental factors play a role has yet to be examined. The purpose of the current study is to examine the relationship between adverse childhood experiences (ACEs) and body dysmorphia symptoms through maladaptive thought control as a mediator.

Method: The current study collected data from 127 undergraduate students aged 18-25. A survey was given with questionnaires assessing demographics such as age, sex, and gender, as well as the frequency of ACEs, BDD symptoms, and obsessional beliefs. Pearson’s correlation analysis was conducted to examine the associations between questionnaire variables. An ordinary least squares regression analysis was then conducted using the PROCESS macro to establish a mediation effect between ACEs and BDD symptoms with maladaptive thought control as the mediating variable.

Results: Results from the mediation analysis found a significant indirect effect of ACEs on BDD symptoms through maladaptive thought control (b = 0.27, se = 0.13, 95% CI [.02 to .52]), (36% of the total effect), as well as a significant total effect between ACEs and BDD symptoms (b = .74, se = .31, t = 2.39, p = .019, 95% CI [.13 to 1.35]).

Implications: The results of the study suggest a full mediation effect between ACEs and BDD symptoms with maladaptive thought control as a mediator. This provides further context for the mechanism by which BDD is impacted by the environment and can be used to improve clinical outcomes.

Download

Share

COinS