Predicting Exercise and Eating Behaviors From Appearance Evaluation and Two Types of Investment

This study examined whether appearance evaluation (self-ideal discrepancy) and appearance investment (self-evaluative and motivational salience of appearance) contributed uniquely to the prediction of dietary restraint, exercise dependence, and physical activity behavior in college women. Participants (N = 231) completed measures of appearance evaluation and investment, dietary restraint, exercise dependence symptoms, and leisure-time physical activity. Regression analyses showed both self-evaluative and motivational salience were positively related to dietary restraint. In addition, self-evaluative salience was significantly positively related to symptoms of exercise dependence. Finally, greater self-ideal discrepancy was related to lower levels of leisure-time physical activity. The results indicate that both appearance evaluation and type of investment are important to consider when investigating health behaviors.