Examining Psychobiological Responses to an Anticipatory Body Image Threat in Women

The present study extended the applicability of social self‐preservation theory (SSPT) to an anticipatory body image threat. Women ( n = 80) were randomized into either a control or threat group (anticipating having a body composition assessment). Participants completed measures of body shame and social physique anxiety (self‐conscious outcomes), and body dissatisfaction (a non‐self‐conscious outcome), and provided a sample of saliva (to assess …