Body weight contingency of self-worth

Abstract

The body weight contingency of self-worth (body weight CSW) is the tendency for people to base their self-esteem on body weight. In two studies, the body weight contingency was evaluated against a general appearance contingency of self-worth (appearance CSW) to investigate whether or not individuals may base self-esteem on body weight. Compared to the appearance CSW, the body weight CSW predicted unique variance in self-esteem, instability of self-esteem, body shape anxiety, and several aspects of psychological dysfunction. Additionally, the body weight CSW moderated relationships between body weight and relevant outcome variables, whereas the appearance CSW did not. Gender and ethnic differences in the tendency to base self-worth on body weight were also explored.