Physical self-perception, body dysmorphic disorder, and smoking behavior

Objective: To examine the relationship of physical self-perceptions, body dysmorphic disorder (BDD), and smoking status among college-age women. Methods: A cross-sectional study design was selected to study women (n = 364) who completed a 79-item questionnaire that measured physical self-perceptions and BDD. Results: BDD items, including fear of weight gain, social avoidance and comparison, along with perceptions of physical health and medical use, predicted smoking behavior. Conclusions: Negative perceptions of physical health and 3 diagnostic components associated with BDD may moderate smoking cessation attempts and maintain smoking behavior among college-age women.