Discrepancy between ideal and real body image:: Does it affect body-dysmorphic disorder symptoms?

Body dysmorphic symptoms are characterized by a distressing and impairing preoccupation with an imagined or slight defect in appearance. It is assumed that a discrepancy between ideal and real body image is associated with body clysmorphic disorder symptoms. On the basis of a nationwide survey participants were analysed in terms of their body clysmorphic symptoms and specific aspects of their body image. The ideal and real body image differed significantly in both sexes and in age groups. On closer examination it was apparent that there were different factors for men and women which predicted the occurrence of body clysmorphic symptoms. The results are discussed against the background of existing body ideals and in terms of their gender specific relevance.