Alexithymia, body image and disordered eating in fashion models and student athletes

Abstract

Purpose: Fashion models and athletes are considered at risk for eating disorders, but research has produced mixed findings and little insight into psychological risk factors. Body-focused performance is common to both occupations, but emotional risk factors like alexithymia and body-image particularities have not been compared between them. This study aimed to: (1) examine the levels of alexithymia and affective states among female fashion models and athletes as body-performing occupations, and a control group, and (2) compare multidimensional body image and disordered eating among these groups.

Methods: Data from 351 females aged 16-30 were compared among three samples: fashion models (n = 88), student athletes (n = 84) and control students (n = 179), who completed measures for alexithymia, affective states, multidimensional body image, and disordered eating.

Results: Fashion models had significantly lower alexithymia compared with the other groups, and lower negative affect than controls. Positive affect was significantly lower among controls than the other groups. Body image comparisons revealed significantly higher fitness evaluation and orientation in fashion models and athletes compared to controls. Fashion models had significantly higher appearance orientation than the other groups. Student athletes had significantly higher appearance evaluation than controls and higher fitness evaluation than fashion models. Disordered eating did not differ among groups.

Conclusion: Lower alexithymia among fashion models is discussed in the context of emotional labor and artistic public performance. The findings suggest that body-focused performance may have emotional benefits and may drive higher body-image investment and satisfaction.

Level of evidence: Level III, case-control analytic study.

Keywords: Alexithymia; Athletes; Body image; Eating disorders; Fashion models; Sports.