Relationship between self-discrepancy and worries about penis size in men with body dysmorphic disorder

•Determining objective, perceived actual, ideal, and should penis size on a nomogram.•Discrepancy between perceived and ideal size was correlated with symptoms of BDD.•Men with BDD have greater discrepancies compared to controls.•Self-discrepancy in penis size may be a helpful target in therapy. We...

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Bibliographic Details
Published in:Body image 2016-06, Vol.17, p.48-56
Main Authors: Veale, David, Miles, Sarah, Read, Julie, Bramley, Sally, Troglia, Andrea, Carmona, Lina, Fiorito, Chiara, Wells, Hannah, Wylie, Kevan, Muir, Gordon
Format: Article
Language:English
Subjects:
Adult
Body dysmorphic disorder
Body Dysmorphic Disorders - psychology
Body Image - psychology
Humans
Male
Middle Aged
Penis - anatomy & histology
Penis size
Self Concept
Self-discrepancy
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Summary:•Determining objective, perceived actual, ideal, and should penis size on a nomogram.•Discrepancy between perceived and ideal size was correlated with symptoms of BDD.•Men with BDD have greater discrepancies compared to controls.•Self-discrepancy in penis size may be a helpful target in therapy. We explored self-discrepancy in men with body dysmorphic disorder (BDD) concerned about penis size, men without BDD but anxious about penis size, and controls. Men with BDD (n=26) were compared to those with small penis anxiety (SPA; n=31) and controls (n=33), objectively (by measuring) and investigating self-discrepancy: actual size, ideal size, and size they felt they should be according to self and other. Most men under-estimated their penis size, with the BDD group showing the greatest discrepancy between perceived and ideal size. The SPA group showed a larger discrepancy than controls. This was replicated for the perceptions of others, suggesting the BDD group internalised the belief that they should have a larger penis size. There was a significant correlation between symptoms of BDD and this discrepancy. This self-actual and self-ideal/self-should discrepancy and the role of comparing could be targeted in therapy.
ISSN:1740-1445
1873-6807
DOI:10.1016/j.bodyim.2016.02.004