Abstract
Based on meta-analytic evidence (Else-Quest et al., 2012), theory (Tangney, 1996), and gaps in the literature (Tracy & Tangney, 2012), the purpose of this study was to examine differences in body-related self-conscious emotions across intrapersonal characteristics of gender, age, body mass index (BMI) and physical activity (PA). Participants (N = 571; 28% male) completed questionnaires assessing authentic and hubristic pride, guilt, shame, embarrassment and envy. Participants ranged from 17 to 87 years (Mage = 28.9 ± 15.4) with self-reported BMI (M = 24.1 ± 4.87) and PA (M = 36.1 ± 25.2). MANOVA and follow-up univariate analyses reveal significant (p < .01) main effects for gender, age, BMI, and PA. Males reported higher pride with lower shame, guilt and embarrassment. Pride was highest for young adults, while guilt and shame were highest for middle age adults. Envy was highest for young adults, followed by middle and older adults, respectively. Pride was most endorsed by normal weight adults, while shame, guilt and embarrassment by overweight and obese adults. Pride was highest in active adults, while shame was highest in inactive adults. These intrapersonal characteristics were significant predictors in multiple linear regression models for hubristic pride (R2adj = .07), authentic pride (R2adj = .14) guilt (R2adj = .24), shame (R2adj = .33), embarrassment (R2adj = .11), and envy (R2adj = .08). Combined, findings reveal unique profiles of individuals who are likely to experience body-related self-conscious emotions. Recognizing individual differences in body-related emotion is an important step in improving emotional health and well-being.
