Abstract
Appearance anxiety and related mental health difficulties such as Body Dysmorphic
Disorder (BDD) are commonplace and debilitating. At least half of individuals with
BDD do not note a significant improvement in their symptoms following evidence-based
treatment (Cognitive Behavioural Therapy; CBT). Research has begun to
highlight the role significant others can play in the development, maintenance, or
even reduction of mental health difficulties, yet targeting these processes is not
central to CBT. Targeting interpersonal processes more directly in CBT could be the
missing ingredient for those who do not recover following this treatment. As a result,
researchers must explore the impact of significant others, such as romantic partners,
on individuals’ mental health difficulties, in more detail. This is with the hope that this
information can provide readers with information about how to support their loved
ones with their difficulties, and about how clinical practice could be improved for
those suffering. The first paper consists of a theoretical review that outlines research
into and proposes a model that explains interpersonal emotion regulation between
those with BDD and their significant others. The second paper outlines a qualitative
study on women’s perceptions of their romantic partner’s commentary and behaviour
and whether this impacts their appearance anxiety. Overall, the research points
towards the important role significant others can play in reducing or maintaining
individuals’ mental health difficulties associated with appearance. Therefore, we
would advise that clinicians remain curious about the impact of significant others on
an individual’s difficulties, include significant others in, and target interpersonal
processes in treatment, when required.