Paradox of Success

The current study examined whether intrasexual competition for career success may contribute to body dissatisfaction and worse eating attitudes among achievement oriented college-aged women. In order to examine this aim participants viewed pictures of other women who varied in terms of weight and career success. Compared to participants low on status aspiration, participants high on status aspiration reported greater body dissatisfaction and ineffectiveness after being exposed to the thin, successful targets. However, status aspiring participants did not report greater drive for thinness, maturity fears, or bulimic symptoms. Hypotheses regarding the impact of weight status and success on perceptions of target career accomplishment and body size were supported. Specifically, thin, successful targets were rated as more accomplished in their careers than overweight, successful targets. Participants also judged successful, overweight targets to be thinner than unsuccessful, overweight targets. It is hoped that these findings will shed light on ways career women can pursue success without jeopardizing their health.