A news article posted rececently discusses how FSU researchers found that:

women evaluated as less attractive were more motivated to diet and be thin if their husbands were attractive.

And that:

That extra motivation to diet, however, did not exist among women judged more attractive than their husbands. As for men, their motivation to diet was low regardless of their wives’ attractiveness or their own.

Sounds like "dread" to me!

For anyone new to the community (welcome!) this refers to the negative feeling a woman gets when she notices her man advancing in sexual attractiveness and/or lifestyle. This feeling arises because his success highlights her own shortcomings, and she is more aware than ever of the possibility that he could leave her or be unfaithful.

A healthy level of dread within a relationship helps motivate women to stay on top of their game; men can intentionally evoke this feeling as a way to motivate their partner to make changes and/or respect them more.

The actual study isn't solely concerned with eating disorders, but the news article focuses on how these findings relate to the likelihood of developing disordered eating habits. The results of the study are referred to as an "ugly truth" and the bias of those involved is further revealed when they discuss what actions should be taken in light of the findings.

Two underlying assumptions that I can see in this article: that insecurity should be avoided at all costs, and that feeling comfortable with how you are presently is better than trying to improve. One solution to the "problem" found in the study is for men to compliment their women more:

“One way to help these women is for partners to be very reaffirming, reminding them, ‘You’re beautiful. I love you at any weight or body type,’” Reynolds said. “Or perhaps focusing on the ways they are a good romantic partner outside of attractiveness and emphasizing those strengths: ‘I really value you because you’re a kind, smart and supportive partner.’”

This sounds nice (for some situations) but why can't the husband support his wife in her efforts to lose weight/become more attractive and ensure that she is on a healthy path to that goal?

I'd love to hear your thoughts on the study, the article discussing the study, and anything else that comes to mind!