Abstract

The purpose of the study was to examine the chronic effect of the presence of mirrors in the context of a resistance training programme or passive activities performed by women on psychological variables of social physique anxiety (SPA), objectified body consciousness (body inspection, (BI), body shame, (BS); appearance control beliefs, (ACB)), and on some variables of body image (satisfaction with body parts, (SBP)), the current and desired body shape, and body satisfaction, (BS)). 52 females participated (mean age 22.6 ± 8.21 years), who were randomly assigned to four experimental groups: a) 25-min resistance training exercises at 70% of one-repetition maximum (1RM) with mirror; b) 25-min resistance training exercises at 70% 1RM with no mirror; c) 25-min passive activity seated in front of a mirror; and d) 25-min passive activity seated with no mirror. Participants performed a weekly session of the experimental condition for six-weeks. No significant three- or two-way interactions were found. ANOVA tests revealed main measurement effects on body inspection (p = 0.04), desired body shape (p ≤ 0.001) and BS (p < 0.05); and of the exercise on the current body shape (p = 0.03). In conclusion, no chronic effect of a resistance-training programme or passive activities on psychological variables was observed when women performed exercises or activities in a context with and without mirrors.