Body image is a correlate of women‟s self-concept and well-being, and body dissatisfaction is an
important correlate of dysfunctional eating. In the present study (N = 208) the primary aims were to
test whether women‟s self-determination can protect against endorsements of societal pressures
regarding the ideal female body, body dissatisfaction, and problem eating. Additionally, the role of
others‟ autonomy support was investigated. General self-determination was associated with
perceptions of fewer body image pressures and lower body dissatisfaction. Also, women who
reported a more autonomous regulatory style toward eating reported more frequent consumption of
healthy foods. However, they also reported more frequent dieting and more oral control, which was
an unexpected finding. Autonomy support played some role in eating regulation, as women with
more support reported more autonomous and less controlled eating. Yet, support did not moderate
the relationship between body dissatisfaction and eating regulation. Future studies should continue
to explore the potential facilitative role of autonomy support in promoting a self-determined
approach to eating regulation.