How Self-Compassion Moderates the Links Between Fitspiration Use and Body Concerns in Young Women
Author(s)
Seekis, Veya
Bradley, Graham L
Duffy, Amanda L
Year published
2021
Metadata
Show full item recordAbstract
Objectives:
Past research shows that (a) use of appearance-related social networking sites, such as fitspiration, predicts body concerns and appearance comparisons, and (b) self-compassion protects against these outcomes. This study investigated the links between fitspiration and two body concerns (body dissatisfaction and drive for thinness) via upward appearance comparison, and the moderating roles of each of six facets of self-compassion on the indirect and direct associations between fitspiration and body concerns.
Methods:
Using a cross-sectional design, a sample of 338 undergraduate women, aged 17–25 years, completed ...
View more >Objectives: Past research shows that (a) use of appearance-related social networking sites, such as fitspiration, predicts body concerns and appearance comparisons, and (b) self-compassion protects against these outcomes. This study investigated the links between fitspiration and two body concerns (body dissatisfaction and drive for thinness) via upward appearance comparison, and the moderating roles of each of six facets of self-compassion on the indirect and direct associations between fitspiration and body concerns. Methods: Using a cross-sectional design, a sample of 338 undergraduate women, aged 17–25 years, completed self-report measures of fitspiration use, upward appearance comparison, self-compassion, body dissatisfaction, and drive for thinness. Results: Upward appearance comparison mediated the links between use of fitspiration and both body concerns. Several of the facets of self-compassion moderated these links. Reduced self-judgement, isolation, and overidentification buffered the fitspiration and upward appearance comparison link. Similarly, self-kindness, common humanity, mindfulness, and reduced isolation buffered the association between fitspiration and drive for thinness. Conclusions: The study offers insights into the way that self-compassion may work to weaken the links between fitspiration and some negative body-related outcomes.
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View more >Objectives: Past research shows that (a) use of appearance-related social networking sites, such as fitspiration, predicts body concerns and appearance comparisons, and (b) self-compassion protects against these outcomes. This study investigated the links between fitspiration and two body concerns (body dissatisfaction and drive for thinness) via upward appearance comparison, and the moderating roles of each of six facets of self-compassion on the indirect and direct associations between fitspiration and body concerns. Methods: Using a cross-sectional design, a sample of 338 undergraduate women, aged 17–25 years, completed self-report measures of fitspiration use, upward appearance comparison, self-compassion, body dissatisfaction, and drive for thinness. Results: Upward appearance comparison mediated the links between use of fitspiration and both body concerns. Several of the facets of self-compassion moderated these links. Reduced self-judgement, isolation, and overidentification buffered the fitspiration and upward appearance comparison link. Similarly, self-kindness, common humanity, mindfulness, and reduced isolation buffered the association between fitspiration and drive for thinness. Conclusions: The study offers insights into the way that self-compassion may work to weaken the links between fitspiration and some negative body-related outcomes.
View less >
Journal Title
Mindfulness
Note
This publication has been entered in Griffith Research Online as an advanced online version.
Subject
Clinical sciences
Sociology
Applied and developmental psychology
Clinical and health psychology
Social and personality psychology