How Self-Compassion Moderates the Links Between Fitspiration Use and Body Concerns in Young Women

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 (b...

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Bibliographic Details
Published in:Mindfulness 2021-08, Vol.12 (8), p.1985-1998
Main Authors: Seekis, Veya, Bradley, Graham L., Duffy, Amanda L.
Format: Article
Language:English
Subjects:
Behavioral Science and Psychology
Celebrities
Child and School Psychology
Cognitive Psychology
Eating behavior
Eating disorders
Emotions
Mindfulness
Original Paper
Pediatrics
Physical fitness
Psychology
Public Health
Qualitative research
Self compassion
Social networks
Social Sciences
Young adults
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Summary: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.
ISSN:1868-8527
1868-8535
DOI:10.1007/s12671-021-01656-y