The relationship between mindfulness, self-compassion and body appreciation

The present study examined the links between mindfulness, self-compassion and body appreciation. It was anticipated that mindfulness would be related with higher self-compassion and more body appreciation. Three models were tested: one investigating self-compassion as a mediator between mindfulness and body appreciation, another examining mindfulness as the mediator between self-compassion and body appreciation and a proposed alternative model exploring both positive and negative self-compassion subscales as parallel mediators of the relationship between mindfulness and body appreciation. In an online survey, 482 participants answered questions relating to mindfulness, self-compassion and body appreciation. Results showed that mindfulness was positively related to self-compassion and body appreciation, whereas self-compassion as a whole was found to negatively relate to body appreciation in both simple mediation models. The proposed alternate parallel model partially mediated the relationship between mindfulness and body appreciation, where positive self-compassion subscales related strongly with body appreciation and mindfulness. Fostering positive self-compassion appears to be essential in developing a positive body image.

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2019 APS College of Health Psychologists Conference

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