Abstract
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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VS designed and executed the study, analysed the data, and wrote the first draft of the paper. GLB collaborated with the design and writing of the study and wrote part of the results. ALD collaborated with the design of the study and in the writing and editing of the final manuscript.
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This study was performed in line with the principles of the Declaration of Helsinki. Approval was granted by the Human Research Ethics Committee of Griffith University (Date: 31/01/2018/No: 2018/055).
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Seekis, V., Bradley, G.L. & Duffy, A.L. How Self-Compassion Moderates the Links Between Fitspiration Use and Body Concerns in Young Women. Mindfulness 12, 1985–1998 (2021). https://doi.org/10.1007/s12671-021-01656-y
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DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/s12671-021-01656-y