1
|
Mahon C, Hamburger D, Webb JB, Yager Z, Howard E, Booth A, Fitzgerald A. Protocol of a cluster randomised trial of BodyKind: a school-based body image programme for adolescents. BMC Public Health 2023; 23:2246. [PMID: 37964252 PMCID: PMC10647142 DOI: 10.1186/s12889-023-17002-x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/28/2023] [Accepted: 10/16/2023] [Indexed: 11/16/2023] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Poor body image is prevalent among adolescents and associated with several negative outcomes for their physical and psychological health. There is a pressing need to address this growing public health concern, yet there are few evidence-informed universal programmes for older adolescents that address contemporary body image concerns (i.e., social media). BodyKind is a four lesson, school-based, teacher led, universal body image programme that incorporates empirically supported principles of cognitive dissonance, self-compassion, compassion for others and social activism, to support positive body image development. Building on previous pilot trials in the USA, this paper outlines the protocol for a cluster randomised control trial (cRCT) and implementation evaluation of the BodyKind programme which was culturally adapted for the Irish cultural context. METHODS We aim to recruit 600 students aged 15-17 years in Transition Year (4th year) across 26 second-level schools in Ireland. Using minimisation, schools will be randomly assigned to receive BodyKind (intervention condition, n=300) or classes as usual (waitlist control, n=300). Teachers in intervention groups will receive training and deliver the programme to students over four weeks, at a rate of one lesson per week. Primary outcomes of body appreciation, body dissatisfaction and psychological wellbeing and secondary outcomes of self-compassion, compassion for others, body ideal internalisation, social justice motives and appearance-based social media use will be assessed at pre-, post- and 2 month follow up. Mediation and moderation analyses will be conducted to identify how and for whom the intervention works best. An implementation evaluation will assess the quality of programme implementation across schools and how this may influence intervention outcomes. Waitlist control schools will receive the programme after the 2-month follow up. CONCLUSION This study will be the first to implement a cRCT and an implementation evaluation to assess the impact of this multicomponent school-based body image programme designed to support healthy body image development. If shown to be effective, BodyKind will have the potential to improve adolescent body image and wellbeing and inform efforts to implement sustainable and scalable programmes in schools. TRIAL REGISTRATION The trial was retrospectively registered on 10/10/2023 on ClinicalTrials.gov NCT06076993 .
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Ciara Mahon
- School of Psychology, University College Dublin (UCD), Newman Building, Belfield, Dublin 4, Ireland.
| | | | - Jennifer B Webb
- Department of Psychological Science, Health Psychology Ph.D. Program, University of North Carolina at Charlotte (UNC Charlotte), Charlotte, USA
| | - Zali Yager
- Embrace Collective NFP, Adelaide, Australia
| | - Emma Howard
- School of Computer Science and Statistics, Trinity College Dublin, Dublin, Ireland
| | - Ailbhe Booth
- School of Psychology, University College Dublin (UCD), Newman Building, Belfield, Dublin 4, Ireland
- Jigsaw, The National Centre for Youth Mental Health, Dublin, Ireland
| | - Amanda Fitzgerald
- School of Psychology, University College Dublin (UCD), Newman Building, Belfield, Dublin 4, Ireland
| |
Collapse
|
2
|
McGarity-Shipley EC, Lee EY, Pyke KE. A pilot cross-sectional investigation of chronic shame as a mediator of the relationship between subjective social status and self-rated health among middle-aged adults. Health Psychol Behav Med 2023; 11:2268697. [PMID: 37842010 PMCID: PMC10569351 DOI: 10.1080/21642850.2023.2268697] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/03/2023] [Accepted: 10/02/2023] [Indexed: 10/17/2023] Open
Abstract
Subjective social status (SSS) is an important independent predictor of health outcomes, however, the pathways through which it affects health are poorly understood. Chronic shame has previously been suggested as a potential mechanism but this has never been investigated and the relationship between chronic shame and health is under-researched. The purpose of this pilot study was to explore whether chronic shame explains a significant portion of the association between SSS and self rated health (SRH). Two-hundred American adults aged 30-55 years were recruited via a crowd-sourcing platform and were asked to provide information on their SSS, level of chronic shame, and SRH. Chronic shame significantly mediated the relationship between SSS and SRH. This pilot study provides initial evidence that shame explains a significant portion of the relationship between subjective social status and self-rated health. These findings support the initiation of larger, longitudinal investigations into chronic shame as a mediator of the subjective social status and self-rated health relationship.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Ellen C. McGarity-Shipley
- Cardiovascular Stress Response Laboratory, School of Kinesiology and Health Studies, Queen’s University, Kingston, ON, Canada
| | - Eun-Young Lee
- In Situ Population Health Research Group, School of Kinesiology and Health Studies, Queen’s University, Kingston, ON, Canada
| | - Kyra E. Pyke
- Cardiovascular Stress Response Laboratory, School of Kinesiology and Health Studies, Queen’s University, Kingston, ON, Canada
| |
Collapse
|
3
|
Vani MF, Lucibello KM, Welsh T, Sabiston CM. Body-related shame disrupts attentional focus over time in adolescence. J Adolesc 2023; 95:1520-1527. [PMID: 37439039 DOI: 10.1002/jad.12216] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/22/2023] [Revised: 06/23/2023] [Accepted: 06/26/2023] [Indexed: 07/14/2023]
Abstract
INTRODUCTION Body-related shame is a negative self-conscious emotion that is heightened during adolescence and is associated with several adverse outcomes. Of particular interest, and informed by Objectification Theory, body-related shame may impact attentional focus because the experience of this intense emotion may limit cognitive resources required to effectively engage in tasks. The purpose of the present study was to examine the association between body-related shame and attentional focus over time during adolescence. METHODS Adolescents (n = 160; Mage ± SD = 16.05 ± 0.98; 80% self-identifying girls) completed an online survey in 2022 at baseline (Time 1) and 3 months later (Time 2). Stepwise regression was used to test the association between body-related shame and attentional focus, with weight perception included as a covariate. RESULTS The regression model demonstrated that higher body-related shame predicted poorer attentional focus 3 months later (β = -0.44, p < .001), after controlling for weight perception (14% variance explained in attention). CONCLUSIONS Findings support and extend theoretical tenets by highlighting the potential importance of targeting body-related shame to reduce the negative impact on attentional focus among adolescents.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Madison F Vani
- Faculty of Kinesiology and Physical Education, University of Toronto, Toronto, Ontario, Canada
| | - Kristen M Lucibello
- Faculty of Kinesiology and Physical Education, University of Toronto, Toronto, Ontario, Canada
| | - Timothy Welsh
- Faculty of Kinesiology and Physical Education, University of Toronto, Toronto, Ontario, Canada
| | - Catherine M Sabiston
- Faculty of Kinesiology and Physical Education, University of Toronto, Toronto, Ontario, Canada
| |
Collapse
|
4
|
Warnick JL, Darling KE, Rancourt D. The association between negative body talk and body shame on disordered eating symptoms among college students. Eat Behav 2022; 46:101648. [PMID: 35753288 PMCID: PMC10031539 DOI: 10.1016/j.eatbeh.2022.101648] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/24/2021] [Revised: 04/20/2022] [Accepted: 06/15/2022] [Indexed: 11/21/2022]
Abstract
Negative body talk (NBT), defined as negative communication about one's body, is associated with disordered eating, yet factors that may enhance these effects are understudied. Using objectification theory as a framework, NBT may reflect a vocal manifestation of self-objectification and endorsement of body shame may enhance the association between NBT and disordered eating. Given relatively consistent NBT and objectification theory-based conclusions across male and female college samples, the current study hypothesized that for college students high in body shame, NBT would be more strongly associated with disordered eating than for those low in body shame. A total of 849 college students (77.4 % female) completed measures of NBT (sex-specific), body shame, and eating disorder symptoms. Negative binomial regressions tested hypotheses separately by sex. Moderation results identified that the association between NBT and eating disorder symptoms was stronger for females reporting lower body shame compared to higher body shame. Among males, only significant main effects of NBT and body shame were observed. Body image and disordered eating preventive interventions may benefit from targeting NBT and/or body shame in males and females, and college females reporting lower body shame may be at greatest risk for the negative impact of NBT.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Jennifer L Warnick
- Weight Control and Diabetes Research Center, The Miriam Hospital, Providence, RI, USA; Department of Psychiatry and Human Behavior, Alpert Medical School of Brown University, Providence, RI, USA.
| | - Katherine E Darling
- Weight Control and Diabetes Research Center, The Miriam Hospital, Providence, RI, USA; Department of Psychiatry and Human Behavior, Alpert Medical School of Brown University, Providence, RI, USA
| | - Diana Rancourt
- Department of Psychology, University of South Florida, Tampa, FL, USA
| |
Collapse
|
5
|
McGarity-Shipley EC, Lew LA, Bonafiglia JT, Pyke KE. The acute effect of a laboratory shame induction protocol on endothelial function in young, healthy adults. Exp Physiol 2022; 107:978-993. [PMID: 35584040 DOI: 10.1113/ep090396] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/23/2022] [Accepted: 05/12/2022] [Indexed: 11/08/2022]
Abstract
NEW FINDINGS What is the central question of this study? Shame is a form of social stress which involves internalizing social devaluations imposed by others. The aim of this study was to determine, for the first time, how acutely experiencing shame impacts endothelial function. What is the main finding and its importance? Brachial artery flow-mediated dilation, an index of endothelial function, was impaired following an intervention that acutely increased self reported shame. This occurred without increases in cortisol or tumor necrosis factor alpha receptor binding. Frequent or prolonged shame induced endothelial dysfunction could have important cardiovascular consequences. ABSTRACT Objective The objective of this study was to examine the impact of a shame induction protocol on endothelial function. Methods Fifteen participants (n = 7 men, n = 8 women) completed both a written shame induction and control protocol on two different experimental days. Pre- and post-protocol we assessed: 1) Endothelial function and arterial shear rate via a standard brachial artery reactive hyperemia flow-mediated dilation (FMD) test across two post-intervention time points (15 and 35-min post); 2) Perceived shame via the Experiential Shame Scale (ESS), and; 3) Cortisol and sTNFαRII (soluble tumor necrosis factor alpha receptor) through oral fluid analysis. Results Shame increased after the shame induction protocol (pre: 2.9±.6 vs. post: 3.7±.5, p<.001) but not the control protocol (pre: 3.0±.5 vs. post: 2.8±.5, p = .15) (protocol by time interaction: p<.001). When all three time points were included in the analysis, %FMD did not change over time. Considering only the lowest point, %FMD significantly decreased in response to the shame protocol (pre: 4.8±1.9 vs. post: 3.2±1.6, p<.001) but not the control protocol (4.2±1.8 vs. post: 3.8±1.5, p = .45) (protocol by time interaction: p = .035). Covariation of the shear rate stimulus for FMD did not alter the FMD results. When including both the control and shame protocol, but not the shame protocol alone, increased shame was significantly associated with decreased FMD (r = -.37, p<.046). There were no significant time by protocol interaction effects for cortisol or sTNFαRII. Conclusions Temporary increases in shame may cause transient endothelial dysfunction which, if chronically repeated, could manifest as reduced vasoprotection against atherosclerosis. This article is protected by copyright. All rights reserved.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Ellen C McGarity-Shipley
- Cardiovascular Stress Response Laboratory, School of Kinesiology and Health Studies, Queen's University, Kingston, Ontario, Canada
| | - Lindsay A Lew
- Cardiovascular Stress Response Laboratory, School of Kinesiology and Health Studies, Queen's University, Kingston, Ontario, Canada
| | - Jacob T Bonafiglia
- Muscle Physiology Lab, School of Kinesiology and Health Studies, Queen's University, Kingston, Ontario, Canada
| | - Kyra E Pyke
- Cardiovascular Stress Response Laboratory, School of Kinesiology and Health Studies, Queen's University, Kingston, Ontario, Canada
| |
Collapse
|
6
|
Ryan S, Ussher JM, Hawkey A. Mapping the abject: Women's embodied experiences of premenstrual body dissatisfaction through body-mapping. FEMINISM & PSYCHOLOGY 2022. [DOI: 10.1177/09593535211069290] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/17/2022]
Abstract
Women's body shame and body dissatisfaction increase in the premenstrual phase of the cycle, associated with premenstrual distress. However, the meaning and consequences of premenstrual body dissatisfaction remain underexplored. The aim of this study was to explore how women who report premenstrual body dissatisfaction construct and experience their bodies, using qualitative arts-based methods. Four hundred and sixty women completed online open-ended survey questions and 16 women took part in body-mapping and an interview. Thematic analysis identified three major themes: construction of the premenstrual body as abject, manifested by positioning of the body and self as fat, leaking and dirty; self-policing and self-regulation through increased scrutinising and concealment of the premenstrual body; and resistance of cultural constructions of idealised femininity. These findings emphasise the need to acknowledge changes in body dissatisfaction across the menstrual cycle, and the implication for women's feelings about the self. Internalisation of negative constructions of the female body plays a role in women's experience of premenstrual change and distress. There is a need for further research to examine the role of body management behaviours in premenstrual body dissatisfaction and distress.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Samantha Ryan
- Translational Health Research Institute, Western Sydney University, Australia
| | - Jane M Ussher
- Translational Health Research Institute, Western Sydney University, Australia
| | - Alexandra Hawkey
- Translational Health Research Institute, Western Sydney University, Australia
| |
Collapse
|
7
|
Effects of body shame on poor health decisions: The mediating role of body responsiveness. CURRENT PSYCHOLOGY 2021. [DOI: 10.1007/s12144-019-00528-y] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/25/2022]
|
8
|
Lucibello KM, Nesbitt AE, Solomon-Krakus S, Sabiston CM. Internalized weight stigma and the relationship between weight perception and negative body-related self-conscious emotions. Body Image 2021; 37:84-88. [PMID: 33596497 DOI: 10.1016/j.bodyim.2021.01.010] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/18/2020] [Revised: 01/21/2021] [Accepted: 01/24/2021] [Indexed: 01/27/2023]
Abstract
Individuals who perceive themselves as "overweight" experience higher negative body-related self-conscious emotions than those who do not. Theoretical and empirical evidence suggests internalized weight stigma may be an important mediator of the relationship between weight perception and self-conscious emotions. Overcoming common measurement limitations and sampling limitations, the present study investigated whether gender moderates the associations among weight perceptions, internalized weight stigma, and negative body-related self-conscious emotions in 104 young adults (64 % women). Individuals who perceived themselves as too heavy (52 %) experienced higher body-related shame and guilt compared to those who perceived themselves as about right. Internalized weight stigma mediated these associations in women but not men, such that perceiving oneself as too heavy was associated with higher internalized weight stigma, which was associated with higher body-related shame and guilt in women. Results underscore the importance of internalized weight stigma as a potential target for intervention among women of diverse weight statuses who are prone to experiencing body-related shame and guilt.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Kristen M Lucibello
- Department of Kinesiology, University of Toronto, 55 Harbord Street, Toronto, Ontario, M5S 2W6, Canada
| | - Amy E Nesbitt
- Department of Occupational Science and Occupational Therapy, University of Toronto, 500 University Avenue, Toronto, Ontario, M5G 1V7, Canada
| | - Shauna Solomon-Krakus
- Department of Psychological Clinical Science, University of Toronto Scarborough, 1265 Military Trail, Toronto, Ontario, M1C 1A4, Canada
| | - Catherine M Sabiston
- Department of Kinesiology, University of Toronto, 55 Harbord Street, Toronto, Ontario, M5S 2W6, Canada.
| |
Collapse
|
9
|
Mantzoukas S, Kotrotsiou S, Mentis M, Paschou A, Diamantopoulos E, Kotrotsiou E, Gouva M. Exploring the Impact of Shame on Health-Related Quality of Life in Older Individuals. J Nurs Scholarsh 2021; 53:439-448. [PMID: 33870602 DOI: 10.1111/jnu.12663] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 02/23/2021] [Indexed: 12/12/2022]
Abstract
PURPOSE To explore the relationship between shame, ageing, physical disease, and quality of life in Greek older people. DESIGN AND METHODS A cross-sectional design using a stratified random cluster sample of older adults from Open Care Centers for the Elderly in the region of Epirus, Greece. Data were collected using (a) the Short Form-36 Health Survey, (b) the Other As Shamer Scale, and (c) the Experience of Shame Scale. Data were analyzed using SPSS software. RESULTS Internal shame was positively correlated with external shame (Pearson's r(177) =, p < .01), with negative effect on the mental component in both men and women (effect on women bW = -0.173, pW = .004, effect on men bM = -0.138, pM = .047), b = path analysis beta coefficient and with a significant negative effect on the physical health component for men. External shame was found to have a significant negative effect on women's mental health (b = -0.266, p = .002) and a nonsignificant effect on the physical health component. Age was negatively related with the physical health component in both groups (bW = -0.392, pW = .002 and bM = -0.384, pM = .003), while the presence of a bodily disease corresponded with a lower physical health component score for men (b = -4.267, p = .033). CONCLUSION Shame in older individuals is present in both sexes. Older males suffering from a physical disease displayed a greater decline of the health-related quality of life on physical health components, leading to greater internal shame. Older females suffering from a physical disease displayed a greater decline of health-related quality of life on mental health components, leading to greater external shame. CLINICAL RELEVANCE These results indicate the need for developing assessment and care plans for older individuals that incorporate in them the concept of shame as a factor in dealing with and adapting to physical disease.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
| | | | - Manolis Mentis
- Assistant Professor, Department of Education and Social Work, University of Patra, Greece
| | - Athina Paschou
- Teaching Fellow, Department of Nursing, University of Ioannina, Greece
| | | | | | - Mary Gouva
- Professor, Department of Nursing, University of Ioannina, Greece
| |
Collapse
|
10
|
Holland KJ, Silver KE, Cipriano AE, Brock RL. Internalized Body Stigma as a Barrier to Accessing Preventative Healthcare for Young Women. Body Image 2020; 35:217-224. [PMID: 33049459 DOI: 10.1016/j.bodyim.2020.09.005] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/30/2020] [Revised: 09/15/2020] [Accepted: 09/15/2020] [Indexed: 11/29/2022]
Abstract
Internalizing stigma toward the body can have negative implications for women's sexual health. In the current study, we examined how young women's internalized stigma toward their body shape, genitals, and menstrual periods are associated with their use of preventative healthcare services for sexual health. Additionally, we tested two mechanisms that may mediate the relationship between internalized body stigma and preventative care: self-objectification (in the form of a loss of autonomy) and comfort communicating with a healthcare provider. We collected and analyzed survey data from 685 undergraduate women. We tested a serial mediation model, such that the internalization of body stigma predicted greater self-objectification, greater self-objectification predicted less comfort communicating with a provider, and discomfort communicating with a provider predicted lower receipt of preventative care. Results partially supported the proposed serial mediation model, such that internalizing stigma towards body shape, genitals, and menstrual periods was associated with discomfort communicating via greater self-objectification. Internalized stigma toward genitals and menstrual periods were significant predictors of preventative care use, even when accounting for self-objectification and communication. Findings suggest that interventions to address genital and menstrual stigma could be especially beneficial for enabling young women to seek preventative care.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Kathryn J Holland
- Department of Psychology and Women's & Gender Studies Program, University of Nebraska, United States.
| | | | | | - Rebecca L Brock
- Department of Psychology, University of Nebraska, United States
| |
Collapse
|
11
|
Yager Z, Prichard I, Hart L, Damiano SR. Mumbod? A comparison of body image and dietary restraint among women with younger, older, and no children. J Health Psychol 2020; 27:778-789. [PMID: 33111572 PMCID: PMC8855394 DOI: 10.1177/1359105320967422] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/15/2022] Open
Abstract
Pregnancy and the postpartum period are times of significant body, and body image changes for women. Adult women (N = 885) aged 21 to 47 years old completed an online questionnaire. Mothers of young children (0-5 years) had significantly lower levels of body shame, self-objectification, and dietary restraint than women without children, and women with school-aged (6-10 years) children had significantly lower self objectification than women without children, once we controlled for age. BMI predicted body shame more than motherhood status. This research has implications for the development of appropriate body image interventions for adult women.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
| | | | - Laura Hart
- La Trobe University, Australia.,University of Melbourne, Australia
| | | |
Collapse
|
12
|
Luoma JB, Chwyl C, Kaplan J. Substance use and shame: A systematic and meta-analytic review. Clin Psychol Rev 2019; 70:1-12. [DOI: 10.1016/j.cpr.2019.03.002] [Citation(s) in RCA: 21] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/13/2018] [Revised: 02/20/2019] [Accepted: 03/04/2019] [Indexed: 12/01/2022]
|
13
|
Thøgersen-Ntoumani C, Ntoumanis N, Carey R, Dodos L, Quested E, Chatzisarantis N. A diary study of appearance social comparisons and need frustration in young women. PERSONALITY AND INDIVIDUAL DIFFERENCES 2018. [DOI: 10.1016/j.paid.2017.10.020] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/18/2022]
|
14
|
Experiential avoidance versus decentering abilities: the role of different emotional processes on disordered eating. Eat Weight Disord 2017; 22:467-474. [PMID: 27209046 DOI: 10.1007/s40519-016-0291-7] [Citation(s) in RCA: 13] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/14/2016] [Accepted: 05/03/2016] [Indexed: 10/21/2022] Open
Abstract
In modern western societies, the female body is a predominantly used dimension in self and social evaluations. In fact, the perceived discrepancy between one's current and ideal body image may act as a pathogenic phenomenon on women's well-being. Furthermore, significant differences in the tendency to engage in disordered eating attitudes and behaviours have been verified between women sharing similar characteristics and perceptions about body's weight and shape, which suggests that different emotion regulation processes may be involved in this association. This study thus aims to clarify the mediational effect of two different emotional regulation processes, experiential avoidance and decentering, on the association of weight and body shape-related variables and shame with disordered eating, in a sample of 760 women. The tested path model explained 44 % of disordered eating attitudes and behaviours, and showed an excellent model fit. Results demonstrated that body mass index had a direct effect, albeit weak, on disordered eating behaviours, and that body-image discrepancy and shame presented indirect effects through the mechanisms of experiential avoidance and decentering. Results also revealed that experiential avoidance and decentering showed significant mediator effects on the relationship of weight and body shape and shame with disordered eating behaviours. These findings suggested that while experiential avoidance exacerbates the impact of weight and body shape and shame on disordered eating attitudes and behaviours, decentering seems to attenuate this association. Our findings appear to offer significant clinical and research implications, highlighting the importance of targeting maladaptive emotion processes and of the development of decentering abilities.
Collapse
|
15
|
Seeking a perfect body look: feeding the pathogenic impact of shame? Eat Weight Disord 2016; 21:477-485. [PMID: 26590601 DOI: 10.1007/s40519-015-0240-x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/03/2015] [Accepted: 10/27/2015] [Indexed: 10/22/2022] Open
Abstract
Shame feelings often lead individuals to adopt compensatory mechanisms, such as the minimization of the public display or disclosure of mistakes and the active promotion of perfect qualities, conceptualized as perfectionistic self-presentation. Although perfectionism is considered a central characteristic of disordered eating, the investigation on the specific domain of body image-related perfectionistic self-presentation and on its relationship with psychopathology is still scarce. The main aim of the present study was exploring the moderator effect of body image-related perfectionistic self-presentation on the associations of shame with depressive symptomatology, and with eating psychopathology, in a sample of 487 women. Results revealed that body image-related perfectionistic self-presentation showed a significant moderator effect on the relationships of external shame with depressive symptomatology, and with eating psychopathology severity, exacerbating shame's impact on these psychopathological indices. These findings appear to offer important clinical and investigational implications, highlighting the maladaptive character of such body image-focused strategies.
Collapse
|