Development and validation of the Body Compassion Questionnaire

Revisiting positive body image to demonstrate how body neutrality is not new

In this position paper, we review nonacademic and academic discourse on body neutrality, a recent concept that has spread from social media platforms into scientific publications. This discourse has (inaccurately) promulgated that body neutrality is distinct from and more realistic than positive body image and body positivity. We identify and challenge 10 myths found within this discourse: (1) positive body image and body positivity are the same and therefore interchangeable, (2) positive body image isn't realistic or attainable, (3) we should forget about body positivity and positive body image, (4) body neutrality is a new way of thinking about body image, (5) body neutrality is unique from positive body image and positivity, (6) body neutrality is a more realistic and inclusive alternative to positive body image and body positivity, (7) body neutrality is different from positive body image but we can still use the research on positive body image to support body neutrality, (8) body neutrality is a midpoint between negative body image and positive body image, (9) striving for body neutrality is sufficient, and (10) appearance can be disregarded. We offer recommendations applicable to researchers, clinicians, media, and the general public interested in body neutrality.

A qualitative analysis of the usefulness, risks, and challenges of incorporating functionality and body compassion into the prevention and treatment of eating disorders

Functionality appreciation and body compassion are empirically supported concepts that can help one to view their body in different and compassionate ways. However, they have yet to be applied to eating disorder (ED) samples and therefore it is important to explore the perceived benefit, risk, and nuance in this population. Semi-structured interviews (N = 25) were conducted with treatment providers, those with a lived experience of an ED, or history of body image distress. Usefulness, applicability, potential risks, benefits, and desired delivery format were probed. Thematic analysis was used. Participants reported that compassion and functionality approaches were useful, complement existing treatment approaches, and important for early intervention. Although considered safe, caveats were noted for ED samples, including introducing content at the right time (e.g., when medically stable), and when having the cognitive flexibility to think about one's body in different ways. For example, functionality appreciation could trigger thoughts about what one's body cannot do while compassion may allow for normalising negative thoughts. Both concepts were viewed as useful and safe to support positive body image at a community level and can be used with ED samples with additional support. This insight from potential users helps with co-design of appropriate content.

A meta-analysis of disordered eating and its association with self-criticism and self-compassion

OBJECTIVE

Future treatments for eating disorders (ED) need to be enhanced by targeting maintaining mechanisms. Literature suggests self-criticism and self-critical perfectionism act as key mechanisms exacerbating ED, and self-compassion protects against self-criticism. This meta-analysis examines associations between self-criticism and self-critical perfectionism on disordered eating (DE), and reviews how self-compassion and self-criticism relate to each other with respect to DE.

METHOD

Searches across three databases yielded 135 studies across 42,952 participants. Heterogeneity, publication bias, and quality assessments were analyzed. Moderation analyses between self-criticism measures, self-compassion measures, between clinical and nonclinical samples, and between cross-sectional and experimental studies were also conducted.

RESULTS

Random-effects models showed a medium positive link between self-criticism and DE (r = .37), and 10 subgroups pertaining to various measures of self-criticism utilized in literature showed small to large positive links with DE (r = .20-.52). Preliminary evidence also suggests negative relationships between self-compassion and DE (r = -.40 to -.43) and negative relationships between self-compassion and self-criticism (r = -.04 to -.88).

DISCUSSION

Greater levels of self-criticism is linked with greater levels of DE and reduced levels of self-compassion, suggesting a need to tackle self-criticism and nurture self-compassion in standard treatments for ED. Understanding these interactions better in conjunction with dismantling intervention studies can help develop more effective and efficient interventions targeting self-criticism and self-compassion for people with DE.

PUBLIC SIGNIFICANCE STATEMENT

Higher levels of self-criticism are linked with higher levels of DE and lower self-compassion. Self-compassion interventions could be more effective and efficient in reducing ED symptoms if self-criticism is tackled early in such treatments.

Measures of empathy and compassion: A scoping review

Evidence to date indicates that compassion and empathy are health-enhancing qualities. Research points to interventions and practices involving compassion and empathy being beneficial, as well as being salient outcomes of contemplative practices such as mindfulness. Advancing the science of compassion and empathy requires that we select measures best suited to evaluating effectiveness of training and answering research questions. The objective of this scoping review was to 1) determine what instruments are currently available for measuring empathy and compassion, 2) assess how and to what extent they have been validated, and 3) provide an online tool to assist researchers and program evaluators in selecting appropriate measures for their settings and populations. A scoping review and broad evidence map were employed to systematically search and present an overview of the large and diverse body of literature pertaining to measuring compassion and empathy. A search string yielded 19,446 articles, and screening resulted in 559 measure development or validation articles reporting on 503 measures focusing on or containing subscales designed to measure empathy and/or compassion. For each measure, we identified the type of measure, construct being measured, in what context or population it was validated, response set, sample items, and how many different types of psychometrics had been assessed for that measure. We provide tables summarizing these data, as well as an open-source online interactive data visualization allowing viewers to search for measures of empathy and compassion, review their basic qualities, and access original citations containing more detail. Finally, we provide a rubric to help readers determine which measure(s) might best fit their context.

An investigation of relationships between body compassion, social physique anxiety and physical appearance perfectionism in young people from Iran

BACKGROUND

Previous studies have shown that physical appearance perfectionism could play an important role in social physique anxiety; however, the moderating role of body compassion has not been studied. The current study aims to explore the moderating role of body compassion in the relationship between physical appearance perfectionism and social physique anxiety in undergraduate students.

METHODS

A sample of 418 undergraduates (n = 418; 217 female and 201 males) from three universities in Tehran, Iran completed online questionnaires measuring physical appearance perfectionism, body compassion and social physique anxiety.

RESULTS

The results of structural equation modeling showed that physical appearance perfectionism (β = 0.68, p < 0.001) positively predicted the social physique anxiety and body compassion negatively predicted (β = - .56, p < 0.001) the social physique anxiety in undergraduate students. A multi-group analysis showed that body compassion acted as a moderator between physical appearance perfectionism and social physique anxiety.

CONCLUSIONS

The results suggested that individuals with greater levels of physical appearance perfectionism are more likely to experience social physique anxiety. Also, the results suggested that individuals who were at a high level of the body-compassion group experienced lower levels of social physical anxiety if they also had high levels of physical appearance perfectionism. Therefore, body-compassion acted as a protective role in the relationship between physical appearance perfectionism and social physique anxiety.

Enriching sociocultural perspectives on the effects of idealized body norms: Integrating shame, positive body image, and self-compassion

Body image is an integral aspect of the psychology of the self. Idealized body images are ubiquitous in both traditional media forms (e.g., magazines, television) and social media (e.g., Facebook, Instagram). The classic sociocultural model of body image (i.e., the Tripartite Influence Model) emphasizes pathways between idealized body norms, appearance comparisons, internalization of body ideals, and body dissatisfaction and its outcomes. We summarize the model and identify some issues to be addressed in future work, particularly in light of the immense popularity of social media. We review three topics that are not included in the sociocultural model but that provide a more complete picture of the influence of societal body norms on body image: (1) body shame, (2) positive body image, and (3) self-compassion. Research on the nature, assessment, and relevance of these constructs is reviewed in detail. In terms of clinical applications of these areas of research for individuals at risk of body dissatisfaction, we suggest assessing for and targeting body shame, cultivating facets of positive body image, and teaching strategies for developing self-compassion.

Investigating the effects of fit-normative and weight-inclusive Instagram images on women's exercise motivations

Exposure to "fitspiration" may promote exercising for maladaptive weight and appearance reasons in young women. Fitness content depicting higher-weight bodies could promote exercise for adaptive non-appearance motives, and body compassion might protect against the negative effects of "fitspiration" exposure. Two pre-registered experimental studies examined (i) the effects of exposure to fit-normative vs. weight-inclusive Instagram images on young women's exercise intentions and motivations, and (ii) tested trait body compassion as a moderator of the relationships between image exposure and psychosocial exercise outcomes. Using an online experimental paradigm, young adult women were randomized to view Instagram images representing fit-normative, weight-inclusive, or control conditions and completed state measures of exercise intention and motivation. Study 1 (n = 228) employed a post-test design and found no significant effects of condition on exercise outcomes, nor an effect of body compassion. Using a pre- and post-experimental design in Study 2 (n = 797), participants in the weight-inclusive condition exhibited significantly greater increases in exercise intention and fitness/health motivation, while those in the fit-normative condition exhibited greater increases in weight/appearance motivation, compared to controls. Body compassion was not a significant moderator of the associations between exposure to weight-inclusive vs. fit-normative images and exercise outcomes. Exposure to fit-normative Instagram content may encourage dysfunctional exercise motives in young women. Weight-inclusive imagery may more effectively inspire adaptive exercise intentions and motivations, and future research should investigate how it may be leveraged to improve psychosocial exercise outcomes.