Related Experiment Video
Updated: Nov 23, 2025

A Computer-Based Platform for Aiding Clinicians in Eating Disorder Analysis and Diagnosis
Published on: May 10, 2022
Self-disgust and urge to be thin in eating disorders: how can self-compassion help?
Cristiana Marques1, Marta Simão2,3, Raquel Guiomar2
1Center for Research in Neuropsychology and Cognitive Behavioural Intervention (CINEICC), Faculty of Psychology and Educational Sciences, University of Coimbra, Rua do Colégio Novo, 3000-115, Coimbra, Portugal. cristiana.marques@uc.pt.
Purpose:
This study aimed to examine the moderator role of self-compassion in the relationship between self-disgust and drive for thinness, controlling for external shame, in eating disorder patients and in a community sample.
Methods:
Sixty-two female participants with an eating disorder diagnose and 119 female participants from the community, were asked to fill instruments that assess self-disgust, self-compassion, drive for thinness, and external shame.
Results:
We found a moderator effect of self-compassion on the association between self-disgust and drive for thinness in the clinical sample when adjusting for shame. The association between self-disgust and drive for thinness was buffered among those who reported medium and lower levels of self-compassion. Replicating the findings in the community sample we found no moderator effect of self-compassion.
Conclusion:
These results provide evidence that people with eating disorders who perceive the self as highly disgusting may benefit from promoting a self-compassionate response to diminish drive for thinness.
Level Of Evidence:
Level V, cross-sectional descriptive study.
Related Concept Videos
Anorexia Nervosa
Symptoms and Physical Effects
Individuals with anorexia nervosa commonly exhibit extreme...
Binge Eating Disorders
Self-Discrepancy Theory
Self-Discrepancy and Its Effects
Bulimia Nervosa
Self-Help Support Groups
Accessibility and Cost-Effectiveness
One of the primary strengths of self-help...

