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Updated: Jun 26, 2025
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Validation of a Psychosocial Intervention on Body Image in Older People: An Experimental Design
Published on: May 31, 2021
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Testing for longitudinal bidirectional associations between self-compassion, self-criticism, and positive body image
Jake Linardon1, Robyn Moffitt2, Cleo Anderson2
1School of Psychology, Deakin University, Geelong, Victoria, Australia; Center for Social and Early Emotional Development, Deakin University, Burwood, Victoria, Australia.
Body Image
|May 15, 2024
Summary
Self-criticism negatively impacts body appreciation, functionality, and flexibility. Self-compassion can improve body image flexibility and appreciation, while body appreciation may foster self-compassion over time.
Area of Science:
- Psychology
- Body Image Research
- Longitudinal Studies
Background:
- Cross-sectional studies suggest links between self-compassion, self-criticism, and positive body image.
- Prospective research is needed to establish the temporal order of these associations.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate longitudinal, bidirectional relationships between self-compassion, self-criticism, and positive body image components.
- To examine links between self-compassion, self-criticism, body appreciation, functionality appreciation, and body image flexibility.
Main Methods:
- Longitudinal study with 2982 adult women surveyed at baseline, 4-month, and 8-month follow-ups.
- Cross-lagged panel models used to analyze bidirectional associations.
- Survey instruments measured self-compassion, self-criticism, and positive body image components.
Main Results:
- Reciprocal negative associations were found between self-criticism and all three positive body image components.
- Self-compassion at baseline predicted increased body image flexibility and functionality appreciation at 4-month follow-up.
- Body appreciation at baseline predicted increased self-compassion at 4-month follow-up.
Conclusions:
- Self-compassion and self-criticism are dynamically related to positive body image over time.
- Compassionate self-responses may precede and follow improvements in body image.
- Interventions targeting self-compassion and self-criticism could enhance positive body image.
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