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The Relationship between Self-objectification and Adolescent Appearance Anxiety: A Mediated Model with Moderation
He Zhang1, Hongyu Li2, Can Jiang2
1Department of Intercultural Studies, Kookmin University, 02707 Seoul, Republic of Korea.
Actas Espanolas De Psiquiatria
|March 12, 2025
Summary
Self-objectification significantly predicts appearance anxiety in adolescents. Social appearance comparison partially mediates this link, and self-compassion moderates the effect, offering insights into managing appearance concerns.
Area of Science:
- Psychology
- Social Media Studies
- Adolescent Development
Background:
- Social media intensifies appearance scrutiny, contributing to psychological distress like appearance anxiety.
- Self-objectification, viewing oneself as an object to be evaluated, is a key factor in appearance anxiety.
- Understanding the interplay of self-objectification, social comparison, and self-compassion is crucial for adolescent mental health.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the influence of self-objectification on appearance anxiety among adolescents.
- To examine the mediating role of social appearance comparison in this relationship.
- To explore the moderating effect of self-compassion on the pathway from self-objectification to appearance anxiety.
Main Methods:
- A quantitative survey was administered to 842 adolescents.
- Validated scales measured self-objectification, social appearance comparison, self-compassion, and appearance anxiety.
- Data from 766 completed questionnaires were statistically analyzed.
Main Results:
- Self-objectification emerged as a significant positive predictor of appearance anxiety.
- Social appearance comparison partially mediated the association between self-objectification and appearance anxiety.
- Self-compassion moderated the indirect effect of self-objectification on appearance anxiety via social appearance comparison.
Conclusions:
- The relationship between self-objectification and appearance anxiety is a complex mediated process.
- Self-compassion plays a moderating role, influencing how self-objectification impacts appearance anxiety through social comparison.
- Findings highlight the importance of self-compassion in mitigating appearance anxiety related to self-objectification and social comparison.
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