The Relationship Between Body and Appearance-Related Self-conscious Emotions and Disordered Eating: The Mediating Role of Symptoms of Depression and Anxiety
- Mendia, Jara
- Pascual, Aitziber
- Conejero, Susana
- Mayordomo, Sonia
ISSN: 1577-7057
Year of publication: 2021
Volume: 21
Issue: 1
Pages: 93-105
Type: Article
More publications in: International journal of psychology and psychological therapy
Abstract
Over the last decade, several studies have highlighted the role that certain emotional variables play in eating disorders. However, body and appearance-related self-conscious emotions have hardly been studied at all in relation to eating disorders. This cross-sectional study was therefore conducted with two aims: 1) to analyze the differences between those at risk of developing an eating disorder and those not at risk, in relation to body and appearance-related self-conscious emotions and, 2) to analyze the mediating role of symptoms of depression and anxiety in the relationship between body and appearance-related self-conscious emotions and disordered eating. Participants were 196 adult women aged between 18 and 35 who completed the Eating Attitudes Test, the Body and Appearance Self-Conscious Emotions Scale and the General Health Questionnaire. The results showed that women at risk scored higher for body shame and body guilt and lower for authentic body pride and hubristic body pride. In most cases, symptoms of depression and anxiety were found to be mediating variables. In conclusion, this study highlights the relevant role played not only by negative emotions (e.g., body shame and body guilt), but also by positive ones (e.g., authentic and hubristic body pride). Our study will help develop more effective preventive and therapeutic strategies
Funding information
This study was supported by the Universidad del Pa?s Vasco and the Gobierno Vasco [Grant IT-1187-1].Funders
-
Euskal Herriko Unibertsitatea
Spain
- IT-1187-1
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