Self-esteem and body image in females: The mediating role of self-compassion and appearance contingent self-worth

Body dissatisfaction is a major source of suffering among women of all ages. One factor that has the potential to mitigate body dissatisfaction, as well as promote a positive body image and psychological wellbeing, is self-compassion. This study explored sources of positive and negative body image by investigating the relationship between self-esteem, self-compassion, and appearance contingent self-worth in conceptualizing body image avoidance behaviors. The multiple mediation model assessed the responses of 222 female participants from the general community. Self-compassion and appearance contingent self-worth were both found to partially mediate the relationships between self-esteem and body image avoidance behaviors. The findings are discussed in light of clinical interventions and directions for future research in the body image field.