Thin-Ideal Internalisation and Weight Bias Internalisation as Predictors of Eating Pathology: The Moderating Role of Self-Compassion
- Author(s)
- Montague, G; Eidipour, T; Grant, SL;
- Details
- Publication Year 2025-08-15,Volume 22,Issue #8,Page 1278
- Journal Title
- International Journal of Environmental Research and Public Health
- Publication Type
- Research article
- Abstract
- The internalisation of sociocultural ideals and beliefs about weight and shape has long been recognised as an important predictor of disordered eating. However, thin-ideal internalisation and weight bias internalisation (WBI) are generally examined separately in the literature and within sociocultural models of eating disorders. Additionally, self-compassion has been identified as a protective factor against disordered eating, but its role in mitigating the impact of the internalisation of these sociocultural ideals and beliefs has not been investigated. The current study aimed to investigate (1) the unique contribution of thin-ideal internalisation and WBI in predicting eating disorder cognitions and behaviours and (2) the role of self-compassion in moderating the relationship between thin-ideal/WBI and eating pathology. Four hundred and seventy-five (475) women completed an anonymous online survey. The results indicated that both thin-ideal internalisation and WBI uniquely contributed to the prediction of eating pathology after controlling for body mass index. Self-compassion buffered the effect of thin-ideal internalisation on restraint and the effect of WBI on eating concern. The results support consideration of both thin-ideal internalisation and WBI in sociocultural models of eating disorders and as targets for eating disorder interventions, particularly those based on self-compassion therapy.
- Keywords
- Humans; Female; Adult; *Feeding and Eating Disorders/psychology; Young Adult; *Empathy; Adolescent; *Self Concept; Middle Aged; *Body Image/psychology; *Thinness/psychology; Surveys and Questionnaires; Body Mass Index; *Weight Prejudice/psychology; disordered eating; self-compassion; thin-ideal internalisation; weight bias internalisation
- Department(s)
- Psychosocial Oncology
- Publisher's Version
- https://doi.org/10.3390/ijerph22081278
- Open Access at Publisher's Site
https://doi.org/10.3390/ijerph22081278- Terms of Use/Rights Notice
- Refer to copyright notice on published article.
Creation Date: 2025-10-03 10:30:39
Last Modified: 2025-10-03 10:31:23