The role of body compassion in the risk of eating disorders: mediational effects of body appreciation and body shame

Abstract: Background: Body compassion is a protective factor in the field of eating disorders (ED) that has been associated with higher body appreciation and lower body shame. However, more studies are needed in order to disentangle the protective role of compassion in regard to the risk of ED. The study's aims were to (1) analyze the psychometric properties of the Spanish adaptation of the Body Compassion Scale (BCS) and (2) determine whether body appreciation and body shame were mediators in the relationship between body compassion and the risk of ED. Method: 288 women (range: 18-40 years old; M = 24.65 ± 5.02) from the general Spanish population completed online questionnaires. Results: The Spanish adaptation of the BCS was reliable and valid. Results of a serial and parallel mediation model confirmed the protective role of body compassion and body appreciation on body shame and the risk of ED, accounting for 68.88% of the variance. Conclusions: Findings indicate that women who present higher body compassion tend to show higher body appreciation, which in turn leads to lower internal body shame and lower risk of ED. These results support the need to develop a positive and compassionate relationship with one's body, in order to prevent ED.