An Integrated Intervention Model of Body Appreciation

Abstract

The present study, preparatory research for the development of a psychoeducational intervention to promote body appreciation (positive body image), examined a model that proposed that self-compassion, gratitude, and the influence of media may affect body appreciation, links of body appreciation to intuitive eating, and life satisfaction. Structural equation modeling of data from 264 university students partially supported the hypothetical model. For both men and women, gratitude promoted self-compassion, and self-compassion promoted body appreciation. Additionally, gratitude directly promoted body appreciation. Although media influences did not promote body appreciation, they promoted intuitive eating in both men and women. In addition, body appreciation promoted intuitive eating and life satisfaction in both men and women. These findings contribute to an understanding of the development of body appreciation, and may point to possible intervention targets relating to body appreciation.