Mindfulness and psychological adjustment in paediatric obesity: The mediating role of body image

Abstract

Aim: The present study explored the potential mediating role of body dissatisfaction and body shame in the relationship between dispositional mindfulness and psychological adjustment in children/adolescents with overweight/obesity. The study aimed to explore the moderating role of gender in the proposed associations. Method: The sample comprised 105 children/adolescents with overweight/obesity who completed self-report instruments, including the Mindfulness Measure for Children and Adolescents (CAMM), the Collins Body Image Scale (CBI), the body shame subscale of the Experience of Shame Scale (ESS), the Strengths and Difficulties Questionnaire (SDQ) and the DISABKIDS-37. Results: Regardless of gender, body shame mediated the association between mindfulness and mental and social quality of life (QoL) and the association between mindfulness and internalising problems. Conclusion: These results suggest that psychological interventions focused on developing mindfulness skills and reducing body shame may be particularly useful for promoting the psychological adjustment of children/adolescents with overweight/obesity.