Self-compasion and body image: experiences and meanings in Chilean adult women. A qualitative study

Abstract

Several studies show the relationship between self-compassion and body image in women, showing that the increase in self-compassion contributes to a healthier body image, therefore, it is relevant to investigate in depth the experiences and meanings associated with this relationship, considering that Body image is influenced by different sociocultural and cognitive factors. From a qualitative methodology, semi-structured interviews were conducted with eight normal-weight women between 20 and 30 years of age in Chile. The data was analyzed based on the perspective of the Grounded Theory. The following results were reported in the analysis: (1) body appreciation depends on the body shape which is variable, (2) women have difficulty in relating kindly to their body, (3) when they know, love and accept themselves they are more self-compassionate with their body, and (4) leading a healthy life helps them to have more self-compassion. Although it is easy for women to recognize body dissatisfaction, it is especially difficult to alleviate it in a kind manner. One way to achieve better self-compassion is to increase self-awareness, acceptance, love, and self-confidence; to protect them-self from imposed demands.