Predicting body image concern based on self-compassion mediated by cognitive flexibility in adolescents

Concerns about body image are associated with negative mental health factors. Therefore, it is necessary to know the factors related to its reduction. The aim of this study was to predict body image anxiety based on self-compassion mediated by cognitive flexibility.

The method of the present study is descriptive-correlation of structural equations. The study population included all high school students who were studying in District 3 of Kermanshah in the academic year 2021-22, which was equal to 5231 people.From among them, a sample of 322 people was selected by multi-stage random cluster sampling method who answered the questionnaires of Body Image concern of Littleton et al (2005), Neff Self-compassion (2003) and Dennis and Wonder Wall Cognitive Flexibility (2010).

The results of path analysis using bootstrap test showed that self-compassion with the mediating role of cognitive flexibility (β = -0.12) is indirectly related to body image concern, which is statistically meaningful (p≤ 0.01). Also, among direct relationships, cognitive flexibility (β = -0.39) and (β = -0.42) are indirectly and significant related to body image concern, and cognitive flexibility is directly related to self-compassion (β= 0.21) All these relationships are statistically significant with 99% confidence with the value (p≤ 0.01).

The results showed that self-compassion, through cognitive flexibility, predicts concern about body image. Therefore, to reduce body image anxiety in adolescents, it is recommended to pay attention to ways to improve self-compassion and cognitive flexibility.