Protecting young women's body image from appearance-based social media exposure: A comparative study of self-compassion writing and mindful breathing interventions

Abstract

Objective

This study compared the effectiveness of self-compassion writing and mindful breathing in protecting body image after exposure to appearance-focused social media. It focused on individuals with high self-objectification and explored the underlying mechanisms and emotional benefits of these interventions.

Methods

A randomized controlled trial was conducted with 107 young females (17–25 years) assigned to self-compassion writing (n = 37), mindful breathing (n = 36), or control (n = 34) groups. Body dissatisfaction was induced using idealized body imagery, after which participants completed their respective interventions. State body image was measured at baseline, post-induction, and post-intervention. At the end of the study, a semi-structured interview was conducted, and the data were analyzed using Neff's self-compassion framework.

Results

A two-way ANOVA revealed a significant interaction effect between group and time point F (3.98, 207.15) = 8.45, p < 0.001, partial η² = 0.140. Self-compassion writing through enhanced self-kindness improved state body image beyond baseline levels. Trait self-objectification moderated the efficacy of the intervention (∆R² = 0.04, F (2,100) = 3.48, p = 0.035). Mediation analysis revealed that both interventions improved emotional state through body image enhancement (mediation effect size = 0.21).

Conclusions

Self-compassion writing demonstrated superior efficacy over mindful breathing, primarily through fostering self-kindness. Body image emerged as a critical mediator of emotion improvement, highlighting the value of mindfulness-based interventions in promoting body positivity and emotional resilience following appearance-based social media exposure.