Self-Compassion, Affect, and Body Image in College Women

Abstract

The aim of this study was to understand the relationships between self-compassion, positive affect, negative affect, and variables representative of positive body image for college women. Regression analyses indicated that self-compassion and affect accounted for 39% and 30% of the variance, respectively, in body appreciation and body image quality of life. Mediational analyses demonstrated that positive affect mediated the relationships between self-compassion and both indicators of body image. Implications for college counseling are discussed.