Body-related predictors of depression: a cross-sectional study among adults during COVID-19

ABSTRACT Objective The aim of our study was to identify body-related predictors (quality of life, negative emotions, body dissatisfaction) of depression during the COVID-19 pandemic while controlling for sex, age and BMI. Method Participants (N = 167, Mage  = 37.70 years ± 11.37) completed: the Beck Depression Inventory-II, the Body Image Quality of Life Inventory, the short form of the Situational Inventory of Body Image Dysphoria, the Contour Drawing Rating Scale and the socio-demographic survey. Results Body-related quality of life had the most credible and negative association among the included predictors. Body-related negative emotions and body dissatisfaction were both positively and credibly related, with similar strength. Conclusions Our outcomes mean that body image attitudes and emotions, and the extent to which these impact on quality of life during COVID-19 are important in predicting the level of depression symptoms. Expanding the scope of knowledge in this field will help to understand the mechanisms generating relationships between depression and body image, especially in the context of the effects of the COVID-19 pandemic and will allow for more effective assistance in the treatment of depression.