The protective role of positive body image on the associations between body objectification, disordered eating symptoms, and depression among Korean women

ABSTRACT

Despite a significant amount of research theoretically demonstrating the benefits of positive body image, limited studies have empirically examined its protective role over women’s body concerns and behaviors. Based on the objectification theory, this study explored whether the associations between body objectification, disordered eating symptoms, and depression are moderated by positive body image. We considered four specific constructs of positive body image using the Body Positive Scale (BP Scale) which includes BP-Feeling, BP-Acceptance-even if, BP-Response, and BP-Conceptualization. We conducted moderated mediation analysis using PROCESS model on data from an online survey completed by 400 Korean women ages 20–64 years. The results showed that the associations between body objectification and disordered eating symptoms were not significant at high levels of BP-Feeling and BP-Acceptance-even if. The results also revealed that indirect associations between body objectification and depression via disordered eating symptoms were not significant at high levels of BP-Feeling and BP-Acceptance-even if. While the overall results suggest the protective role of positive body image against disordered eating and depression, this study further provides specific information on positive body image that should be included in the prevention and treatment of disordered eating.

Disclosure statement

No potential conflict of interest was reported by the author(s).

Data availability statement

The data that support the findings of this study are available from the corresponding author, [Minsun Lee], upon reasonable request.

Additional information

Funding

This paper was supported by Konkuk University in 2023.