Comparing the efficacy of a brief self-esteem and self-compassion intervention for state body dissatisfaction and self-improvement motivation. (December 2018)

• Record Type: Journal Article
• Authors: Moffitt, Robyn L.; Neumann, David L.; Williamson, Shannon P.
• Is Part Of: Body image. Volume 27(2018)
• Page Start: 67
• Page End: 76
• Publication Date: 2018-12
• Subjects: Self-esteem -- Self-compassion -- Body dissatisfaction -- Self-improvement -- Motivation; Body image -- Periodicals; Body image -- Research -- Periodicals; Body Image -- Periodicals; 306.4613
• DOI: 10.1016/j.bodyim.2018.08.008
• Languages: English
• ISSNs: 1740-1445

Abstract

Highlights: This study compared the efficacy of self-esteem and self-compassion writing tasks. Self-compassion improved body dissatisfaction and self-improvement motivation. Pre-intervention trait body dissatisfaction moderated intervention efficacy. Self-compassion emerged as a superior approach to self-esteem in this context. Abstract: This study explored the efficacy of reflective writing tasks for reducing state body dissatisfaction and improving self-improvement motivation. Participants ( N = 153) were exposed to a threatening body image scenario, after which they reported their state body dissatisfaction. Following randomisation to one of three interventions (self-esteem, self-compassion, or positive distraction control), participants completed the state body dissatisfaction measures again along with a measure of self-improvement motivation. At post-intervention, state weight dissatisfaction and appearance dissatisfaction were significantly lower and self-improvement motivation was significantly higher in the self-compassion group than in both the self-esteem and control groups. Trait body dissatisfaction moderated the efficacy of the intervention whereby the benefit of the self-compassion intervention became evident at moderate levels of trait body dissatisfaction, and was most apparent at high levels of body dissatisfaction. Self-compassion was a robust and efficacious method through which to promote immediate improvements to bodily feelings and desire to self-improve.