Does self-compassion buffer the detrimental effect of body shame on depressive symptoms?

Abstract

Researchers have identified that experiences of body-related shame significantly contribute to heightened depressive symptoms, and therefore it is valuable to identify and understand potential factors that buffer this relationship. The present study examined the cross-sectional relationship between body-related shame and depressive symptoms separately among women and men, and tested self-compassion as a potential moderator. Data from a sample of 520 adults (42.3 % women; M_age = 35.43, SD = 10.09 years) recruited through MTurk were analyzed using moderated regression analysis. Results indicated that body-related shame was positively and significantly associated with frequency of depressive symptoms. Additionally, self-compassion moderated the relationship between body-related shame and depression among women, but not men, even after controlling for self-esteem. Specifically, women with lower levels of self-compassion reported a significantly stronger relationship between body-related shame and depressive symptoms, and at higher levels of self-compassion, there was no relationship between body shame and depressive symptoms. These findings have practical implications and suggest that low levels of self-compassion may increase the risk of depressive symptoms, and high levels of self-compassion may be protective among women that experience body-related shame.

Keywords: Body shame; Depression; Moderation; Self-compassion; Self-esteem.