Body image-related cognitive fusion as a main mediational process between body-related experiences and women's quality of life

Abstract

Purpose: Although the experience of body image has been considered an important indicator of women’s psychological quality of life (QoL), it has also been suggested that the impact of unwanted body-related experiences on QoL may be mediated by emotional regulation processes. The aim of the current study was therefore to explore for the first time the role of body image-related cognitive fusion on these associations. Methods: This study comprised 779 young females who completed self-report measures. A path analysis was conducted to explore whether BMI, body dissatisfaction, and feelings of inferiority based on physical appearance would impact on psychological QoL through body image-related cognitive fusion. Results: The model explained 39% of psychological health, and revealed an excellent fit. Results showed that BMI did not directly impact on psychological health. Furthermore, the effects of increased body dissatisfaction and feelings of inferiority based on physical appearance on psychological health were fully and partially mediated by body image-related cognitive fusion, respectively. Conclusions: These findings suggest that the presence of body image-related negative experiences does not necessarily lead to impairment in women’s quality of life, which is rather dependent upon one’s ability to observe these unwanted experiences as transient and subjective. Therefore, intervention programs aiming at increasing women’s quality of life should focus on targeting emotional regulation processes in order to develop the ability to pursue life goals and values, even in the presence of unwanted experiences concerning body image.