Abstract:

This study aims to explore correlates between body appreciation and mental health among a racially and ethnically diverse sample of adult women using validated measures. The sample included racially and ethnically diverse women (N=497) from various socioeconomic levels. Linear regression results indicated that body appreciation was significantly and inversely associated with depression (b=−3.68; p<0.001). In this sample,
as body appreciation increased, depression scores decreased. Similarly, body appreciation was significantly and inversely associated with anxiety among this sample (b=−1.78; p<0.001). This article concludes with a discussion of findings and implications.  

Authors: Virginia Ramseyer Winter, Meghan M Gillen, Laura Cahill, Aubrey Jones and Michaella Ward