Self-Compassion as a Buffer against Eating Pathology in a Greek Community Sample

Abstract

The present study investigated the role of self-compassion (SC) in disordered eating and examined gender and age differences among the groups. Potential risk factors were also involved in the study, including gender, BMI, education status and exercise frequency. A total of a hundred participants (N = 100), equally distributed to two groups of males and females, were randomly selected across a Greek community sample. Participants completed questionnaires comprising the EAT-26, the SelfCompassion Scale (SCS) and PANAS Scale. Correlational analysis showed that SC is negatively associated with eating disorder symptomatology. SC and better eating attitudes relationship were stronger among older adults. Specifically, participants aged 24-29 and 30-35 presented higher SC scores and better eating attitudes, while there was no significant negative correlation for those aged 18-23. An independent samples t-test examining gender differences confirmed that females are more likely to be engaged in disordered eating behaviours than men. There were no statistically significant differences between the genders regarding their ability for SC. Multiple regression analysis indicated that biological and psychosocial factors such as gender, age, education, and BMI and exercise frequency did not predict disordered eating attitudes, while SC did. Regarding SC, multiple regression analysis found that education status, age, positive affect and EAT-26 scores all predicted SC scores. These findings suggest that SC may moderate disordered eating, thus being invaluable in designing and implementing prevention and intervention programs promoting better eating attitudes and well-being.