RT Journal Article
T1 Exploring the link between self-compassion and compulsive exercise among women
A1 Cuesta-Zamora, Cristina
A1 Parra, Marta
A1 Toledano González, Abel
A1 Ricarte, Jorge Javier
A1 Plateau, Carolyn
K1 Compasión
K1 Conducta compulsiva
AB ObjectivesSelf-compassion, defined as the ability to be accepting and loving towards oneself, has been identified as a potential protective factor against the development of body dissatisfaction and eating disorders (ED). In contrast, compulsive exercise is a core feature in the development and progression of EDs and is often employed as a maladaptive coping strategy for negative emotions and body image concerns. However, the relationships between self-compassion and compulsive exercise attitudes and behaviours are as yet unexplored.MethodsA total of 539 Spanish female university students (Mage = 20.03, SD = 2.22) completed measures of compulsive exercise, frequency of compensatory exercise, self-compassion, eating disorder symptoms, and anxiety and depression.ResultsHierarchical multiple regressions showed that lower levels of self-compassion significantly predicted some compulsive exercise elements (namely, weight control exercise and lack of exercise enjoyment) after controlling for ED symptoms, anxiety, depression and age. However, frequency of compensatory exercise was unrelated to self-compassion elements. Findings from the mediation models suggest an indirect effect of self-compassion on the association between compulsive exercise and ED symptoms.ConclusionsThe findings suggest a significant link between low self-compassion and greater harmful exercise attitudes and behaviours towards exercise. Further research is needed to clarify whether self-compassion may be a core feature in the development and maintenance of harmful attitudes and behaviours towards exercise.
PB Springer Nature
YR 2022
FD 2022-07
LK https://hdl.handle.net/10630/41192
UL https://hdl.handle.net/10630/41192
LA eng
NO Cuesta-Zamora, C., Parra, M., Toledano-González, A., Ricarte, J., & Plateau, C. R. (2022). Exploring the link between self-compassion and compulsive exercise amongst women. Mindfulness, 13(7), 1679-1691.
DS RIUMA. Repositorio Institucional de la Universidad de Málaga
RD 21 ene 2026