An Ecological Momentary Assessment of the Impact of Diet Culture Exposure and Self-Compassion on Moment-To-Moment Body Image Satisfaction.

Introduction: ‘Diet culture’ is a phenomenon by which Westernized body image ideals (e.g., ‘thinness’, ‘muscularity’) are highly valued and are equated with health and moral virtue. It is thought that our interactions with others (e.g., family, peers) and with the media drives this phenomenon, often leading to harmful consequences (e.g., body image dissatisfaction). This thesis investigates the impact of ‘diet culture’ on body image satisfaction and explores self-compassion as a potential mediator. It situates the research within the broader literature, examining the harmful effects of diet culture within conversations and media, and the protective role of self-compassion.
Method: A two-phase observational design was used, with a baseline phase and an Ecological Momentary Assessment (EMA) phase. Data were collected on experiences of diet culture, alongside state-based measures (i.e., Body Image State Scale; BISS and State Self-Compassion Scale – Short Form; SSCS-SF) in daily life among the general population. 43 participants from diverse socio-demographic backgrounds participated in both phases of the study for seven days, answering five surveys a day. Data were analysed descriptively and using multilevel modelling (MLM).
Results: Participants were mostly identified as women (74.4%) aged between 16 and 75. They were mainly White (86%) and of ‘healthy’ weight status (46.5%). Diet culture exposures were relatively common for participants over the course of a week. Conversations between friends and family and social media were the most common exposures. MLM analyses revealed that diet culture exposure moderately predicted poorer moment-to-moment body image satisfaction. Higher self-compassion significantly predicted better body image satisfaction. However, there was unsubstantial evidence to suggest it acted as a mediator between diet culture exposure and body image satisfaction. There was an indication of a cumulative impact of a higher number of diet culture exposures on weekly averages of both self-compassion and body image satisfaction, but the differences were non-significant.
Discussion: The results are considered in the context of previous research on diet culture, weight stigma, and sociocultural influences on body image, as well as the protective role of self-compassion. Clinical areas of practice focusing on recognising and resisting diet culture, developing self-compassion, and influencing public health policy are discussed, and areas for future research are considered.