Longitudinal relationship between body image satisfaction and anxiety symptoms among Tibetan college students: the mediating role of disordered eating and moderating role of mindfulness

Ruipeng WU; Zixuan Guang; Qiong Niu; Chunyu Zheng; Yuxin Xie; Bingheng QU; Xiaopeng Tong

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Longitudinal relationship between body image satisfaction and anxiety symptoms among Tibetan college students: the mediating role of disordered eating and moderating role of mindfulness

VernacularTitle:西藏大学生身体形象满意度与焦虑症状的纵向关系：饮食失调的中介作用和正念的调节作用
Author: Ruipeng WU ^{1
,

2
,

3} ; Zixuan GUANG ¹ ; Qiong NIU ¹ ; Chunyu ZHENG ¹ ; Yuxin XIE ¹ ; Bingheng QU ¹ ; Xiaopeng TONG ¹
Author Information

1. Key Laboratory for Molecular Genetic Mechanisms and Intervention Research on High Altitude Disease of Xizang Autonomous Region, School of Medicine of Xizang Minzu University, Xianyang 712082
2. Clinical Medical Research Center for Plateau Gastroenterological Disease of Xizang Autonomous Region, School of Medicine of Xizang Minzu University, Xianyang 712082
3. Department of Nutrition and Food Hygiene, School of Public Health of Southeast University, Nanjing 210009, China
Publication Type:Journal Article
Keywords: anxiety; body satisfaction; eating disorder; mindfulness; mediating effect
From: Journal of Xi'an Jiaotong University(Medical Sciences) 2024;45(5):872-878
CountryChina
Language:Chinese
Abstract: 【Objective】 To explore the mediating role of eating disorders in the relationship between body image satisfaction and anxiety symptoms among college students, and further examine the moderating effect of mindfulness on this mediating pathway. 【Methods】 By using convenience sampling, we conducted baseline and follow-up surveys among freshmen and sophomores at two universities in Xizang Autonomous Region from September to December 2021. Measurements included the Generalized Anxiety Disorder Scale, the body image satisfaction subscale of the Multidimensional Body-Self Relations Questionnaire, the Eating Attitudes Test, and the Mindful Attention Awareness Scale. Data analyses performed using SPSS 23.0 included Pearson correlation analysis, mediation (model 4), and moderation (model 58) effect analysis. 【Results】 A total of 2 993 students participated in both the baseline and follow-up surveys, including 1 007 males (34.3%) and 1,666 Tibetan and other ethnic minorities (56.8%), with an average age of 19.8 (SD=1.3) years. Body image satisfaction significantly predicted anxiety symptoms, and this relationship was partially mediated by disordered eating. The presence of mindfulness moderated the impact of body image satisfaction on disordered eating and the influence of disordered eating on anxiety symptoms, indicating varying strengths of these relationships at different levels of mindfulness. 【Conclusion】 This study demonstrates that body image satisfaction can significantly predict anxiety symptoms, with disordered eating playing a mediating role in this relationship. The moderating effect of mindfulness further reveals that students with high levels of mindfulness are less likely to experience eating disorders influenced by body image dissatisfaction. Interventions for college students’ mental health should consider including management of body image and eating behaviors, as well as mindfulness training.