A Comprehensive Study of Positive Body Image as a Predictor of Psychological Well-being in Anorexia Nervosa

Abstract Objective Recent data suggests a close association between positive body image (PBI) and eating disorder recovery. Nevertheless, the specific mechanisms through which PBI may facilitate recovery from anorexia nervosa (AN) remain unknown. To advance understanding of these mechanisms, this study examined core indices of PBI within AN, exploring its association with emotion regulation and well-being outcomes. Method Data were collected from 159 female participants, 64 with AN diagnosis and 95 healthy controls (HC), who completed measures of PBI (body appreciation, functionality appreciation, and body responsiveness), emotion regulation, and psychological well-being (depression, anxiety, stress, and psychological quality of life). Results The AN group reported lower levels of PBI and psychological well-being, along with greater difficulties in regulating emotions, compared to the HC group. All PBI variables displayed significant correlations with the outcome variables. However, in comparison between the groups, body appreciation and functionality appreciation exhibited stronger correlations with psychological well-being in AN participants. PBI variables significantly predicted emotion regulation and psychological well-being in AN, accounting for 36–72% of the variance, with body appreciation emerging as the strongest predictor. Discussion These findings lend credence to the view that PBI can serve as a catalyst for psychological health. We hypothesize that enhancing PBI may establish a stronger body-mind connection, fostering interoceptive awareness crucial for emotion regulation and ultimately reducing emotional symptoms and maladaptive food-related coping in individuals with AN.