Prediction of Eating Disorders Based on Body Social Anxiety and Self-Compassion in Female Secondary School Students

Abstract

Objective: The aim of this study was to examine the predictive role of body social anxiety and self-compassion in explaining eating disorders among female secondary school students. Methods and Materials: This study employed a descriptive correlational design with a predictive approach. The statistical population consisted of all female students in public secondary schools in District 5 of Tehran during the 2023–2024 academic year (N=5700), from whom 306 participants were selected using convenience sampling. The research instruments included the Eating Attitudes Test (EAT-26), Social Physique Anxiety Scale (SPAS), and Self-Compassion Scale (SCS). Cronbach’s alpha coefficients were 0.80, 0.84, and 0.91, respectively. Data were analyzed using the Kolmogorov–Smirnov test, Spearman correlation coefficients, and stepwise multiple regression analysis. Findings: The results indicated that body social anxiety had significant positive correlations with dieting (r=0.38, p<0.01), oral control (r=0.11, p<0.05), and binge eating (r=0.38, p<0.01). Self-compassion demonstrated significant negative associations with eating disorder dimensions. Multiple regression analysis revealed that body social anxiety and self-compassion together predicted 17% of the variance in dieting (R²=0.17, p<0.01), 9% of oral control (R²=0.09, p<0.01), and 19% of binge eating (R²=0.19, p<0.01). Body social anxiety showed stronger predictive power for dieting and binge eating, whereas self-compassion demonstrated greater predictive strength for oral control. Conclusion : The findings suggest that body social anxiety represents a significant risk factor, while self-compassion functions as an important protective factor against eating disorders. Enhancing self-compassion and reducing body social anxiety may contribute substantially to prevention and psychological intervention strategies targeting eating disorders in adolescents.