Fostering compassion abilities: potential benefits on body image and health related outcomes - Finanziamento dell’Unione Europea – NextGenerationEU – missione 4, componente 2, investimento 1.1.

Recent empirical evidence has shown that self-compassion is associated with indices of positive body image. Notably, other two compassionate abilities can be distinguished: compassion for others and compassion from others. Despite their relevance for health and well-being, the link between compassion either from or for others and positive body image is almost unexplored. This project aims to generate new knowledge on how the three compassionate skills (self-compassion, compassion from and for others) may operate as protective strategies to enhance positive body image and some relevant health related outcomes. Besides studying the three compassionate skills among young women and men, we want to examine their role among women in a particularly delicate period of their life, namely the transition to motherhood. In spite of previous research showing a link between positive body image and some indices of health and between the three compassionate skills and well-being, no previous studies have examined the causal link between these skills, body image and health related outcomes. By applying advanced statistical methods to experimental data, we plan to study and address these interconnections. We will conduct three studies. In Study 1 (N=400 men and women) we will develop an Italian version of the Compassionate Engagement and Action Scales (Gilbert et al 2017), aimed at assessing the three compassionate abilities. In Study 2 (N=400 young women and men), through a 4 (selfcompassion, compassion for others, compassion from others, control) x 2 (men and women) experimental design with pre-test and post-test, we will examine if a more positive body image might mediate the link between the three compassionate skills and healthy eating, sexual well-being, loneliness and interest in cosmetic surgery. In Study 3 (N=300 women in the period after delivery) compassion abilities (self, for and from others) will be manipulated among women after delivery with reference to the specific role of the partner. Besides the variables considered in Study 2, breastfeeding will be investigated. This research project extends previous research findings in many ways. It will 1) pave the way for new theoretical developments on the link between compassionate abilities, positive body image and several health related outcomes, 2) prompt empirical research on the topic, 3) provide relevant information for evidence-based interventions aimed at promoting well-being and healthy habits and at reducing risky attitudes and behaviors. It is an interdisciplinary project, which requires insights not only from social psychology, but also from clinical psychology and gynecology – and these are precisely the specialists who make up our research teams.