Relationship between Interoceptive Awareness and Body Dissatisfaction and the moderating role of Bodily Intolerance of Uncertainty

Abstract

The present study explored the relationship between interoceptive awareness, bodily intolerance of uncertainty, and body dissatisfaction in a sample of 132 emerging adults consisting of women (N = 96, mean age = 21.66) and men (N = 36, mean age = 21.97) between the age of 18 and 25 years. Using hierarchical multiple regression analysis, the direct effect of interoceptive awareness on body dissatisfaction was assessed, as well as the moderating role of bodily intolerance of uncertainty. Results yielded interoceptive awareness as significant predictor of body dissatisfaction and a moderating effect of bodily intolerance of uncertainty. Particularly, specific subscales revealed a significant relationship with body dissatisfaction: Not Distracting, Not Worrying and Trusting. Accordingly, it is suggested that decreased awareness of bodily signals relates to more dissatisfaction regarding body image. Bodily intolerance of uncertainty affects this mechanism with individuals that experience more intolerance towards bodily changes being at higher risk for body image concerns. Moreover, the findings indicated gender differences in the study variables with women reporting more dissatisfaction and higher bodily intolerance of uncertainty and differences in the certain subscales of interoceptive awareness. Interventions targeting interoceptive awareness and bodily intolerance of uncertainty might therefore be beneficial in enhancing a more positive body image among emerging adults. Keywords: emerging adulthood, body dissatisfaction, interoceptive awareness, bodily intolerance of uncertainty