| dc.description.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 | |
