The relative relation between body satisfaction, body investment, and depression

Abstract

Depression is one of the biggest global problems, especially among emerging adults aged 18 to 25. A negative body image is a well-known risk factor for the development of depressive symptoms. However, little is known about how different aspects of body image relate to depressive symptoms. Therefore, this study investigated the relative relation between body satisfaction, body investment, and depressive symptoms, moderated by sex and physical activity, among a non-clinical sample of emerging adults. Cross-sectional data from 410 Dutch emerging adults (Mage = 21.95 years, SD = 1.98 years, 80.60% women) within a convenience sample was used. A hierarchical multiple regression analysis showed that a higher body satisfaction and more body investment were related to less depressive symptoms. This relation was somewhat stronger for body investment than for body satisfaction. Furthermore, the relation between body satisfaction and depressive symptoms was stronger for participants with a lower level of physical activity. No other moderation effects were found. This research is unique for adding different concepts of body image in one model. The findings propose that interventions regarding depressive symptoms among emerging adults should focus, next to body satisfaction, on the emotional investment in the body and the enhancement of physical activity.