Predictors of body appreciation in mothers of children living with ASD: the role of physical activity, self-compassion, and emotional eating.

INTRODUCTION

Mothers of children living with Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD) often experience high levels of emotional overload, which can negatively impact their eating behaviors and body image. In this context, body appreciation-a key facet of positive body image-serves as an important protective factor. However, evidence regarding the determinants of body appreciation among caregivers of children with ASD remains limited. This study aimed to investigate the sociodemographic, clinical, lifestyle, and psychological factors associated with body appreciation in mothers of children living with ASD.

MATERIALS AND

METHODS

This cross-sectional study evaluated 143 mothers of children with ASD residing in Espírito Santo, Brazil. Data were collected online through self-administered questionnaires assessing sociodemographic and clinical characteristics, nutritional status, lifestyle habits, self-compassion, emotional eating, and body appreciation. Multiple linear regression analysis was conducted using Jeffreys's Amazing Statistics Program (JASP, version 0.18.0) to identify predictors of body appreciation.

RESULTS

Multiple regression analysis demonstrated that higher body appreciation was significantly predicted by engagement in physical activity (β = 0.293; p = 0.044), child's age over six years (β = 0.329; p = 0.016), and higher self-compassion (β = 0.440; p < 0.001). High Body Mass Index (BMI) (β = -0.034; p = 0.005) and emotional eating (β = -0.010; p < 0.001) were inversely associated with body appreciation.

DISCUSSION: Self-compassion and physical activity emerged as key positive correlates of body appreciation, whereas elevated BMI and emotional eating were identified as negative predictors in this population. Given the cross-sectional design, longitudinal studies across diverse geographical settings are needed to confirm causality and support generalizability. Identifying these predictors provides actionable insights for designing targeted interventions aimed at promoting positive body image and mitigating dysfunctional eating behaviors in mothers of children with ASD.