DOI: 10.1177/2168023x261466725 ISSN: 2168-023X

Psychosocial Factors Associated with Body Appreciation in Adults Seeking Bariatric Surgery

Katherine J. Meschino, Abby L. Braden, Christina M. Gaggiano
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Background:

Body image concerns are common among individuals seeking bariatric surgery, though less is known about factors associated with positive body image in this population. Body appreciation has received limited attention in prebariatric samples, despite its potential relevance. The present study examined psychosocial correlates of body appreciation, with particular focus on overvaluation of shape and weight (OSW) and sociocultural appearance pressures.

Methods:

Adults seeking bariatric surgery ( N = 160) completed an online questionnaire following a psychological evaluation at a rural Midwestern hospital. Bivariate correlations and hierarchical linear regression analyses examined associations between body appreciation and psychosocial variables. Moderation analyses tested age as a potential moderator.

Results:

Body appreciation was negatively correlated with OSW and sociocultural appearance pressures from peers, family, and media but was not significantly correlated with age. In regression analyses controlling for age, gender, and body mass index, OSW and age emerged as significant negative predictors of body appreciation, whereas sociocultural appearance pressures did not uniquely predict body appreciation. Age did not moderate the associations of OSW or sociocultural appearance pressures with body appreciation.

Conclusion:

OSW appears to be a key psychosocial correlate of low body appreciation among individuals seeking bariatric surgery, highlighting its potential relevance for presurgical psychosocial assessment and support.

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