Moderators of the internalization–body dissatisfaction relationship in middle school girls

The purpose of the present study was to replicate and extend previous research by examining the moderating effects of self-esteem, physical self-concept, physical appearance comparisons, BMI, pubertal status, and cardiorespiratory fitness, on the internalization–body dissatisfaction relationship in middle school girls. Hierarchical multiple regression (HMR) was used to examine direct and moderating effects of these variables. Internalization was related directly and significantly to body dissatisfaction, as were the proposed moderators (i.e., self-esteem, physical self-concept, physical appearance comparisons, BMI, pubertal status, and cardiorespiratory fitness); however, these variables failed to significantly influence the internalization–body dissatisfaction relationship. Possible explanations for the lack of moderating effects and directions for future research are discussed.

► We examined moderators on the internalization–body dissatisfaction relationship. ► Higher levels of internalization were significantly related to body dissatisfaction. ► All moderators (e.g., physical, social, and psychological characteristics) were directly related to body dissatisfaction. ► No moderating effects were found for the internalization–body dissatisfaction relationship. ► Possible explanations for the lack of moderating effects are discussed.