The Mediating Role of Body Image Flexibility in the Relationship Between Perfectionism and Self-Compassion With Instagram Selfie-Editing
Keywords:
selfie-editing, perfectionism, self-compassion, body image flexibility, self-presentationAbstract
Objective: This study aimed to examine the mediating role of body image flexibility in the relationship between perfectionism and self-compassion with selfie-editing behavior on Instagram among university students.
Methods and Materials: Using a cross-sectional and correlational research design, a sample of 300 university students (aged 18–29) from the University of Tehran was selected through convenience sampling. Participants completed the Tehran Multidimensional Perfectionism Scale (TMPS), the Self-Compassion Scale–Long Form (SCS-LF), the Body Image–Acceptance and Action Questionnaire (BI-AAQ), and a researcher-developed Selfie-Editing Questionnaire (SEQ). Data were analyzed using SPSS-25 and AMOS-24 through structural equation modeling (SEM) and confirmatory factor analysis (CFA).
Findings: Results indicated that perfectionism and self-compassion did not have direct effects on selfie-editing behavior. However, both exhibited significant indirect effects via body image flexibility. Specifically, perfectionism showed a positive and significant indirect relationship with selfie-editing through lower body image flexibility, while self-compassion demonstrated a negative and significant indirect effect through higher body image flexibility. The model explained 42% of the variance in both body image flexibility and selfie-editing behavior. Age showed a significant negative association with both body image flexibility and editing behavior. Gender was not a significant predictor and was excluded from the final model.
Conclusion: The findings underscore the critical role of body image flexibility as a psychological mechanism linking perfectionism and self-compassion to selfie-editing behavior. These results suggest that fostering body image flexibility may reduce compulsive editing tendencies, especially in younger individuals navigating social media environments.
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Copyright (c) 2025 Arman Monavari Khiavi (Author); Manijeh Firoozi (Corresponding Author)
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