The Relationship between Self-objectification and Adolescent Appearance Anxiety: A Mediated Model with Moderation

Background: The physical appearances of an individual are frequently scrutinized and evaluated by others in daily life. The rise of social media has intensified this scrutiny, leading to increased attention to and comparison of the appearance of an individual with others, leading to psychological challenges such as appearance anxiety. This study, from the perspective of self-objectification, explored the influence of self-objectification on appearance anxiety and the role of social appearance comparison and self- compassion in the relationship between self-objectification and appearance anxiety. Methods: A questionnaire survey was conducted among 842 adolescents using validated instruments, including the Self-objectification Scale, the Social Appearance Comparison Scale, the Self-compassion Scale, and the Appearance Anxiety Scale. Of these, 766 valid questionnaires were completed and analyzed. Results: (1) Self-objectification was a significant positive predictor of appearance anxiety. (2) Social appearance comparison partially mediated the relationship between self-objectification and appearance anxiety. (3) The second half of the mediation process in which self-objectification affects appearance anxiety through social appearance comparison was moderated by self-compassion. Conclusion: The effect of self-objectification on appearance anxiety is a mediated process with moderation.