Frontiers in nutrition
Predictors of body appreciation in mothers of children living with ASD: the role of physical activity, self-compassion, and emotional eating
By Pierote MR, Rocon IP, da Silva GG and 1 others.
Abstract
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.