Predictors of body appreciation in mothers of children living with ASD: the role of physical activity, self-compassion, and emotional eating

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.