Volume 29, Issue 1 (3-2026)
J Arak Uni Med Sci 2026, 29(1): 43-51 |
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Rahmani J, Abbasi G. The Structural Equation Modeling of Body Image and Dating Anxiety in Adolescents with Acne Vulgaris: The Mediating Role of Self-Compassion and Interpersonal Cognitive Distortion. J Arak Uni Med Sci 2026; 29 (1) :43-51
URL: http://jams.arakmu.ac.ir/article-1-7938-en.html
URL: http://jams.arakmu.ac.ir/article-1-7938-en.html
1- PhD. Student in Health Psychology, Department of Psychology, Go.C., Islamic Azad University, Gorgan, Iran
2- Associate Professor, Department of Psychology, Sar.C., Islamic Azad University, Sari, Iran ,gh_abbasi@iausari.ac.ir
2- Associate Professor, Department of Psychology, Sar.C., Islamic Azad University, Sari, Iran ,
Abstract: (723 Views)
Introduction: This study aimed to investigate the structural relationships between body image and dating anxiety in adolescents with acne vulgaris, considering the mediating roles of self-compassion and interpersonal cognitive distortion.
Methods: This correlational study utilized structural equation modeling (SEM). The statistical population comprised all patients visiting dermatology clinics in Qaemshahr, Iran in 2023. From this population, 100 adolescents (aged 13-21) with acne vulgaris were selected via purposive sampling. Participants completed the Body Image Questionnaire, Self-Compassion Scale, Interpersonal Cognitive Distortions Scale, and Dating Anxiety Scale for Adolescents. Data were analyzed using Partial Least Squares Structural Equation Modeling (PLS-SEM).
Results: The findings indicated that the proposed model had an acceptable fit. Negative body image was related to dating anxiety both directly and indirectly through mediating mechanisms. Specifically, negative body image was associated with decreased self-compassion (β = -0.775) and increased interpersonal cognitive distortion (β = 0.663). In turn, low self-compassion
(β = -0.311) and high interpersonal cognitive distortion (β = 0.288) significantly predicted higher levels of dating anxiety. The total indirect effect of body image on dating anxiety was also significant (β = 0.432).
Conclusions: The results demonstrate that body dissatisfaction in adolescents with acne increases dating anxiety both directly and by undermining self-compassion and amplifying negative cognitive distortions in interpersonal relationships. These findings highlight the critical importance of interventions focused on improving body image, fostering self-compassion, and modifying maladaptive cognitive schemas in this population.
Methods: This correlational study utilized structural equation modeling (SEM). The statistical population comprised all patients visiting dermatology clinics in Qaemshahr, Iran in 2023. From this population, 100 adolescents (aged 13-21) with acne vulgaris were selected via purposive sampling. Participants completed the Body Image Questionnaire, Self-Compassion Scale, Interpersonal Cognitive Distortions Scale, and Dating Anxiety Scale for Adolescents. Data were analyzed using Partial Least Squares Structural Equation Modeling (PLS-SEM).
Results: The findings indicated that the proposed model had an acceptable fit. Negative body image was related to dating anxiety both directly and indirectly through mediating mechanisms. Specifically, negative body image was associated with decreased self-compassion (β = -0.775) and increased interpersonal cognitive distortion (β = 0.663). In turn, low self-compassion
(β = -0.311) and high interpersonal cognitive distortion (β = 0.288) significantly predicted higher levels of dating anxiety. The total indirect effect of body image on dating anxiety was also significant (β = 0.432).
Conclusions: The results demonstrate that body dissatisfaction in adolescents with acne increases dating anxiety both directly and by undermining self-compassion and amplifying negative cognitive distortions in interpersonal relationships. These findings highlight the critical importance of interventions focused on improving body image, fostering self-compassion, and modifying maladaptive cognitive schemas in this population.
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