Positive Rational Acceptance of Body Image Threats Mediates the Association Between Nature Exposure and Body Appreciation

Abstract

Mounting evidence suggests that exposure to natural environments is associated with more positive body image, but mechanistic pathways are not fully understood. Here, we tested one such indirect pathway involving positive rational acceptance (i.e., an adaptive body image coping strategy). A total of 401 participants from the United Kingdom completed measures of nature exposure, positive rational acceptance, and body appreciation (i.e., a facet of positive body image). Correlational analyses indicated positive, albeit weak-to-moderate associations, between all three constructs. Mediation analysis supported the hypothesis that positive rational acceptance mediates the association between nature exposure and body appreciation. These findings were robust in the total sample, as well as in women (n = 200) and men (n = 197) separately. These results highlight the potential benefit of nature exposure in terms of promoting adaptive body image coping strategies, which in turn are associated with more positive body image.

The Impact of a Woodland Walk on Body Image: A Field Experiment and an Assessment of Dispositional and Environmental Determinants

“…That is, through engagement in a form of physical activity in a restorative natural environment, participants may have come to focus more explicitly on a sense of gratitude for what their bodies allowed them to accomplish. Additionally, the restorative setting of the ancient woodland in the present study may also have facilitated self-care attitudes (e.g., self-compassion) that resulted in greater appreciation for one’s body [ 25 ].…”

“…These characteristics of natural environments are thought to restrict negative appearance-related thoughts [ 11 , 24 ] and to shift attention away from an aesthetic view of the body and toward greater appreciation of the body’s functionality [ 12 ]. Additionally, nature exposure may also help to promote holistic self-care attitudes and behaviours—such as positive coping strategies—that result in greater respect, appreciation, and love for one’s body [ 25 ].…”