Body appreciation in young adults: exploring the interplay between of spiritual well-being, gratitude, BMI, and physical activity

Akliman Ç. K., Avcı M.

JOURNAL OF SPIRITUALITY IN MENTAL HEALTH, vol.27, no.4, pp.480-498, 2025 (Scopus) identifier identifier

  • Publication Type: Article / Article
  • Volume: 27 Issue: 4
  • Publication Date: 2025
  • Doi Number: 10.1080/19349637.2024.2431818
  • Journal Name: JOURNAL OF SPIRITUALITY IN MENTAL HEALTH
  • Journal Indexes: Scopus, Academic Search Premier, ASSIA, IBZ Online, ATLA Religion Database, CINAHL, Educational research abstracts (ERA), Psycinfo
  • Page Numbers: pp.480-498
  • Keywords: BMI, Body appreciation, gratitude, spiritual well-being
  • Recep Tayyip Erdoğan University Affiliated: Yes

Abstract

In recent years, a novel area of interest that emerged in research on mental health is body appreciation, broadly understood as a positive and respectful attitude towards one’s body. This study aims to investigate whether gratitude and body mass index mediate the relationship between spiritual well-being and body appreciation among young adults. The results revealed that spiritual well-being significantly enhanced gratitude and body appreciation. Gratitude was found to positively affect body appreciation and amplify the impact of spiritual well-being on body appreciation. The positive effect of spiritual well-being on gratitude was found to be stronger among individuals with higher physical activity levels.