Experiences of body-related shame are common and impactful on individuals. They are linked to a number of negative health outcomes. Yet, how it relates to sleep quality, an essential health outcome, remains understudied. Moreover, even less is known about potential mechanisms that may explain the link between body-related shame and insomnia. One such mechanism is psychological flexibility, the ability to consciously focus on being in the present moment and moving towards a more valued living experience. Therefore, this study examined the mediating role of psychological flexibility on body shame and insomnia symptoms. It was hypothesized that higher levels of body shame will be linked to lower levels of psychological flexibility. Less psychological flexibility will also be linked to higher rates of insomnia. 257 university students completed an online survey assessing health behaviors and psychological health. The data was analyzed using a mediation model through PROCESS macro for SPSS. The results revealed a significant indirect effect of increased body shame on increased insomnia through lower psychological flexibility. These results indicate that body related shame is a psychological experience that is linked to poorer sleep. Treatments that focus on improving psychological flexibility may be effective in improving sleep in individuals who experience body-related shame. They can be used to inform psychological interventions for insomnia by focusing on reducing body-related shame such as Cognitive Behavioral Therapy, an empirically supported treatment for insomnia. All in all, the relationship between body related shame, psychological flexibility, and insomnia have great potential in providing solutions to mental and physical health.
Author: Erin McFadden, Biology
Advisor: Michael Craven, Psychological Sciences
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