Body Posi... Negativity? The Impacts of a Body Positivity Educational Video on Affects: The moderating Role of Body Satisfaction

Abstract This study examined the immediate effects of an educational Body Positivity video on positive and negative affects, as well as the moderating role of self-esteem and body satisfaction. 240 Brazilians (mean age=31.81, SD=13.59) participated in the experiment, which was conducted online. MANOVA revealed significant effects on negative affects (F[1, 238]=10.568; p=0.001; η2=0.043), that were higher in the experimental group. Further analysis showed that body satisfaction was a significant moderator (b=-0.31, t=-3.15, p=0.01): negative affects were only experienced in participants with lower body satisfaction. Data can be explained by specifics of the content, that discussed Body Positivity by initially presenting negative opinions coming from the general population. Thus, results align with the General Learning Model, emphasizing that educational content regarding Body Positivity should focus less on highlighting discrimination.