Influence of embodiment on positive body image with self-objectification and body awareness as mediators of female yoga practitioners

Abstract

The purpose of this research was to examine the relationship between embodiment and body appreciation, with the mediating effects or body awareness and self-objectification. Participants were 188 Thai female yoga practitioners who practice yoga more than 6 hours per week and for at least 4 months. The mean age was 47.61. Participants completed the measure of embodiment, body appreciation, self-objectification, and body awareness. Results from the Structural Equation Modelling (SEM) analysis using AMOS indicated that the hypothesised model fit with the empirical data. Embodiment had a direct effect on body appreciation and an indirect one via reduced self-objectification. However, body awareness had no mediating effect on the relationship between embodiment and body appreciation.