Investigating the Role of Upward Comparisons and Self-compassion on Stigma in People With Acne: Cross-sectional Study

Background The use of image-laden social media is hypothesized as being implicated in psychological distress individuals with conditions affecting their appearance. However, relatively little known about the mechanisms involved this relationship. Objective This cross-sectional study examined relationship between photo-orientated and feelings stigmatization adults acne, tested whether upward skin comparisons mediate self-compassion moderates Methods Adults (N=650) acne symptoms completed web-based measures (daily Facebook or Instagram use, function use), self-compassion, appearance comparisons, internalized stigmatization. Results Moderated-mediation mediation analyses indicated that there was a significant indirect effect photo on stigmatization, mediated by (estimation 11.03, SE 5.11, 95% CI 1.19-21.12). There no 0.0002, 0.005, −0.011 to 0.009), yet predicted (B=0.99, P<.001). Self-compassion did not moderate direct relationships stigma. negatively correlated both users. Conclusions way engage media, particular make should be considered when working skin-related distress. Interventions aimed at boosting reducing may provide avenues for protecting against