Investigating the relationship between social media exposure, body image dissatisfaction, and self-compassion in adolescent athlete.

Introduction: Social media exposure has become a significant influence on adolescents' body image perceptions, particularly among adolescent athletes who face both performance-related and appearance-related pressures. This study investigated the relationship between social media exposure and body image dissatisfaction, focusing on the mediating role of self-compassion and the moderating role of fear of negative evaluation. Methods: A cross-sectional survey was conducted among 449 adolescent athletes in China. Data were collected using standardized questionnaires measuring social media exposure, self-compassion, body image dissatisfaction, and fear of negative evaluation. Structural equation modeling (SmartPLS 3.3.3) was employed to test the hypothesized mediation and moderation effects. Results: Social media exposure was positively associated with body image dissatisfaction and negatively associated with self-compassion. Self-compassion significantly mediated the relationship between social media exposure and body image dissatisfaction. Furthermore, fear of negative evaluation significantly moderated the relationship between social media exposure and self-compassion, such that the negative association was stronger among individuals with higher levels of fear of negative evaluation. Discussion: The findings suggest that social media exposure contributes to body image dissatisfaction among adolescent athletes both directly and indirectly through reduced self-compassion. Fear of negative evaluation further increases vulnerability to these effects. The study extends Social Comparison Theory and Self-Compassion Theory by integrating protective and vulnerability factors within a single framework and highlights the importance of interventions aimed at strengthening self-compassion and reducing excessive evaluative pressure to promote adolescent wellbeing.