Perfectionism and disordered eating in exercise and nutrition professionals: The role of self-compassion

Disordered eating (DE) is more prevalent among exercise and nutrition professionals (ENPs) which may be partially due to heightened levels of perfectionism. Self-actualizing strategies such as self-compassion may offer protection against DE but are not well-understood among health and wellness professionals. This cross-sectional study investigated the associations between multidimensional perfectionism (self-oriented, socially prescribed, and other-oriented perfectionism) and a two-factor model of DE: (i) weight and shape concerns and (ii) food preoccupation, among ENPs (N = 93; mean age = 33.5; 88.2 % women). Self-compassion was tested as a potential moderating factor. All three dimensions of perfectionism were positively associated with both DE factors. Self-compassion significantly moderated the relationship between self-oriented perfectionism and weight and shape concerns (b = -0.51, SE = 0.22, p = .023). Similarly, self-compassion moderated the relationship between socially prescribed perfectionism and food preoccupation (b = -0.39, SE = 0.19, p = .05). Findings suggest that self-compassion may help reduce the impact of perfectionism on DE risk in ENPs.