Explaining the associations between adverse childhood experiences and body dissatisfaction through the lens of appearance stigma

Empirical research evidence suggests an association between adverse childhood experiences (ACEs) and body dissatisfaction. However, prior research predominantly focused on body fat dissatisfaction, with limited research on muscularity dissatisfaction. Also, limited research has clarified potential pathways between ACEs and body dissatisfaction. To fill these gaps, we examined the relationship between ACEs and both body fat and muscularity dissatisfaction and proposed a theoretical model from the lens of appearance stigma where the experienced (i.e., weight and muscularity teasing) and internalized (i.e., weight and muscularity bias internalization) appearance stigma act as potential pathways. Data were collected online from 800 Chinese adults (n_women = 400, n_men = 400). Bivariate correlation analyses and structural equation modeling (SEM) were conducted separately by gender. Results showed significant positive correlations between ACEs and both body fat and muscularity dissatisfaction in men and women (rs = .24–.30, ps < .001). The proposed model could fully explain the relationships between ACEs and body dissatisfaction for both genders. Specifically, ACEs were associated with higher experienced and internalized appearance stigma, which, in turn, were related to higher body fat and muscularity dissatisfaction. Findings underscore the potential importance of targeting both experienced and internalized appearance stigma to mitigate the potential impact of ACEs on body dissatisfaction.