Pride and body image among transgender and nonbinary adults: the mediating role of body appreciation between gender identity pride and intuitive eating

Studies exploring disordered eating among transgender and nonbinary populations have primarily focused on minority stressors with a dearth of research examining the role of gender identity pride on body appreciation and intuitive eating. To address this gap in the literature, the present study, comprised of 148 transgender and nonbinary adults (Mage = 24.68, SD = 6.64), tested the associations among gender identity pride, body appreciation, and intuitive eating, controlling for demographics and minority stress variables. The study also tested body appreciation as a mediator in the cross-sectional association between gender identity pride and intuitive eating. Regression models indicated that greater gender identity pride was significantly associated with greater body appreciation, but not intuitive eating. Greater body appreciation was a significant mediator in the positive association between gender identity pride and intuitive eating. Findings support the significant role and relevance of examining gender identity pride as related to body appreciation and intuitive eating. Future research may determine the causal impact of gender identity pride on body image and eating behaviors in transgender and nonbinary populations. Clinicians may consider the positive role of gender identity pride when addressing body image and eating behaviors with their transgender and nonbinary clients.