Body Image and Negative Emotions in Chinese Deaf and Hard-of-Hearing College Students: The Mediating Role of Core Self-Evaluation and the Moderating Role of Self-Compassion

Purpose: Because hearing impairment as an invisible disability is not considered to have serious body image problems, the impact of body image on negative emotions of deaf or hard-of-hearing (DHH) college students has been relatively neglected. The present study aimed to explore the impact of body image on negative emotions as well as the mediating role of core self-evaluation and the moderating role of self-compassion by using a sample of DHH college students. Materials and Methods: A sample of 357 Chinese DHH students completed the measures of body image, core self-evaluation, self- compassion, depression, and anxiety. Correlations and line regression analyses were used to explore the relationships among the above variables. The mediating role of core self-evaluation and the moderating role of self-compassion were examined using the Hayes' Proces. Results: The results showed that body image not only directly affects negative emotions but also indirectly impacts negative emotions through core self-evaluation. Moreover, self-compassion Moderated the effects of core self-evaluation on negative emotions. Conclusion: Body image is an important influencing factor of negative emotions in DHH college students. Increasing positive body image, improving core self-evaluation, and cultivating self-compassion can be effective in reducing negative emotions in DHH college students.