Body Image Concerns and Contingent Self-Esteem in Male and Female College Students

Abstract

Body dissatisfaction in females, and to a lesser extent males, is associated with low self-esteem, depression, and eating disorders. This research examined gender as a moderator of the association between contingent self-esteem and body image concerns, including weight and muscularity. Participants included 359 (59.1% female) heavy drinking first-year U.S. undergraduate students who completed a survey assessing health-related risk behaviors. Hierarchical multiple regression was used to examine relations among gender, contingent self-esteem, and body image. Females reported higher levels of contingent self-esteem and greater concerns about their weight, although males reported a greater drive for muscularity. The relationship between contingent self-esteem and weight concerns was stronger among females, and for males, greater contingent self-esteem was associated with a greater drive for muscularity.

When feeling attractive matters too much to women: A process underpinning the relation between psychological need satisfaction and unhealthy weight control behaviors

“…In turn, those who are highly dependent upon their appearance 17 to feel good about themselves are more likely to feel anxious with regard to weight-related 18 aspects of their appearance, supporting H2. This finding corroborates results of previous 19 studies illustrating that external contingencies, including those specifically related to 20 appearance, predict weight concerns (Crocker, Karpinski et al, 2003;Grossbard et al, 2009;21 Sanchez & Crocker, 2005). The link in our model between contingent self-worth and 22 appearance related anxiety was significant, after controlling for BMI.…”

“…Similarly, Grossbard, Lee, Neighbors and Larimer (2009) found that for 5 female college students external contingencies was a good predictor (β = .45) of weight 6 concerns, after controlling for Body Mass Index (BMI). 7…”

“…both Sanchez and Crocker (2005) and Grossbard et al (2009) examined general external 10 contingencies rather than those within specific domains. We take the position that the role of 11 contingencies that are specific to appearance should be more closely associated with body 12 appearance concerns and unhealthy weight control behaviors than general external 13 contingencies.…”

Prevalence of body image dissatisfaction and associated factors among physical education students

“…3 Both the Brazilian and the international literature have reported prevalence rates of body image dissatisfaction above 50% among university students. [4][5][6][7] In courses where physical appearance is important, e.g., physical education, high levels of dissatisfaction are even more common, reflecting the interest of these students in body-related issues. 8 This finding has provided grounds for concern, as high levels of body image dissatisfaction may lead to the development of eating disorders, low self-esteem, and excessive physical activity, especially among women striving to achieve the slim body ideal imposed by society.…”

Challenging Perceptions on Body Image Using a Bariatric Weighted Suit with Female University Dancers

“…Rumsey and Harcourt believe that female celebrity's and their body shape have an efect on females' attitudes towards their body image because they naturally compare themselves [7]. As such with the media having created a society that has strong views on a female's body image this has placed signiicant amount of pressure on female's [8].…”