Relationship Between Body Image Satisfaction and Psychological Well-Being: The Impact of Africentric Values

Abstract

Empirical studies established a link between body image measured as body mass index and psychological variables in western cultures with less inclusion of indigenous Africans. The present study investigated the influence of body image satisfaction on the psychological well-being of individuals within the African cultural context. Body image dimension was redefined and expanded to include four other components: facial appearance, appendage appearance, physical appearance, and complexion and body mass index. The sample was drawn from Ghana but covered nationals of 9 African countries. Data were analyzed using the Pearson product moment correlation, analysis of variance and hierarchical multiple regression. Findings revealed significant positive relationship between body image satisfaction and psychological well-being with Africentric values moderating the relationship as hypothesized. Also males were more satisfied with their body image than females. However, contrary to expectation level of education had no significant effect on a person's body image satisfaction.

The relationship between psychological wellbeing and body image in pregnant women

“…The results of the Pearson correlation coefficient showed a significant positive relationship between psychological wellbeing and body image. The results of this study regarding the relationship between psychological wellbeing and body image is in agreement with that of the studies by Dotse,[ 14 ] Jane Sabik,[ 18 ] and Winefiel et al . [ 19 ]…”

“…Self-acceptance is a perception that provides individuals with awareness of their strengths and weaknesses and a realistic view of their abilities, through which and by the development and improvement of their activities, they can achieve a positive view of themselves. [ 14 ] Pregnancy is most often considered as a strength which will result in the reinforcement of the sense of femininity and self-acceptance [ 24 ] that can result in body image satisfaction.…”

“…Personal growth represents the individual's constant participation in activities and resolution of issues in order to expand his/her abilities. [ 14 ] It seems that individuals, who have achieved personal growth and a clear view of themselves, have a high mental performance and have achieved growth in different aspects of life such as pregnancy. [ 25 ] These individuals have a better view of themselves, are less concerned with changes in their appearance, and are satisfied with their body image.…”

“…[ 13 ] stated that body image dissatisfaction can have consequences such as anxiety, depression, social isolation, and weakened self-concept and self-esteem. On the contrary, Dotse [ 14 ] in a study on 100 individuals (56 women and 44 men), with an age range of 12–50 years, found a positive and significant correlation between body image satisfaction and psychological wellbeing.…”

Associations between Self-Esteem, Psychological Stress, and the Risk of Exercise Dependence

“…The present study found a prevalence of individuals at risk for exercise dependence (9.9%) which is comparable to previous research conducted in sports and exercise settings [ 32 , 70 , 85 , 86 ], while being higher than in studies conducted on larger “normal” populations, for example, representative populations for one country [ 44 , 87 ]. Furthermore, cultural and national differences have also been reported to play a role in terms of prevalence of exercise dependence [ 85 ] as well as self-esteem and the cultural emphasis on appearance and body shape [ 88 , 89 ], which must be taken into consideration when comparing our study to others.…”