Self-Esteem and Body Image Perception in a Sample of University Students

Abstract

Problem Statement: This cross-sectional study was conducted to determine the relationship established between self-esteem and body image dissatisfaction, as subjective variables among young, female Romanian university students. Purpose of Study:We hypothesize that young women's body dissatisfaction is related to their self-esteem level. The second purpose of this study is to verify whether self-esteem level and body size acceptance, which are subjective variables, are significantly correlated with BMI as an objective variable. Subsequently, we intend to estimate which range self-esteem in our research group is determined by self-perception of the body and what role BMI plays in this equation. Methods:The data were collected using measurements and questionnaires from a random sample of 160 female students (19-21 y.o.) assumed to be healthy and educated, with constant physical activity and having an urban lifestyle. Using descriptive statistics for each variable, we analyzed summaries of the sample and the collected data. For pares of variables we calculated the Pearson correlation coefficient (r), and we tested its statistical significance using the "t" test. Findings and Results:The BMI mean value -20.93 kg/cm2 (SD = 3.30) is equivalent to a slander figure, corresponding to an average height of 1.65 m (SD = 0.06) and an average weight of ~ 57 kg (56.99 kg; SD = 9.70). A prevalence of body dissatisfaction was reported, with 79% of girls reporting being unpleased with their physical appearance. Self-esteem and body dissatisfaction were in a significant negative correlation: r (158) = -0.36, p< .0005. We found a consistent, statistically significant correlation between BMI and body dissatisfaction (r (158) = 0.56, p< .0005). An important part (31%) of body dissatisfaction is determined by BMI and subsequently by weight and fat deposits. * Corresponding author: Prof. Dr., E-mail: crispotir@yahoo.com. 32 Cristiana PopConclusions and Recommendations: Due the statistical correlations calculated for self-esteem, body image dissatisfaction and BMI, we can conclude that selfesteem is better correlated with other subjective parameters (body image) than with objective and relatively stable measurements (BMI in our research). BMI values are useful predictors of body dissatisfaction risk among young females. Physical activity results in certain improvements in the physical and psychological parameters researched in the present paper. Therefore, we made some recommendations regarding motivation, exercise enjoyment and communication techniques aimed at promoting physical activities among young women.

Body Mass Index and Body Image Anxiety in a Sample of Undergraduate Students

“…The explanation could consist in body composition representing the body fat and muscle mass ration. Fat tissue contains no water and is bigger in volume comparative with muscle tissue which has higher density [13]. A higher percentage of body fat increase the Summarizing the obtained data is acceptable to consider that BMI values could be useful predictors of body dissatisfaction risk among young female.…”

“…There are scientific studies which are linking women's body dissatisfaction and low self-esteem for physical appearance [13,18]. This perception can have repercussions in lowering self-esteem for physical appearance especially around 20 years of age, when young women are still studying, but right before important life choices as a careear or a life partner.…”

Post Birth Challenges among Working Mothers in a Higher Educational Institute in Ghana: Implications for Occupational Competitiveness of Working Mothers

“…The findings, with regards to fashion choices are also indicative in specific ways. For instance social psychologists have established a relationship between fashion choices (including a person"s ability to feel good and be comfortable with their appearance) and self-esteem (Baron, Branscombe, & Byrne, 2009;Denissen et al, 2008;Pop, 2016). Our argument here is that the inability of working mothers to engage meaningfully in social events and to dress in ways that they want may also affect that their emotions and their sense of self negatively.…”

“…While some may argue that the responses above present information that is common for all mothers, what has not been emphasized much in the literature is the implication of these challenges for the emotional and psychological wellbeing of working mothers. For instance even though respondents did not explicitly indicate; there is ample literature (Denissen, Penke, Schmitt, & van Aken, 2008;Machin & Jeffries, 2017;Pop, 2016;Wesselmann, Wirth, & Bernstein, 2017) that suggests that a person"s ability to engage actively in social processes, including socialization, and the quality of interaction between them and their social network (friends and family) has implications for their psychological and emotional wellbeing. The findings, with regards to fashion choices are also indicative in specific ways.…”

Human, Technologies and Quality of Education, 2019

“…The problem of dissatisfaction with one's own image of the body is quite acute, especially in girls, from the perspective of solving the latter issues. Studies show that body image in case of college and university students is related to satisfaction with oneself (Blanco, Rivera, Gonzalez, Rodriguez-Villalobos, 2015;Wright, 2012); academic performance and self-efficacy (Newton, 2015); self-esteem (Daniali, Azadbakht, Mostafavi, 2013); the type of preferred physical activity, attitude of family and friends (Pop, 2016;Holmqvist Gattario, 2013); one's life habits (Lowery, 2005).…”