The Influence of Self-Efficacy and Locus of Control on Body Image: A Path-Analysis in Aspiring Fashion Models, Athletes and Students

Abstract

It is widely documented that negative body image is a significant public health concern due to its association with symptoms of disordered eating and worse psychological well-being. The purpose of the study was to develop a path model of intrapersonal dimensions (self-efficacy and internal locus of control) as antecedents of perceived stress toward females’ body dissatisfaction and eating attitude disorders. A total of 300 females, including 100 aspiring fashion models, 100 athletes and 100 students (controls), between 15 and 24 years of age (M = 19.6, SD = 1.85) participated in the study. Measures included level of psychological stress, self-efficacy and locus of control dimensions, body dissatisfaction and eating attitude disorder indices. A path analysis confirmed our research hypothesis. Comparing the three subsamples, we found better fit indexes in the two subgroups with elevated investment on their body image with respect the control group. More specifically, the model in the group of aspiring fashion models showed the best fit index. These results indicated that aspiring fashion models have a strong desire to maintain their low body mass or to become thinner. For this reason, a suitable involvement of expert health workers in the nutritional and psychological field could be extremely essential in the fashion world to maintain a healthier well-being.

Redefining resilience: The case of small entrepreneurs in Saudi Arabia

“…Those who have high internal locuses of control can develop more strength, skills, competency, and confidence, and they put in more effort to meet their goals even in challenging times (Kalantarkousheh et al, 2013;Gupta et al, 2018;Arkorful and Hilton, 2021). The finding of H2 is in line with the previous studies of (Saadat et al, 2012;Kalantarkousheh et al, 2013;Cazan and Dumitrescu, 2015;Georgescu et al, 2019;Corrado et al, 2021;Zhao and Wibowo, 2021).…”

“…They also feel more pleased in addition to developing skills and abilities (Lefcourt, 1996). In short, the internal locus of control influences the self-efficacy of people by showing how the expectations of people shape their objectives (Corrado et al, 2021). There exists a reported association between internal locus of control on one side and self-efficacy on the other side (Georgescu et al, 2019).…”

“…Individuals who perceive themselves to have low self-efficacy and internal locus of control tend to act poorly and lose control over events and their actions. They further blame their surroundings for their failures and always focus on the challenges rather than opportunities in the external world (Corrado et al, 2021). Self-efficacy, once it is developed, can act as a roadmap toward the encouragement of resilience behaviour (Prilleltensky et al, 2001;Djourova et al, 2020).…”

“…The study emphasizes that the Saudi government must prioritize providing necessary training and support, whether financial, technical, or psychological, to Saudi small-business owners in order for them to manage their daily activities with greater confidence and strength and to remain stable during crisis events. The emphasis should be on developing entrepreneurial self-efficacy and internal locus of control because they play a significant role in increasing entrepreneurs' control ability, reducing blame on external environments, and allowing them to focus on opportunities rather than obstacles (Djourova et al, 2020;Corrado et al, 2021).…”

The Relationship Between Self-Care Behavior and Concerns About Body Image in Patients Undergoing Hemodialysis in Iran

“…Patients with ESRD often have impaired body image and have difficulty accepting it due to changes in their physical appearance (11). Dissatisfaction with the body is accompanied by social anxiety, shame, depression, decreased self-efficacy, and reduced quality of life (12). Selfefficacy plays an important role in influencing individual behavior.…”