Relationships of Body Dissatisfaction and Self-Esteem with Social Physique Anxiety among University Students in Different Study Programs

Abstract

AbstractThe purpose of this study was to investigate the relationships of body dissatisfaction and self-esteem with social physique anxiety in students pursuing different subjects of study. A total of 219 students aged 22 ± 1.9 years of age participated; 78 were men and 141 women. The participants were divided into two groups according their subject of study. Group A consisted of 123 (56.2%) students in the Department of Physical Education & Sport Science, whose studies were directly associated with the body and physical appearance. Group B consisted of 96 (43.8%) students in other departments. All participants completed the scales: (a) Social Physique Anxiety, (b) Body Dissatisfaction and (c) Self-Esteem. Correlation analysis indicated positive significant values between social physique anxiety, body dissatisfaction and body mass index, and a negative significant correlation between social physique anxiety and self-esteem. Stepwise multiple linear regression analysis with social physique anxiety as a dependent variable across the sample and in group A revealed that social physique anxiety was significantly positively predicted by body dissatisfaction and significantly negatively predicted by self-esteem. For group B, social physique anxiety was significantly positively predicted by only body dissatisfaction. T test analysis indicated significant differences in body dissatisfaction, with group B scoring higher than group A. The results are discussed in the context of practical applications to address symptoms of social physique anxiety regarding body construction in young adults and to provide regular exercise support in study programs at universities.