The Effect of Perceived Optimism on Body Image of Indian Young Adults

Abstract

Optimism is associated with positive body image as it exerts it’s influence on positive body image through an expectancy judgment about the likelihood of acquiring a feared fat self. The study aims to understand and determine how individuals’ perceived optimism affects body image among young adults. The quantitative study uses an Ex Post Facto Correlational Design conducted on Indian young adults between 18-40 years old. The Body Image Avoidance Questionnaire (BIAQ) and the Positivity Scale were administered to the 508 participants through an online survey format. The quantitative analysis involved descriptive statistics and Pearson’s Correlation Coefficient in measuring the association between perceived optimism and body image. The study findings imply sufficient evidence to conclude a linear relationship between perceived optimism and body image because the correlation coefficient is significantly different from 0. The body image avoidance is weakly but negatively correlated with perceived optimism amongst the participants. This study aids and contributes to the repertoire of body image and positive psychology research. It also helps explore individual differences in the orbits of perceived optimism and body image as lockdown procedures helped alleviate the understanding of the complete psychological impact of the COVID-19 pandemic.