Assessment of Body Image and Self Esteem among Young Adolescents

Nikhil S. Gupta; Gayatri R. Bhatia; Jyoti V. Shetty; Nilesh M. Naphade; Manjiri C. Datar

Volume : V, Issue : VI, June - 2016

Assessment of Body Image and Self Esteem among Young Adolescents

Nikhil S. Gupta, Gayatri R. Bhatia, Jyoti V. Shetty, Nilesh M. Naphade, Manjiri C. Datar

Abstract :

 Introduction: Body image encompasses an individual’s body–related self–perceptions and self–attitudes, and is linked to self–esteem, interpersonal confidence, eating and exercise behaviours, sexual experiences and emotional stability. Because adolescents experience significant physical changes in their bodies during puberty, they are likely to experience highly dynamic perceptions of body image. Negative body image has been associated with a plethora of psychological ills from eating disorders to major depression. Present study aimed at evaluating body image among school–going adolescents and assessing the strength of relationship between body image, self–esteem and psychological distress among adolescent population. Materials & Methods: A cross sectional research study was carried out in students of IX and X Standard of a English Medium High School (CBSE). A total of 139 students were included and asked to fill out a set of questions comprising of: General Health Questionnaire– 28, Rosenberg’s Self Esteem Scale and; Body Image Questionnaire. Data was analyzed with appropriate statistical tests using SPSS software ver. 21 Results: Various factors associated with negative body image were female gender, listening to other’s opinion and dieting. Poor self–esteem as measured by Rosenberg scale and poor general health as measured by GHQ–28 questionnaire was significantly associated with negative body image. Conclusion: The study findings demonstrate that adolescent girls have more body image dissatisfaction as compared to boys and positive body image will lead to higher levels of self–esteem and self–worth. Plans have been made with school authorities regarding counselling sessions/ stress management workshops to help with the body image issues. We also recommend conducting regular programmes to address issues like academic counselling, sex education, health education, self–acceptance and developing peer relationships.