Body Image Dissatisfaction and Self-Esteem among Adolescents: A Gender-Based Comparative and Correlational Study

Abstract

The psychological well-being of adolescents is largely dependent on their body image and self-esteem, which are often affected by social, cultural, and developmental factor. The present study aimed to assess and compare the levels of body image dissatisfaction and self-esteem among adolescent boys and girls, and to examine the relationship between body image dissatisfaction and self-esteem. A sample of 125 adolescents was selected using convenience sampling techniques. Socio-demographic data sheet, Body shape questionnaire (BSQ-34) and State self-esteem scale was used to assess body image dissatisfaction and self-esteem of the adolescents. Descriptive statistics, including mean and standard deviation, were used to analyse the levels of body image satisfaction and self-esteem, while inferential statistics such as independent samples t-test and Pearson’s correlation were employed to examine gender differences and relationships between variables. The findings indicate a statistically significant difference between boys and girls in terms of body image dissatisfaction and self-esteem. Girls exhibited significantly higher body image dissatisfaction than boys. Conversely, boys reported significantly higher self-esteem compared to girls. Furthermore, a significant negative correlation was found, indicating that higher body dissatisfaction is associated with lower self-esteem. The study highlights the importance of promoting positive body image and healthy self-esteem during adolescence.