Body-Image and Self-Esteem Among Adolescents: A Correlational Study

Abstract

The present study was conducted to examine the relationship between body-image and self-esteem among adolescents and to understand whether gender differences exist in both the variables. The sample consisted of 100 participants, studying in grade IX, studying in private schools under Board of Secondary Education of Assam (SEBA) of Guwahati City, including 50 females and 50 males. Data were randomly collected from four schools using Body Shape Questionnaire (BSQ-34) and Rosenberg Self-Esteem Scale (RSES). The findings showed that female participants had slightly higher level in both body-image and self-esteem compared to males, however the differences were not statistically significant (t = 0.54, p>0.05). Pearson Correlation revealed a significant positive relationship between body-image and self-esteem (r= 0.288, p<0.01). The result indicates that individuals with higher body dissatisfaction reported in higher self-esteem. Overall, the study suggests that while gender may not play a major role, body-image and self-esteem is an important factor influencing body-image among adolescents. This finding will contribute to psychological support to the adolescents and can be address during adolescent’s counselling.