Body image attitudes and perception among college students

Pages: 1263-1267
Vivek Kumar Shahi (Department of Psychology, Digvijai Nath P. G. College, Gorakhapur, Uttar Pradesh)
Neena Kohli (Department of Psychology, University of Allahabad, Prayagraj, Uttar Pradesh)

Present study is aimed to compare body image attitudes and perception for gender and Body Mass Index (BMI) categories among university/college students. Sample consists of 327 college students from different departments and colleges of the University of Allahabad (Uttar Pradesh, India). Body image attitudes were measured by using the Multidimensional Body-Self Relations Questionnaire- Appearance Scale [(MBSRQ-AS) Cash, T. F.,2018]. Perceptual body Image was measured by Stunkard Figural Scale. Results showed body image issues among Indian college students regarding weight, size, and shape. Male students were more satisfied with their body areas than female students (p<.001), but in evaluations of their looks, females evaluated more positively than male students (p<.001). Male students have strived towards muscularity however females have strived for thin ideal (p<.001). Normal BMI group showed more positive body image for both the genders in comparison of underweight and overweight categories. Body image attitudes and perception differ in terms of Body Mass Index and Gender. There are body image issues in male and female college students, which must be addressed.