Body Image Perception in Relation to BMI and Self-esteem in Adolescent Girls

Pages: 527-532
Sneha Mary Jayan1 and Malini R.2 (Department of Psychology, Sociology and Politics, Sheffield Hallam University, England, UK1 and Department of Psychology, Union Christian College, Aluva, Kerala2)

The concept of BMI and body image and the impact it has on adolescent perceptions and attitudes have been a serious matter of discussion among researchers world-wide. Numerous studies have identified its importance in determining physical as well as mental health especially in the case of adolescents. The present study was undertaken to identify the perceptual and attitudinal dimensions of body image and its relationship to BMI and self-esteem in adolescent girls. A cross-sectional descriptive research design was used and the participants were 165 adolescent girls in the age range of 16-22 years, selected from the different districts of Kerala using simple random sampling technique. Participants were administered a General Information Schedule, the Body Image Instrument (Pulvers et al., 2004) and the Self-Esteem Inventory (Thomas & Sanandaraj, 1981). Data analysis was done using Chi-square test, Student’s t test and One-way ANOVA. The results obtained indicated discrepancy in actual BMI and perceived body image of adolescent girls with lower self-esteem in the case of girls who perceived themselves as having thin and fat body image. Attitudinal dimensions of body image also indicated a greater preference for thinness and a strong desire to reduce body weight even in the case of girls possessing normal BMI. The findings call for greater attention to adolescent concerns, which may otherwise lead to health-compromising behaviours and poor mental health.