Mediating Effects of Self-esteem in the Relationship between Body Image and Depression of Female University Students

Abstract

Purpose: The purpose of this study was to identify the mediation of self-esteem between body image and depression among female university students. Methods: This was a cross-sectional survey design. We collected 193 female university students. They was completed a self reported questionnaire including demographic characteristics, body image, self-esteem and depression. Data were collected using self-report questionnaires and analyzed with the SPSS 20.0 Program. Results: The mean age was 21.3 years old. Over 58% of subjects hoped for plastic surgery, and 78.8% had experienced weight loss control. There were a positive correlation between body image and self-esteem (r=.60, p<.001), and negative correlations between body image and depression (r=-.47, p<.001), self-esteem and depression (r=-.50, p<.001). Self-esteem had a partial mediating effect in the relationship between body image and depression of female university students. Conclusion: Based on the findings of this study, depression management program focusing on body image management and self-esteem improvement are recommended to control depression in female university students.

Understanding Body Image and Appearance Management Behaviors Among Adult Women in South Korea Within a Sociocultural Context: A Review

“…One Korean language study examined the relation between body image and depression. At the bivariate level, Nho et al (2014) found a negative correlation between body esteem and depression, r = −.47, p < .001. Correspondingly, the authors also found that body esteem negatively predicted depression, indicating that a more positive body image (i.e., greater esteem for one’s body) was associated with less depression.…”

“…Eight English and eight Korean language studies examined the association between body image-relevant variables (e.g., body dissatisfaction, body weight misperception) and psychosocial functioning (Choi et al, 2015; Hong, 2006b; Hwang, 2009; Jeong et al, 2013; Jung & Lee, 2006; Jung & Tae, 2004; Kim, 2014b; Kim & Aubrey, 2015; Kim & Lee, 2010; Lee et al, 2015; Lee & Lee, 2017; Lee & Yang, 2015; Lim & You, 2017; Nho et al, 2014; Oh, 2003; Sung, 2002).…”

“…Across studies, evidence supporting an association between variables suggestive of negative body image and maladaptive psychosocial functioning among South Korean women was found. At the bivariate level, a distorted body image, more body dissatisfaction, and more disordered eating behaviors were associated with more depression, lower self-esteem, and more stress (Hwang, 2009; Jeong et al, 2013; Jung & Lee, 2006; Kim, Kim, et al, 2008; Kim & Lee, 2010; Lee et al, 2015; Nho et al, 2014; Oh, 2003; Sung, 2002). Some studies also found positive relations between body dissatisfaction, body misperception, appearance management behaviors, and disordered eating behaviors (Byun et al, 2014; Jung & Lee, 2006; Kim, 2013; Lee et al, 2015; Lim & You, 2017; Seo, 2014; Woo, 2014).…”

The Impact of Appearance Satisfaction and Self-Esteem on Sexual Assertiveness among Female University Students

“…For many women, satisfaction with their appearance is related with satisfaction with themselves: when the appearance satisfaction is higher, they show more active attitude and higher self-esteem. When a woman has a sense of inferiority on her appearance, on the other hand, it can affect her self-concept negatively and thus cause low self-esteem (Nho JH et al, 2014).…”

“…That is, the level of self-esteem is considered as an index for an individual's socio-cultural adaptation and as a motivational factor that controls one's behavior, which makes self-esteem an important concept in terms of psychosocial health (Heo NR, 2018). Female university students' body image and self-esteem have a positive correlation (Nho JH et al, 2014), and stress from appearance does affect one's self-esteem (Heo NR, 2018).…”