Exploring Body Image, Self-Objectification, Self-Esteem, and Psychological Problems in University Students

https://doi.org/10.5281/zenodo.16903553

Authors

  • Janita Narmeen MS scholar, Department of Applied Psychology, GC University, Faisalabad, Pakistan
  • Dr. Abida Kareem* Assistant Professor, Department of Applied Psychology, GC University, Faisalabad, Pakistan
  • Dr. Rabia Maryam Assistant Professor, Department of Applied Psychology, GC University, Faisalabad, Pakistan
  • Ms. Abida Ajid Ali PhD scholar, Department of Applied Psychology, GC University, Faisalabad, Pakistan
  • Dr. Abid Ali Assistant Professor, Department of Applied Psychology, GC University, Faisalabad, Pakistan

Abstract

The present study investigates the interrelationships among body image dissatisfaction, self-objectification, self-esteem, and psychological problems, specifically symptoms of depression, anxiety, and stress, among university students. Grounded in objectification theory and self-esteem frameworks, this study investigates how self-objectification and self-esteem mediate the relationship between body dissatisfaction and psychological outcomes. A sample of 300 university students participated by completing standardized self-report questionnaires measuring body image perception, self-objectification, global self-esteem, and psychological problems. The results revealed significant positive correlations between body image dissatisfaction, self-objectification, and psychological problems, and a negative correlation with self-esteem. Mediation analyses demonstrated that the relationship between body image dissatisfaction and psychological problems was significantly explained by self-objectification and self-esteem. These findings highlight the psychological vulnerability of university students facing appearance-related pressures and underscore the need for mental health interventions that target body image, promote self-worth, and reduce self-objectifying tendencies.

Keywords: Body image, self-objectification, self-esteem, psychological problems

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Published

2025-08-17

How to Cite

Janita Narmeen, Dr. Abida Kareem*, Dr. Rabia Maryam, Ms. Abida Ajid Ali, & Dr. Abid Ali. (2025). Exploring Body Image, Self-Objectification, Self-Esteem, and Psychological Problems in University Students: https://doi.org/10.5281/zenodo.16903553. `, 4(01), 2612–2622. Retrieved from https://www.assajournal.com/index.php/36/article/view/742

Issue

Vol. 4 No. 01 (2025): Advance Social Science Archive Journal

Section

Articles