Perception of body image and self esteem among female college students in an urban area - a cross sectional study

Abstract

Introduction: Body image is the way one thinks and feels about his/her physical appearance. Body image concern, which was considered to be a problem of the developed and western countries is also noted in developing countries due to westernization, media influences and many other factors. Young women due to the hormonal changes associated with puberty, also experience changes in the body shape and are likely to face peer, family or media pressure which may lead to a negative perception of their own body. Such dissatisfaction with one’s own body may affect their self esteem. It is vital that one has to feel happy about oneself in order to give the best academic and overall performance in any front. There is a limited literature in India regarding body image problems prevalent among the young women and this study aims to fill the gaps related to the understanding of body image perception and its association with low self esteem, by using standardized tools and also looks into the Body Mass Index and the other factors associated with body image. Objectives: 1.To study the association between Perception of Body image and self esteem among female college students in an urban area. 2.To assess the body image and its association with Body Mass Index among them