Perceived body image : selected lifestyle practices and their relationship to physical self-esteem
Abstract
This study examined physical self-esteem in 302 college age
females with special attention to the perceived physical
appearance subdomain. Further investigation addressed body
image and nutritional and exercise practices which
contribute to perceived physical appearance and consequently
physical self-esteem. Instruments used for data collection
included the Physical Self-Perception Profile (PSPP), the
Perceived Importance Profile (PIP), modified Body Silhouette
Drawings (BSD), a Physical Activity Inventory (PAI), and a
Exercise/Nutrition Trend Questionnaire. The results
supported previous findings that women perceive physical
appearance as the most important subdomain affecting
physical self-esteem. Health and fitness related education
positively affected perceived physical self-esteem and
perceived importance as shown by the changes in the subscale
weightings on the PSPP and PIP. Women ages 18 to 25 years
viewed their current body image as being greater in size
then their perceived ideal body image. Appropriate
activities were chosen that would positively affect physical
appearance, but a significant decrease in activity levels
was confirmed for women as they age fG2 and G3, increase,
t = .90, p < .05; G3 and G4, decrease, t = .70, p 5 - 0 5 ) .
Woomen in this study engaged in unhealthy lifestyle practices
that could have a negative effect on physical appearance and
be detrimental to their health, consequently decreasing
their physical self-esteem.
Subject
Women college students - Health and hygiene - Psychological aspects
Women college students - Psychology
Self-esteem in women
Body image