Journal of Behavioral Health and Psychology. 2012; 1(3):(33-345)


Does perceived social support play a role in body image satisfaction among college students?

Ashley Merianos, Keith King, Rebecca Vidourek

Abstract

Background: Low body image satisfaction poses serious health issues to university students. The primary purpose of this study was to examine whether body image satisfaction differed significantly among university students based social support. Analyses were also conducted to determine if body image satisfaction differed significantly based on sex, grade and relationship status. Methods: In 2011, a sample of 465 students (93% response rate) from randomly selected general education courses at a Midwestern University completed a valid and reliable survey regarding body image satisfaction and social support. Results: More than half (53.8%) of university students reported having a low level of body image satisfaction. Results indicated that body image satisfaction significantly differed based on level of social support. Students who reported high levels of social support had significantly higher levels of body image satisfaction then did their counterparts. More specifically, students who felt they could talk to a family member about things that are important to them had significantly higher levels of body image satisfaction. In addition, students who felt loved by a family member, at least one friend, or by their mother had significantly higher levels of body image satisfaction. Body image satisfaction did not differ based on sex, grade or relationship status. Conclusions: Body image satisfaction is significantly associated with social support from family members and friends. These results should be considered when developing and implementing body image promotion efforts for university students. Findings can assist campus health educators and prevention specialists to more thoroughly understand the importance of including family and peer support in prevention programs

Most Viewed Article
  • Marital Status, Ethnicity, and Cardiovascular Health: A Systematic Literature Review
    Eric Houston, Omar Gonzalez-Valentino, Gaole Song, Justine LaRue Evans.
    » Abstract » doi: 10.33425/2832-4579/24069

  • Cognition in MS as a Marker of Disability Progression: Observations from Real Life
    Flavia Mattioli, Chiara Stampatori, Francesca Righetti, Nicola De Rossi, Luca Beretta, Elisabetta Perego, Tiziana Carandini, Teresa Di Fonzo, Laura Ferrè, Claudia Celico, Valentina Miramonti, Elena Verrengia.
    » Abstract » doi: 10.33425/2832-4579/24068

  • Unhappiness Is Not a Disease
    Loretta Graziano Breuning
    » Abstract » doi: 10.33425/2832-4579/24067

  • Help Seeking Among Male Farmers and their Female Partners: A Qualitative Exploration
    Emma Carswell, Marian McLaughlin, Tony Cassidy.
    » Abstract » doi: 10.33425/2832-4579/24066

  • Together We Thrive: Strengthen the Capability of AAPIs in Pima County in Dealing with COVID-19
    Howard J. Eng
    » Abstract » doi: 10.33425/2832-4579/24065

Most Downloaded
  • Marital Status, Ethnicity, and Cardiovascular Health: A Systematic Literature Review
    Eric Houston, Omar Gonzalez-Valentino, Gaole Song, Justine LaRue Evans.
    » Abstract » doi: 10.33425/2832-4579/24069

  • Cognition in MS as a Marker of Disability Progression: Observations from Real Life
    Flavia Mattioli, Chiara Stampatori, Francesca Righetti, Nicola De Rossi, Luca Beretta, Elisabetta Perego, Tiziana Carandini, Teresa Di Fonzo, Laura Ferrè, Claudia Celico, Valentina Miramonti, Elena Verrengia.
    » Abstract » doi: 10.33425/2832-4579/24068

  • Unhappiness Is Not a Disease
    Loretta Graziano Breuning
    » Abstract » doi: 10.33425/2832-4579/24067

  • Help Seeking Among Male Farmers and their Female Partners: A Qualitative Exploration
    Emma Carswell, Marian McLaughlin, Tony Cassidy.
    » Abstract » doi: 10.33425/2832-4579/24066

  • Together We Thrive: Strengthen the Capability of AAPIs in Pima County in Dealing with COVID-19
    Howard J. Eng
    » Abstract » doi: 10.33425/2832-4579/24065