Prediction of Body Image Dissatisfaction from Self-esteem, Thin-ideal Internalization and Appearance-related Social Comparison

Introduction: The present study has aimed to demonstrate the relationship between body image dissatisfaction and three variables of self-esteem as a psychological factor along with thin-ideal internalization and appearance-related social comparison as psychosocial factors. Methods: To conduct this study, 477 Tehran high-school students were recruited by a cluster sampling method. Afterwards, they filled out the Rosenberg Self-esteem Scale, Appearance Evaluation Subscale, Physical Appearance Comparison Scale as well as Sociocultural Attitudes towards Appearance Questionnaire-4. Finally, the collected data were analyzed using the Pearson’ correlation coefficient together with the stepwise regression. Results: Findings were indicative of a direct correlation between body image dissatisfaction and variables of thin-ideal internalization as well as appearance-related social comparisons. Meanwhile, there was a negative correlation between self-esteem and body image dissatisfaction. In addition, self-esteem could better work in assessing body image dissatisfaction. Because, it explains 19% of the variance thereof. Conclusion: According to the results, it can be concluded that self-esteem plays a central role in predicting body image dissatisfaction. Therefore, health professionals should place a value on such a role while using preventive measures or interventions.