Abstract
This project aimed to assess the relationship and differences between social anxiety, selfesteem,
BMI and body shape concern; and to examine gender differences in order to fill a gap
in the literature and gain more knowledge of eating disorders. The research was quantitative
in design and used three self-reported questionnaires that examined each variable and
demographics. Results showed that a relationship existed between the main variables but
there was no difference found between the variables in terms of BMI. Also, a gender
difference in body shape concern was revealed and finally, self-esteem is a predictor of body
shape concern. In conclusion, three hypotheses out of four were either accepted or the null
was partially rejected, which builds upon previous research within the area of eating
disorders. Author keywords: Body shape concern, social anxiety, self-esteem, eating disorders, body mass index
