The relationship between self-esteem, social anxiety, body shape concern and BMI among college students

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