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PSI CHI: The International Honor Society in Psychology

The International Honor Society in Psychology

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The Relationship Between Gender, BMI, Self-Esteem, and Body Esteem in College Students

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by Adriana Pilafova, D.J. Angelone, and Katrina Bledsoe - George Mason University (Pilafova); Rowan University (Angelone); College of New Jersey (Bledsoe)

Categories: Gender | Personality


The purpose of this study was to examine the relationship between body esteem, self-esteem, and Body Mass Index (BMI) for college students. It was hypothesized that men would have higher self-esteem and body esteem than women. It also was hypothesized that lower BMI would be associated with greater self-esteem and body esteem. The sample consisted of 72 men and 81 women from a small northeastern college. In addition to several demographic questions, participants completed the Rosenberg Self-Esteem Scale and a Body-Esteem Scale for Adolescents and Adults. There were statistically significant relationships supporting both hypotheses. Compared to women, men had higher self-esteem and body esteem. For all participants, lower BMI scores were related to higher body esteem and higher self-esteem. Implications and limitations of this study are discussed.

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