How do I look?: The moderating role of self-esteem in the relationship between physical appearance comparison and body dissatisfaction

• Main Authors: Capistrano, Chrystele T., Lim, Stephanie Kristle O., Opina, Holly Neycole S., Sta. Ana, Kimberly Anne S.
• Format: text
• Language: English
• Published: Animo Repository 2018
• Subjects: Self-esteem; Mental health; Psychology
• Online Access: https://animorepository.dlsu.edu.ph/etd_bachelors/8777
• Institution: De La Salle University

This quantitative study determined if there is a direct relationship between the physical appearance comparison and body dissatisfaction with self-esteem as a moderating variable and if self-esteem is a significant moderator. It was hypothesized that the more a person compares themselves to other individuals, the higher their body dissatisfaction and self-esteem is a significant moderator. Female undergraduate students aged 18-25 were chosen participants mainly because several empirical studies state that they are more likely to compare themselves to others. There are three main vairables in the current study, namely: self-esteem, physical appearance comparison and body dissatisfaction. However, the present study added self esteem as a moderating variable. In obtaining quantitative data, the researchers utilized three different self-rating scales. Results substantiate the previous physical appearance comparison and body dissatisfaction. However, the second hypothesis was not supported since it was found out that self-esteem is not a significant moderator of the relationship of those two variables. Major implication of this study includes giving awareness on how to deal with other people especially those who are experiencing body dissatisfaction. It is important to take note that people who suffer from body dissatisfaction could also be experiencing other issues like low self-esteem, excessive comparison, low self-enhancement, and a lot more. Furthermore, mental health professionals may use this research in order to deepen their understanding on the said psychological constructs.