Relationship between Body Image and Self Esteem: A Study on the Male Undergraduate Students of Delhi University

Abstract

The purpose of this study was to examine how body image and self-esteem are related in a sample of Indian male students. The sample consisted of 132 males ranging from 18 to 21 years of age. Body image was assessed using the Appearance Evaluation subscale of the Multidimensional Body-Self Relations Questionnaire-Appearance Scales (MBSRQ-AS), while self-esteem was assessed using the Rosenberg Self-Esteem Scale. Using the scores on these scales, correlation values were computed. The results of the study concluded that higher self esteem is associated with a higher satisfaction with body image, as there was a significant positive correlation between the two (+0.45).  However, it was a moderate correlation. Thus, even though body image is not strongly tied to self esteem for all the participants, it is an important aspect of self esteem. The findings make a case for further research on the male population in the Indian context.