Impact of Positive Body Image on Eating Attitude and Social Anxiety of Young Adults, Post Pandemic

Abstract

The COVID-19 pandemic has impacted the mental health as well as the well-being of individuals worldwide. It caused major lifestyle changes in many individuals. The emphasis on size-zero figures by the Western culture has influenced people across the globe, although now there are emerging movements focusing on appreciating and accepting one’s body for the way it is. This study aims to understand the impact of positive body image on the eating attitude and social anxiety of young adults, post-pandemic. This quantitative method of study consisted of 151 participants, who were aged between 18-26 years. The tools administered were the Body Appreciation Scale-2 (BAS), Three-Factor Eating Questionnaire-18 (TFEQ), Social Avoidance and Distress Scale (SADS), and a self-constructed scale to identify any major lifestyle changes post-pandemic. The results showed a significant negative correlation between positive body image and eating attitude, as well as a significant negative correlation between positive body image and social anxiety. This study showed higher body positivity among the young adult participants, which could indicate a possible change in the way the young adults perceive their bodies has differed with time.