Body Image as a Predictor of Mental Health Problems in Married Adults

Abstract

The present study aimed at examining the predictive association between dimensions of body-image (i.e. appearance evaluation, appearance orientation, fitness evaluation, fitness orientation, subjective weight and body areas satisfaction) with mental health problems (i.e. depression, anxiety and stress) in married adults. The sample comprised of 200 adults (100 males & 100 females) with an age range of 22 to 40 years (M=34.27, SD= 5.13) and wedlock limit of minimum 2 years and maximum 20 years. The Multidimensional Body Self-Relations Questionnaire (MBSRQ) (Cash, 2000) and the Depression Anxiety Stress Scale (DASS) (Lovibond & Lovibond, 1995) were employed to assess the variable of interest. The results of Multiple regression analysis demonstrated that of six body image dimensions, only Appearance Evaluation and Body Areas Satisfaction predicted Mental Health Problems of Depression, Anxiety and Stress. The other four dimensions didn’t predict mental health in married adults. The implications of the findings and future avenues are suggested