Relationship between internalization of appearance ideals, self-esteem, parents, peers, and media influence with body image dissatisfaction amongst adolescents in Tehran, Iran

Adolescent body image is a significant aspect of developmental psychology that involves ongoing worries about physical appearance and self-perception. It is closely linked to the physical and emotional changes that take place during puberty. This study examines the predictive effects of parents, peers, mass media influence, self-esteem, and body image dissatisfaction. Furthermore, the study aims to investigate the mediating role of internalizing appearance ideals in the relationship between parents, peers, mass media influence, self-esteem, and body image dissatisfaction among adolescents in Tehran, Iran. A quantitative study was conducted on 405 students from 12 public high schools to achieve the study's objectives. The study used a correlational research design, and the data analysis was performed using SPSS Version 26 and Smart-PLS 3.0. Selfadministered questionnaires were completed with four standardized measures: items from the Body Image scale by Ricciardelli and McCabe (2002); the Sociocultural Scale by McCabe and Ricciardelli (2001); the Internalization-General scale of the Sociocultural Attitudes Towards Appearance Questionnaire-4 (SATAQ-4) by Thompson et al. (2004); and the Rosenberg Self-esteem Scale (RSES) by Rosenberg (1965). The findings indicate that 55.6% (225) of the respondents experienced dissatisfaction with their body image. In addition, there were no notable disparities between males and females in terms of adolescents' dissatisfaction with their body image. Also, the findings indicated that there was a positive correlation between all independent variables and body image dissatisfaction. Moreover, the research demonstrates a clear and immediate impact of parent influence, media influence, and self-esteem on the dissatisfaction individuals feel toward their body image. Furthermore, the study discovered that the process of internalizing appearance ideals played a role in connecting peer influences, mass media influence, self-esteem, and dissatisfaction with body image. By integrating insights from social comparison theory and Thompson's Tripartite Influence Model, this study contributes empirically to the understanding of adolescent body image dynamics, offering valuable insights for psychological interventions and support programs aimed at promoting positive body image development among Iranian adolescents. This study underscores the importance of recognizing the nuanced interactions between body image dissatisfaction and the internalization of appearance ideals across Iran as a diverse population and context. By acknowledging these complexities, educators, career counsellors, and researchers can tailor their interventions, guidance, and investigations to better address the unique needs and challenges faced by individuals in relation to their body image perceptions and societal pressures. Furthermore, the Iran Ministry of Education could implement comprehensive education programs promoting body positivity and self-acceptance among adolescents, while also integrating mental health support services within schools to address underlying issues contributing to body dissatisfaction.

Text 122734.pdf Download (1MB) Official URL or Download Paper: https://ethesis.upm.edu.my/id/eprint/18643

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